ARCHAEOLOGY OF ROCKS AND THE RELEVANCE OF PETROGLYPHS IN THE RECONSTRUCTION OF HISTORY: AN OUTLINE FROM VOLCAMONICA, ITALY
Abstract
This paper is a report on the outcome of the writer’s participation in an international archaeological field school at Volcamonica, Italy. The aim is to examine petroglyphs and petrographs in archaeology and the applicability of using rocks as archaeological and anthropological data in the reconstruction of history and cultural studies. Theoretically, it is based on archaeological fieldworks and site investigations at Volcamonica. The data of the report are derived from direct archaeological investigation of several petroglyphs and petrographs at the sites. Data show palaeo-petroglyphs of several dimensions and features. Field findings indicate that the sites cover a very large area. Also, data reveal that the sites belong to several archaeological eras. Chronologically, the sites are of great antiquity. The study discusses the usefulness of petroglyphs in the reconstruction of history. The study concludes by making a comparative analysis with Nigeria and discussing the usefulness of petroglyphs in the reconstruction of history on a global basis.
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