Apennine Culture

an archaeological culture of the Bronze Age in Italy that included most of the Apennine Peninsula.

The Apennine culture dates approximately from the second millennium B.C. The majority of archaeological material from the Apennine culture is provided by the natural caves of Pertoza, Zachito, and Felci (on the island of Capri), as well as the settlements of Scoglio del Tonno and Coppa Nevigata. The inhabitants of these caves and settlements were primarily engaged in livestock raising and in making weapons out of bone, horns, and stone. Bronze objects are encountered relatively rarely. The ceramic wares of the various regions of the Apennine culture are distinguished by technique of manufacture, forms, and ornamentation. Mass graves in the form of stone circles, megalithic structures, and small artificial caves are characteristic. It is supposed that these graves reproduce the form of cabins or huts. The bearers of the Apennine culture had a connection with the most ancient population of the Aegean basin (as shown by findings of Mycenean ceramic ware dating from the 16th century B.C.).