The site of Guado San Nicola (Monteroduni, Molise) is dated to 379 ± 8 Ka (MIS 11/MIS 10) based on the radiometric data (40Ar/39Ar, ESR-U/Th), which are compatible with the faunal assemblage (including Cervus elaphus acoronatus, Equus ferus).

The lithic industry was characterized by very early evidence of the Levallois technique – which conventionally marks the limit between the Lower Palaeolithic and the Middle Palaeolithic periods in Europe – within a substantially Acheulean context, with the presence of numerous bifacial artefacts of varying forms and size. For these reasons, Guado San Nicola constitutes one of the most important sites for evidence regarding the origin of Middle Palaeolithic cultural complexes.

During 2016, checks continued of the stratigraphy exposed by erosion and agricultural work, and a survey was undertaken with a view to future research. Particular attention was focused on the agricultural situation in the area next to the excavations and several palaeontological and lithic artefacts were recovered. A survey was also made of the area surrounding the excavation to look for possible sources of raw materials.

Laboratory activity with the analysis of the palaentological and lithic finds took place the same time as the fieldwork. Of particular interest the functional study and trace evidence of the lithic finds, supported by experimenting flaking with hard and soft hammer stones obtained from pieces of deer antler. In effect, a particular characteristic of the deposit is the evidence for the use of the soft percussion implement for flaking attested by the characteristics of the flakes found in the stratigraphic context. The study of the faunal remains showed the relationship with human activity, especially the presence butchery marks.