An atypical early Mesolithic occupation in the Southern Po Plain: evidence from the site of Collecchio (Parma, Italy)

Dating back to the ancient phase of the Sauveterrian the site of Collecchio represents the oldest known evidence of human occupation in the southern Po plain area after the LGM as confirmed by a radiocarbon date. Techno- economical analysis carried out on the lithic assemblage has focused on the reconstruction of raw materials provi- sioning systems and reduction sequences. Results highlight that the site was characterised by a complex and intense occupation mostly addressed to domestic activities. One of the most peculiar aspects of the lithic assemblage is represented by the high number of burins, which could imply a certain degree of economical specialisation of the site as it will be further investigated by ongoing analyses.