Human Occupation of Apennine Grazing Landscapes: Archaeological and Environmental Indicators, and the Excavation at Monte Morra (Latium)

A key aspect of protohistoric strategies concerning the management of cattle and sheep/goat flocks relates to mobility practices connected to the exploitation of vast yet seasonally available grazing resources. Among the principal resources of this type are mountain pastures suitable for summer use. The first part of this paper briefly summarizes the main theories and available evidence for the Apennine region, drawing on palynological data (Di Lorenzo, Russo Ermolli), faunal analyses (Minniti, Cianfoni) and evidence from Bronze Age and Early Iron Age settlements (Cardarelli, Filippi, Pacciarelli). The second part presents the main results of the archaeological excavation carried out in 2023 as part of the PRIN HERDS project, which investigated the Final Bronze Age and Early Iron Age settlement located on the summit of Monte Morra (1,036 m a.s.l.) (Fiorillo, Miranda). Monte Morra, a relief in the Lucretili Mountains (Latium), occupies a strategically significant position for territorial control, particularly over the nearby mountain pastures, including the Pratone di Monte Gennaro.