Bronze Age

In the section of the alluvial plain located between the Bisenzio river, the Marinella stream, and the Calvana foothills, following the construction of several important public works, namely the Interport of Central Tuscany (Prato), and the Mezzana Perfetti Ricasoli road axis (Campi Bisenzio), the notable resources of this territory have emerged.  These had been previously neglected in archeological literature. The Middle and Late Bronze Age settlement is among the largest villages yet discovered from its period in Northern Tuscany, and it was steadily inhabited from the 16th through the 13th centuries BCE.  The data in our possession indicate that the flourishing prehistoric communities of the Prato and Campi Bizenzio area maintained relations with the peoples of both Central and Northeastern Italy, where in this period the Terramare civilization reached its utmost demographic growth. 

The extent of the excavated areas, the massive quantity, the extraordinary richness and the innovative qualities of the archeological finds for now have no rivals in Tuscany.  Ceramics feature prominently among the numerous discovered objects, and attest to the daily life activities pursued in the village. Together these materials bear witness to activities of foods preparation, consumption, and preservation. On display, moreover, are found single-handled containers, some of them with decorations, such as ‘olla’ jars and ‘situla’ vessels, bowls of various dimensions, ladles, and tools that confirm the presence of spinning and weaving pursuits. In the display cases, one can also admire ceramic fragments with decorative motifs, and single gripping elements, such as handles, knobs, and hand-grips.