Hominin responses to environmental changes during the Middle Pleistocene in central and southern Italy

摘要: Abstract. The palaeobotanical record of early Palaeolithic sites from Western Europe indicates that hominins settled in different kinds environments. During the "mid-Pleistocene transition (MPT)", about 1 to 0.6 Ma, 41- 100-ka dominant climatic oscillations, occurring within a long-term cooling trend, was associated with an aridity crisis which strongly modified ecosystems. Starting MPT more favourable climate central and southern Italy provided propitious environmental conditions for human occupations even during glacial times. In fact, strategy territory occupation certainly driven by availabilities resources. Prehistoric such as Notarchirico (ca. 680–600 ka), La Pineta 600–620 Guado San Nicola 380–350 ka) or Ceprano 345–355 testify preferential Apennines valleys interglacial phases, while later were oriented towards coastal plains, attested numerous settlements Roma Basin 300 ka). Faunal remains indicate subsistence behaviours benefited diversity exploitable ecosystems, semi-open closed Italy, several palynological records have already illustrated regional- local-scale vegetation dynamic trends. Middle Pleistocene cycles, mixed mesophytic forests developed periods withdrew response increasing episodes. New pollen data Boiano (Molise, Italy) attest evolution between MIS 13 9 500 this basin persistence high edaphic humidity, could favoured establishment refuge area arboreal flora resources animal hominin communities Pleistocene. This constrained groups migrate into area. Regarding local episodes, supposed displacement these be linked dynamics solely due increase, rather than directly global changes.