Southern Italian Protogeometric pottery in the Final Bronze Age through the prism of Roca Vecchia

The paper focuses on the appearance of Southern Italian Protogeometric (SIP) within the Final Bronze Age by means of a key site for understanding the developments in the central Mediterranean, Roca Vecchia. In the aftermath of the establishment of Aegean-inspired ceramic tradition, a transition occurred by the 12th century BC. This led to the development of SIP pottery, a locally produced class that is characterised by refined clay, matt-painted decoration, and technological advancements such as the use of double-chamber kilns. Here, the chronological and cultural context where SIP emerged is explored, outlining both technological and stylistic features, considering geometric painted motifs and specialised vessel shapes. The study examines SIP pottery within broader Mediterranean interactions, pointing out the influences outlined by Mycenaean traditions. Therefore, SIP pottery from Roca Vecchia can be considered one of the most exhaustive assemblages in terms of analysis of the evolution of pottery craftsmanship, mobility of artisans, and the socio-economic networks within the Final Bronze Age in Southern Italy.