Prehistoric Latium
Prehistoric Latium, the region surrounding Rome, boasts a rich archaeological heritage that traces back to the earliest human settlements. Evidence of human activity in Latium dates back to the Paleolithic era, with various stone tools and artifacts discovered in the area. By the Neolithic period, settled agricultural communities began to emerge, as evidenced by pottery shards, remnants of huts, and farming implements.
The region’s fertile soil and strategic location made it an attractive site for early human habitation. During the Bronze Age, Latium saw the development of more complex societies, characterized by advancements in metallurgy, pottery, and social organization. Archaeological sites such as the Necropolis of Castel di Decima and the village of La Rustica provide insight into the burial practices and daily lives of these early inhabitants.
The Iron Age brought further developments with the rise of the Latial culture, marked by distinct funerary practices and the establishment of proto-urban settlements. The Latins, a prominent Italic tribe, began to dominate the region, laying the groundwork for the eventual rise of Rome. Prehistoric Latium’s archaeological sites continue to offer valuable information about the region’s early history and its role in the broader context of ancient Italy.