Rio Tana located along the ancient course of the Tavana river, near the town of Lecce nei Marsi (AQ), was randomly discovered during excavation work to create an artificial canalization of the river itself.

This site, together with Colle Santo Stefano, Paterno and Grotta Continenza (which are in proximity and have already been explored by the University of Pisa) represents one of the most ancient examples of Neolithic civilization in the central-Adriatic area, which dates back to around 6900 BP in uncalibrated chronology.

The research currently underway is aimed at the investigation of an anthropic deposit, of which a semi-circular portion remains. The materials collected so far place the site within the ancient phase of the Neolithic period.

The aim of the research is to investigate the archaeological deposit through stratigraphic excavation and to study the finds related to everyday life activities (ceramic vessels, chipped and polished stone tools, bone tools, remains of fauna) in order to reconstruct the social and economic dynamics of the human groups who have frequented the area.

Thanks to the summer school program, students will have the opportunity to work alongside expert archaeologists in the field survey carried out on this site, learning the different methodologies applied to the investigation of a prehistoric site and its documentation. They will also acquire the skills necessary for the analysis and cataloging of the different materials found.