The Paleolithic campsite of Isernia La Pinta is located in Isernia, Italy. Isernia is the capital of the Isernian Province in the Molise region of south central Italy, between the Carpino and Sordo Rivers. This site was discovered in 1978 by A. Solinas and is still being excavated and used for interdisciplinary research. The age of Isernia La Pinta is 736,000±40,000 BP and was calculated by using the potassium/argon dating method.
Exceptional controlling factors allowed for good preservation of the site. It was located near a water course which flooded the surrounding area in the wetter seasons. This environmental factor, along with consistent volcanic activity, caused the site to be buried under a thick layer of sediment, protecting it from atmospheric agents and, thus, from surface alterations, which promoted the process of fossilization.
Research of the palentological remains enabled the reconstruction of the biological atmosphere at that time. There was proof that the area was well populated by rhinoceros, bear, bison, and elephant; there were also hippopotamus and wild boar, although more rare than the other creatures. A single carnassial tooth belonging to a lion was also found at Isernia La Pinta, as were many fragments of bird bones, small rodents, fish vertebrae, and turtle carapaces. There were very few trees in the area, but the wet environment encouraged the growth of numerous aquatic plants.
Also found at the site were lithic artifacts made from both limestone and flint. The flint artifacts were between two and three centimeters in length and generally very thick. Since these artifacts were discovered thousands of years after they were constructed, it is amazing that the artifacts still can be put together. It is proven at this site that the material had not been disturbed since it was abandoned. Further experiments have enabled the archaeologists to identify the flaking techniques used by the inhabitants of Isernia and understand the significance of their use. They discovered that the flaking happened rapidly, with the block of flint placed on an anvil and hit violently. The flakes of flint were classified as tools of the Isernian men. These tools were also used for hunting.
This was the most important find of the Isernia La Pinta site. There were also remains of buildings and houses that showed the lifestyles of the Isernian people. All of the findings at the site come together to show modern-day man a clear picture of the environment 700,000 years ago.
Resources
The Paleolithic Camp-Site of Isernia La Pinta, http://www.unife.it/notes.epineta.htm
Written by: Jesse Schuld