The Origins and Evolution of Pig Domestication in Italy: A regional and diachronic study of husbandry practices

Abstract

The emergence of the Neolithic in Europe represents a key moment in human history, and the domestication of the wild boar (Sus scrofa) and the emergence of the pig (Sus domesticus) a fundamental aspect of that process. In Italy, the phenomenon of pig domestication in prehistory is still not entirely understood. The main objective of this PhD is to contribute to the understanding of the origins and development of pig domestication in prehistoric Italy, from a wide regional scale and a diachronic perspective. Some key archaeological questions addressed in this research concern how and when the process of pig domestication commenced in Italy, how it evolved thereafter, and how it compares and integrates with the wider European and Middle Eastern scenarios.The main methodology used to tackle this objective is the collection of comparable data from several Italian prehistoric sites in order to detect patterns of regional and chronological change, from the Upper Palaeolithic to the Bronze Age. The analysis relies mainly on biometrical data, but it is complemented with evidence of kill-off patterns and sex ratios, in order to achieve a comprehensive understanding of the domestication event.The results support the view that a domesticated pig occurred in Italy from the Early Neolithic, although it only became morphologically distinct from the Late Neolithic onwards. This change in pig size and shape seems to signify a shift from an earlier loose management strategy of pig keeping to a close domestic control of pigs in later times, articulating with historical changes in Italian societies. The Italian pig domestication process shares similarities and differences with other European and Middle Eastern cases, highlighting the diverse trajectories this process took in different areas, in tune with the regional particularities of the spread of the Neolithic in Europe.preferred to those who think they've found it.Terry Pratchett -Monstrous Regiment This PhD would not have been achieved without the kind support and assistance of several people, both in Italy and the United Kingdom. This PhD was made possible by the funding of the University of Sheffield's University Prize Scholarship, which was awarded to me at the beginning of this journey. My academic experience in Sheffield has always been first class, with both staff and fellow students being always friendly and helpful, and I am very proud to be counted amongst their alumni.First and foremost, I owe a great debt of gratitude to my supervisor and good friend, Umberto Albarella, who has offered me immense help and support all throughout my PhD, demonstrating a great deal of patience and understanding not only on the academic but also on the personal side of the work. He also very kindly made available his extensive pig datasets for inclusion in this project. Many thanks also to my second supervisor, Gianna Ayala, who was also of great help and assistance.In my first data collection trip to Rome, I was warmly welcomed by Maurizio Moscoloni and by Claudia Minitti. My deepest t...