L’età del Bronzo nella grotta Petralia di Catania

THE EARLY BRONZE AGE IN THE PETRALIA CAVE AT CATANIA - In this article we present the data of the Early Bronze Age frequentation of the Petralia Cave at Catania. The ceramic materials recovered are distinct in three groups: the first was found in the ambients were now is the modern entrance to the cave (A, B and C); the second was found in the final part of the funerary area (gallery D); the third was found in the rooms with structures (gallery H, rooms I-L, gallery M). Based on the style and the typology of pottery, it was possible to infer a continuous attendance of the cave, for all phases of the Bronze Age and linked to the performance of ceremonies, even of initiation, probably connected with the veneration of the dead. In addition to the deposition of offerings, the ceremonies perhaps provided for the consumption of food and drink, as evidenced by the many pottery and copious amounts of animal bones lying on the floor of the cave. It is also possible that from a certain moment, the rituals would provide even the removal of the bones of the deads from their original position and their deposition together with the remains of meals.