La comunicazione interrotta: armi, guerra e guerrieri a Coppa Nevigata e nella Puglia settentrionale durante l’età del Bronzo

The authors present a reconsideration of warfare evidence in south-eastern Italy during the Bronze Age on the ground of the archaeological data coming from the excavations at Coppa Nevigata. In particular, the transformations of the defensive lines of the settlement through time are discussed, as in all likelihood these were strictly linked to both defensive and offensive strategies and their changes. In this framework, the evidence of the assault that the settlement witnessed around 1500 BC, which caused a severe re in a portion of the village, is analyzed. Moreover, funerary data from northern Apulia and adjacent areas provide impor- tant evidence to deal with the problems related to both the weaponry and social role of the individuals that were actively involved in these warfare activities. Particular attention is devoted to this latter aspect, as it is closely related to that of the speci c goals and targets of organized violence and aggressions in Bronze- Age South-Eastern Italy.