Human skeletons from the Middle Bronze Age fortification of Rocavecchia (Lecce, Italy).

Middle Bronze Age (XVI-XV century BC) fortification of Rocavecchia (Lecce, Italy) has been destroyed by a huge fire by the half of XV century BC. One of the posterns (C) had been obstructed at its outer end and transformed in a dwelling structure. The preserved part of postern C was filled with the debris (US2616) resulting from the fire and fall of the fortification. At the base of US2616, the articulated skeletons of seven individuals have been found. Though the bones were often crashed or charred, we could ascertain that the skeletons were interstratified, almost perfectly articulated and no disturb caused by the deposition of bodies over partially decomposed cadavers was detected. The seven skeletons can be sorted in three groups: individuals with hands near their throat (E, G); individuals in a self-protecting attitude (A, D): individuals recalling the pugilistic attitude (B, C and probably F). The detailed observation of the position of the skeletons and of the state of some articulation have showed that: A, D, E and G were nearly in the same position they were at the moment of death; C was partially in a fire-induced attitude; the position of B and probably F had firstly been modified by heat and later modified by the compaction of the sediments acting on partially desiccated remains. The seven skeletons found in Rocavecchia are the earliest evidence of war casualties in Italy.