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'Ascenzi A, Segre AG, 1996: Artefacts and Human Teeth at the Fontana Ranuccio Middle Pleistocene Site (central Italy). Anthropologie (Brno) 34, 1-2: 39-46'. |
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| Abstract | | Fontana Ranuccio is a Middle Pleistocene site lying in the Anagni basin about 55 miles south-east from Rome. Its age, corresponding to 458 Kyr, has been calculated by applying the K-Ar method to samples of leucite crystals directly deposited during the eruption. In addition to a distinctive fauna (including Macaca florentinus, Megaceroides verticornis and Ursus deningeri) this layer contains human artefacts. These comprise very few Acheulian bifaces, whereas there is a high incidence of artefacts obtained from elephant and bovine bones: in addition, small flint and microlithic artefacts reveal very skilled work. So far only three permanent teeth of human origin have been discovered: a left central lower incisor and two second lower molars, one belonging to the left side and one to the right side, respectively. When these teeth are examined comparatively, the incisor turns out to be reminiscent of that of a Homo erectus, whereas the molars reveal features that closely resemble those of Homo sapiens neandertalensis. These divergent patterns in anterior and posterior dentition are the outcome of the evolutionary background, in which the anterior teeth underwent a marked expansion, while the post-canine teeth became smaller as a result of the posterior shortening of the mandible. This intermediate or transitional type of dentition is in accordance with the radiometric measures of aging. | | | | Keywords | | Fontana Ranuccio - K-Ar method - Homo erectus - Human teeth - Acheulian | | |
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