The Neolithisation of the Adriatic: Contrasting Regional Patterns and Interactions Along and Across the Shores

Abstract The beginning of the Neolithic in Adriatic region dates back to approximately 6000 cal BC, and appearance Impressed Ware pottery marks its generic development. By combining lithic, economic, paleoenvironmental data, we propose a new arrhythmic model for chronology Neolithisation Adriatic. On one hand, available data suggest that south-central part basin (Dalmatia Apulia) transition farming was relatively quick, resulting from colonisation an open landscape (seemingly linked “8.2 ka event” onset drier climate). These newcomers mostly settled fertile plains Dalmatian Apulian hinterlands, basing their subsistence almost exclusively on agriculture livestock, while lithic blade production cherts Gargano (southern Italy) indicates important social aspects complex management strategies (mining activities, more modes pressure flaking, specialised distribution networks). However, other northern (Istria, Karst, eastern Po Plain, Marches), emerged somewhat later, possibly as result some form acculturation. Although are still scarce, evidence suggests last Mesolithic groups played active role process these areas, where certain Castelnovian traditions have been identified accompanying (the use local cherts, lamellar by indirect percussion, “simpler” forms flaking) economy, e.g. importance fishing.