Rocky Landscapes in Central Sicily (Italy)

The rocky habitat is a distinctive feature of the Mediterranean landscape. It is a culture of dwellings that has been shared by different civilizations; a global phenomenon that is increasingly seen as an essential component of rural human activity and should be investigated in all its aspects, no less than the urban model. The northern area of central Sicily is characterized by an impressive rocky landscape, known since ancient times, which was previously limited to castles and churches. However, even in this area of the island, the use of rocky structures is characterized by many layers, due to continuous and prolonged use over time and subsequent transformations resulting from changes in use, such as for funerary, cultic, housing or productive purposes. These structures preserve traces and 'signs' of the past, imprinted by nature and humans over thousands of years: signs of settlement, structures, cultures, work and daily life; technological and religious signs; and the knowledge of all times. According to the global, multidisciplinary approach of Landscape Archaeology, reconstructing the history of these places has a meaning that goes far beyond the archaeological issue. To prevent the total disappearance of rock heritage, it is crucial to understand the reasons, techniques and elements involved and reactivate real traces and memories to redesign rupestrian landscapes.