Geomorphologic and anthropogenic impacts on artifact distribution within the Mugello Valley, Tuscany, Italy

Geomorphological examination of archaeological sites on plowed hillslopes is useful to understand the natural and human impacts on sediment horizons in and around the anthropogenic site. The Podere Funghi archaeological site lies within a modern hayfield on the southern slopes of the Mugello Valley in Tuscany, Italy. Used for living and ceramic production during Etruscan habitation between 400 and 200 BC, the site was abandoned and has been subject to natural erosive processes and agricultural soil tillage. Shovel Test Pits (STPs) made on a 5 m grid throughout the field show current artifact distribution in the plowzone to be directly above or slightly downslope of the pottery source sites, either kilns or middens. Soil horizon thicknesses are greater in wooded areas than in fields, suggesting the influence of tillage erosion on soil and possibly artifacts in the field. Soil thicknesses within the field vary with respect to slope shape, but are not dependent on slope gradient. The field has likely experienced multiple plowing directions over time, which has worked to essentially cancel plow drag influence on artifact displacement. Agricultural tillage erosion caused an overall slight downslope artifact migration and is responsible for variable soil thicknesses between forest and field environments