Bronze Age excavations at Lucone di Polpenazze

Archaeologists conducting excavations at the Lucone di Polpenazze site near Lake Garda have recovered several significant artifacts from the Early Bronze Age. Initial reports highlighted the discovery of a 4,000-year-old clay tablet featuring geometric markings, such as circles, triangles, and squares. Researchers have theorized these “enigmatic tablets” may have functioned as calendars, counting devices, early written communication, ritual amulets, or commercial labels.

Subsequent findings from the 2026 excavation campaign have increased the total number of such tablets found at the Lucone site to 23. In addition to the terracotta tablets, archaeologists unearthed a bronze dagger blade, flint arrowheads, ceramics, faience elements, and a Dentalium shell.

Led by the Museo Archeologico della Valle Sabbia (MAVS), the research includes dendrochronological analysis of wooden poles, which suggests the settlement was active for approximately 67 years between 2034 and 1967 B.C. The site is part of the UNESCO World Heritage serial site ‘Prehistoric Pile dwellings around the Alps.’