# Bronze Age excavations at Lucone di Polpenazze

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/bronze-age-excavations-at-lucone-di-polpenazze
> Updated: 2026-08-27T06:13:16.000Z. Sources: 4. Developments: 2.

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.’

## Timeline

### 2026-08-27: Lucone di Polpenazze excavations reveal 4,000-year-old Bronze Age artifacts

Archaeologists at the Lucone di Polpenazze site near Lake Garda have unearthed new 4,000-year-old Bronze Age artifacts, including enigmatic terracotta tablets and bronze tools.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/lucone-di-polpenazze-excavations-reveal-4000-year-old-bronze-age-artifacts

### 2026-08-23: Archaeologists find 4,000-year-old mysterious tablet near Lake Garda

Archaeologists near Italy's Lake Garda have discovered a 4,000-year-old clay tablet with mysterious geometric markings, potentially serving as an early communication tool or trade label.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/archaeologists-find-4000-year-old-mysterious-tablet-near-lake-garda

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Cite as: Bronze Age excavations at Lucone di Polpenazze. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/bronze-age-excavations-at-lucone-di-polpenazze
