Italy

This project focuses on the submerged Neolithic site of “La Marmotta” in the Lake Bracciano, located ~30 km Northwest from Rome, Italy. This site was occupied by humans for at least 450 years, between 5690 BC and 5260 BC.

Through this research we aim to reconstruct the ecological changes that occurred at the lake from Neolithic times to the present, getting an insight on the ancient terrestrial and aquatic fauna and flora. And how this was affected by the arrival and occupation of humans, domesticated animals and plants, with extension of the different ecological changes that occurred in the lake until present times. To this end, we aim to successfully extract and analyze DNA from ancient sediment cores using appropriate laboratory and bioinformatic techniques designed for the study of ancient DNA (sedaDNA).

This project will add a new dimension to our understanding of the way of life of humans in ancient times, and their capacity to shape and affect their ecosystem. Parallelly, it will provide insights on the ecological changes that have been occurring in the area over the last 7500 years. Consequently, new information about changes in the lake biodiversity and water quality throughout history will be useful in order to develop new protocols for the management of the lake, which is still nowadays an important water resource for nearby populations, most importantly the city of Rome.

Parallelly, it is intended to contribute to the growing field of sedaDNA, adding more information about how DNA is deposited and conserved in lake sediments under the particular water and climatic conditions of Lake Bracciano.

Since the submerged site is unique in its preservation of archaeological material, we are also collaborating with our partners to analyze ancient DNA from ancient artifacts.

LINK: Official website of the Frenzen-Stiftung