The Lower and Middle Palaeolithic settlements in the Baldo-Lessini mountains. Results from a GIS investigation

On the Monti Lessini and the Monte Baldo, two mountain areas of the Veneto Pre-Alps, studies grounded on human ecology, landscape use and site catchment analysis are still sparse or standing at a preliminary state. A factor of bias is the limitation of the archaeological record that was subject to many paleoenvironment processes, compromising its conservation, with substantial loss of information in the open-air sites. In order to shed light on the Lower and Middle Palaeolithic settlements in these sectors we apply GIS analysis of location features, as a support provided by the methodological innovation in archaeological research. The analysis is significant for the comprehension of territoriality and also provides tools available for the protection of archaeological and cultural heritage in these areas. Site location preferences are the result of a complex decision-making process. Using a methodology based on territorial and employment parameters, already successfully applied in other contributions, the results obtained are key issues in the understanding of subsistence strategies, territorial occupation and settlement patterns during the Lower and Middle Palaeolithic.