Excavations were carried out by Ferrara University (directed by Prof. C. Peretto) on the Palaeolithic site of Guado San Nicola at Monteroduni (IS) between 2008-2011. To date the research has led to the reconstruction of the site’s palaeo-environmental, geo-morphological, and chronological contexts, and of the subsistence strategies, technological abilities, and economy of the hominids that frequented the area during the middle Pleistocene, between 400,000 and 350,000 years ago.
The interdisciplinary nature of the studies, with contributions by specialists from national and international universities and institutions has confirmed the importance of this site. Its relevance is not limited just to the local context but is of European and extra-European significance given the wealth of documentation and evidence for innovative cultural elements such as the command of the Levallois method.
The presence of the Levallois method, which traditionally marks the transition between the Lower Palaeolithic and Middle Palaeolithic in Europe that as present knowledge stands is dated to no earlier than 350.000-300.000 years ago. Therefore, given its antiquity Guado San Nicola, constitutes one of the key sites in the debate on the origins of Middle Palaeolithic cultural complexes and their relationship with earlier complexes.
Given the site’s importance, specific analyses and studies were undertaken during this season in order to further investigate the aspects of greatest interest.
Following the organisation and revision of the lithic and palaeontological material, a detailed programme was drawn up for the analysis of microtraces and functionality of the lithic industry, supported by experiments in flaking using hard and soft hammer stones. Detailed archaeo-zoological analyses were also carried out, with particular reference to the identification of butchery marks, morpho-types of intentional fractures and percussion bulbs.

The presence of percussion marks on four sets of deer antlers is probable the result of their use as hammers for flaking stone, a suggestion supported by the characteristics of the lithic industry.

The analyses and experimental archaeology will provide a better definition of the use of technology, the abilities, choices, and production needs of the groups of humans occupying the area of Monteroduni in the Middle Pleistocene, comparing the results with those known in the rest of Europe.

Particular attention was paid to spatial analysis, examining the distribution of the finds and their density, integrating the data regarding the lithic and faunal assemblages with the spatial and taphonomic data, in order to identify possible concentrations of anthropic origin.
Wet sieving was carried out in order to collect the remains of micro-mammals that could contribute to a more precise chronological and palaeo-environmental picture of the site.
Lastly, a survey was made in the zone around the study area with the aim of identifying possible sources for raw material.