Grotta della Ghiacciaia (Fumane in Valpolicella, VR)

Grotta della Ghiacciaia, at 250 m asl, is located nearby the Fumane Valley. This cave is situated in an area particularly rich in lithic resources, which is considered one of the probable reasons for its occupation. Preliminary investigations conducted between 1979-1980 uncovered a deposit consisting of 3 pedo-stratigraphic macro-units. Macro-unit 1 was sterile, whereas human occupations in macro-units 2 and 3 are generally related to the Middle Paleolithic, with a typical Mousterian lithic industry. As a result of the 2021 excavations, it was possible to investigate macro-unit 3: six stratigraphic units were identified, three of which brought to light numerous artefacts. Layer 36 is characterized by a dark soil, compact structure, and an abundance of archaeological materials, especially flint stone tools. These latter were found in heaps mostly on top of the unit. Due to recent excavations, it has also been possible to examine the superficial cemented breaches, which have been preserved within an extremely restricted area. Given the laminar nature of the lithic findings, it has been suggested a sporadic human occupation of the site during the Upper Paleolithic.