An Early Pleistocene interglacial record from an intermontane basin of central Italy (Scoppito, L'Aquila)

摘要: Abstract Interdisciplinary investigations in the Early Pleistocene site of Madonna della Strada, near Scoppito (L'Aquila, central Italy) are presented, complementing information on large mammal remains recovered 1950s (Mammuthus meridionalis, rhinoceros, hippopotamus, suid and small deer). New fragmentary an old rhinoceros individual examined discussed. Pollen analysis documents interglacial forest phase with considerable frequencies taxa presently extinct Italian peninsula (Tsuga, Carya, Pterocarya, Zelkova), starting expansion conifers, progressively replaced by a mixed deciduous forest, followed increase mediterranean vegetation. The abundance elements suggests age older than Jaramillo Subchron (1.07 Ma). scarcity Picea Cedrus absence Liquidambar suggest that record should be younger MIS 40 (approx. 1.3 Ma). This chronological setting indicates Hippopotamus antiquus was already present Italy before palaeomagnetic inversion.