To be, or not to be, Protovillanova? : Problematizing the term Protovillanova through the study of decoration patterns on biconical jars and zoomorphic handles from San Giovenale and Luni sul Mignone

Abstract: This thesis presents the claimed Protovillanova pottery from Luni sul Mignone and San Giovenale through a typological study. The pottery from San Giovenale and Luni is then compared to Bronzo Finale, Bronzo Recente and Protovillanova pottery from various sites in central and northern Italy. The reason for the comparison is to establish if the pottery should be categorized as a cultural expression or to a certain time period. Included in this study is a discussion on whether the term Protovillanovan should be used or not and if it really describes cultural phenomenon active during the Bronze Age or if it describes the same phenomena of the Bronze Age but with a different name.