First recognition of predetermined core reduction sequences in the Southern Po Plain area before isotopic stage 8 at the site of Cave Dall’Olio (Bologna).

The definition of late Middle Pleistocene industries in Italy is still based on the twofold distinction between Acheulean and non-Acheulean cultural traditions, the first one being essentially recognised on the base of the presence of a variable rate of bifacial tools. By contrast either the absence or the low presence of hand-axes along with dominating débitage over façonnage sequences and the identification within the assemblages of two different categories of blanks respectively described as “large dimension flakes with marked butts” and “as flakes yielding complex negatives on the dorsal face” have represented the basic criteria for the definition of one of the non-Acheulean facies as “Clactonian and Protolevalloisian”. Although recently some Authors have expressed their perplexity to believe that the above-mentioned features can represent a reflection of the existence of separated traditions taking place contemporaneously over the same territory no key was identified that could help to get to a better understanding of the cultural processes taking place during this span of time. In order to get some insights into these questions a new programme of studies has been established aimed at a re-analysis of the assemblage from Cave dall’Olio, located in the Bologna province, Southern Po area, which had already been the object of a previous study that had allowed it to be included in the Clactonian and Protolevallois facies recognised in the Italian peninsula. According to the reconstruction of the lithostratigraphic sequence of the north-eastern Apennines this assemblage, which was the object of surface collection in the ’70s, has been referred to an earlier period than isotopic stage 8. It is composed of 494 lithic artefacts, among which 71 cores, 403 retouched and unretouched blanks, 5 choppers/chopping tools and 15 bifaces. Re-analysis of the débitage assemblage has allowed the identification of different reduction sequences, some of which are characterised by a considerable control of the flaking convexities and a hierarchical subordination between the flaking surface and the percussion platform. All of them perfectly fit the variability of Levallois reduction sequences but one which is characterised by a more volumetric semi-tournant exploitation of the core. Particularly the latter results in the production of quite highly standardised thick elongated blanks. The technological analysis carried out has also helped elements which were previously described as “typical clactonian and protolevallois products” to be replaced within the different phases of the reduction sequences identified. The results obtained enable us to conclude that the appearance of predetermined reduction sequences, especially of the Levallois concept in Italy takes place before isotopic stage 8, within the latest Acheulean complexes that belong to a middle-advanced phase of the Middle Pleistocene, in a perfect coherence with other European regions.