On the Paths of Prehistory presents research on the settlements of the area of Milena in central-southern Sicily (Italy), home to settlements dating from the Neolithic period to the Middle Ages. The authors archaeological investigations employ integrated remote sensing methodologies to correlate settlement strategies within the particular geomorphology of the landscape. Using various research methods and sources, including satellite imagery, 3D models of the landscape, field and aerial surveys, the author identifies natural pathways that were likely used throughout prehistory to reach the coasts from this inland region that continued to be used in more recent historical periods, including the Roman period and the Middle Ages.
Building upon prior scholarship, this work utilizes new visualizations and evidence to re-evaluate central southern Sicilys relationships with its neighboring regions and the Aegean, revealing the interconnections of the sea, coastal areas, and the Sicilian hinterland. By examining the archaeological heritage of the area in the longue durée, this work demonstrates that the route-ways used in later periods were also used in prehistory. The work concludes with a full topographical catalogue of archaeological sites in this part of Sicily, updating the state of knowledge in the region for the first time in a quarter century.
Introduction
Chapter
1. Presentation of the Case Study
Geomorphology and topography of Milena area
Prehistoric archaeological context
The Neolithic and Eneolithic phases
The phases of the Bronze Age
Chapter
2. The Prehistoric Landscape of Milena
Dominant settlement trends
Milena in the Neolithic and Eneolithic periods
Milena in the Early Bronze Age
Milena in the Middle Bronze Age
Open problems and prospects for research, protection, and valorisation
Chapter
3. Methods
Data collection in the field The use and contribution of UAV technology and
photogrammetry
The use of GIS applications
Use of satellite remote sensing
Application of multispectral remote sensing
Chapter
4. Discussion of the Data, Prehistoric Routeways, and their
Relationship with Historical Roads
Middle Neolithic Period to the Early Copper Age
The Late Copper Age to the Middle Bronze Age
Pathways and cultural relations during the Bronze Age
Ancient routeways through Serra del Palco towards the Agrigentine coast
Ancient routeways through SantAngelo Muxaro to the Agrigentine coasts
Conclusion
Bibliography
Appendix: Topographical Catalogue of Sites
Catalogue of archaeological sites
Dario Calderone is an archaeologist and postdoctoral researcher at the Institute for Digital Cultural Heritage Studies at Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, specializing in ancient topography and digital archaeology. He completed his doctorate at the University of Catania 2023. Since 2021, he has been an Associate Researcher at the University of South Floridas Institute for Digital Exploration. He has worked on a series of international projects in Italy, Malta, Greece, Germany, and the USA, documenting and conducting research on individual archaeological contexts and landscapes ranging from prehistory to the Roman period and digital applications for the study of archaeology.
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