Abstract We present a multidisciplinary study of a fossiliferous site located in the Vulsini Volcanic District, on the western side of the Tiber River Valley north of Rome, highlighting the peculiar geologic factors that contributed to the origin and preservation of an outstanding archaeological record testifying of the early human frequentation in this region. Mighty explosive eruptions since at least 500 ka affected the investigated area eventually culminating in the formation of the huge Bolsena caldera. Tectonic deformation accompanying volcanic activity caused large fault displacements, shaping the ground surface and contributing to route the path, and possibly to trigger, the catastrophic emplacement of volcaniclastic flows. A sedimentary trap originated by fault scarp cutting through a streambed was likely the cause for the large accumulation of bones and stone artifacts ripped up and carried by a volcaniclastic flow at 322 ka. The analysis of the fossil assemblage reveals both gnawing traces by carnivores and cut-marks from the percussion tools employed by humans to butch the carcasses. However, the occurrence of retouched and unretouched blanks within the lithic assemblage also testifies for provenance from a wider area of human activity, which included hunting and scavenging, probably at a nearby butchering site.

中文翻译：

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位于意大利中部 Vulsini 火山区东部的 Bucobello 322 含 ka 化石的火山碎屑流矿床：MIS 9 期间的侵位机制和对人类活动的见解

摘要 我们对位于罗马以北台伯河流域西侧的 Vulsini 火山区的一个化石遗址进行了多学科研究，重点介绍了特殊的地质因素，这些因素促成了杰出考古记录的起源和保存，这些考古记录证明了该地区早期人类频繁出现。由于至少 500 ka 影响了调查区域，因此强烈的爆炸性喷发最终形成了巨大的博尔塞纳火山口。伴随火山活动的构造变形导致大断层位移，塑造地表并有助于确定路径，并可能引发火山碎屑流的灾难性侵位。由断层陡坡穿过河床形成的沉积圈闭可能是 322 ka 火山碎屑流撕裂和携带的大量骨骼和石制品堆积的原因。对化石组合的分析揭示了食肉动物的啃咬痕迹和人类用来屠宰尸体的敲击工具的切割痕迹。然而，在石器组合中出现修饰和未修饰的空白也证明了更广泛的人类活动的起源，包括狩猎和拾荒，可能在附近的屠宰场。