A Reconstruction of the Living Space in a Community of Early Bronze Age in Sicily: Results of a Multidisciplinary Study

The main aim of this paper is to trace the use and the organization of space in Early Bronze Age Sicilian (2200-1450 BCE) societies. The purpose is to identify the connection among types of food consumed in relationship to vessel shape, in addition to characterising indicators of food preparation and the space in which these activities take place. This study incorporates both organic chemistry and GIS spatial analyses in order to understand vessel use in direct correlation to food preparation space in a settlement context. The hill site of Santa Febronia, contains the remains of an Early Bronze Age hut that was destroyed by a fire leaving a sealed deposit with a large quantity of artefacts in their original position. The deposition creats an ideal scenario for GIS spatial analysis of the artefact distribution within the structure in contrast to areas of storage. Chemical residue analysis was carried out with GC-MS to extract and identify absorbed lipids within ceramic vessels (cf. Eerkens, 2005). The gas chromatographic results are used to establish relations between the food processing and the depositional space. The study reveals a multi-functionality of both space and pottery and further confirms the distinction of storage areas and in particular areas dedicated to water storage