L’alimentazione nella preistoria tra l’Etna e la Piana di Catania

Prehistoric food supply between the the Etna region and the plain of Catania – This article presents the findings of two decades of research into the activities of food production and consumption carried out in and around Catania in a period stretching from the Neolithic to the Bronze Age. More specifically, the areas covered by the present research include the city itself, the south-eastern slopes of Mount Etna (territories of Belpasso, Paternò, Biancavilla, Adrano) and the territories bordering the Plain of Catania (in particular Ramacca, Mineo, Palagonia e Militello). Aim of the research was to identify the subsistence activities of groups living in different environments, from the plain to the mountain slopes of Mount Etna. The evidence consists of fauna and flora finds, as well as of tools in ceramics or stone specifically made for the transformation of food products. From the data available, a detailed though not complete picture was drawn of the plants and animals on which people fed in different environments throughout the wide time-span considered.