Bovines, food resource and prey during middle and upper Palaeolithic in north-east Italy. !e case studies of Fumane cave and San Bernardino cave.

Abstract: In northern Italy, Grotta di Fumane (VR) Grotta di San Bernardino Cave (VI) give us important data for the interpretation of exploitation dynamics Pleistocene’s large bovines, Bos primigenius and Bison priscus in a chronological period between 50-25 Ky BP. +e archaeozoological study was carried out on the bovines remains found in the archaeological units: A8, A9, A5, A5+A6, A6 (Musterian Levallois); A3 e A4 (Uluzzian); A2, A2R, A1, D6, D3+D6 e D3 (Aurignazian); D1c, D1d, D1e e D1f (Gravettian and Hyenas den) of Fumane Cave and IV and II (Musterian) of San Bernardino Cave. +rough the study of bone surfaces we have attempted to reconstruct strategies, methods and practices of butchery adopted by the different groups of Palaeolithic hunters. The taphonomic analysis indicates human being as the main responsible for the accumulation of remains of the large bovines, and put it in comparison with the carnivorous that have attended the two cavities, alternated with man.