The aim of this campaign was to continue the investigation of the Mousterian evidence in levels 110 and 111. Two separate areas were excavated, comprising respectively quadrants M4, M5, M6, M7 (quadrants II-III), L5, L6, L7, I6, I7, H6, H7 (Area A) and F8, F9, E8, E9, D8, D9, C8, C9 (Area B). During the previous season, the roof of level 111 had been uncovered in Area A, and in part of Area B, a horizon denominated “cobblestone surface”, belonging to level 110. In Area A cuts 1 and 2 were made in level 111. In level 111/1, a series of sub levels were identified: 111/1b, 111/0, 111/1c, 111/1. Sub-level 111/1b, devoid of anthropological evidence, contained abundant coprolites; some still structured, but mainly crushed and fragmented. The level deepened with a series of sub-circular and oval depressions probably caused by the activity of hyenas (burrows). Therefore, cut 1b represents a phase during which man abandoned the cave and hyenas took up residence, their presence attested until the base of level 110. The base of a hearth was found in cut 111/1c, partially resting on the roof of the underlying clay (111/1a). At the roof of 111/2 there was a well-preserved palaeo-surface. Within this level (often in contact with the roof of underlying 111/3), several hearths were identified, which were in varying states of preservation. Indeed, all that remained of some of the unstructured hearths was the reddening at the base, while the ash was well-preserved in others.

The accumulation of lithic raw materials in Area B was completely exposed and dismantled. This had been defined as a cobblestone surface due to the presence of small rounded limestone blocks. What emerged below it was a work area where the extraction of bone marrow took place, characterised by numerous fragmented bones of large ungulates and the presence of large hammer stones.

This season, collaboration continued with Pisa University, the Institute of Human Paleontology-ISiPU, and the Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology-Leipzig, continuing work on a series of studies whose main aim is to gain a better picture of the site’s chronology. Radiometric dating on charcoal samples, OSL on sediment samples, and the dating of stalagmites are currently being carried out.

During 2015-2016, studies continued on the technology and function of the lithic industry as did the taxonomic and taphonomic studies of the faunal remains from levels 150 and 110. This data is then integrated into a GIS platform.
Research is also being undertaken on the palaeo-geographical, climatic, and environmental profiles, in particular regarding the ancient sea level and therefore its distance from the coast.

As in previous years, indispensible logistical support was provided by Grosseto fire brigade, the Porto Ercole District Maritime Office, Monte Argentario town council, the Accademia Mare Ambiente of Porto Santo Stefano, Porto Ercole Red Cross and the Monte Argentario Divers. Students from Siena and Ferrara Universities, together with academic staff and researchers from Siena and Pisa Universities took part in the excavations.