REMOTE SENSING ANALYSIS IN THE ARCHAEOLOGICAL CONTEXT OF LICODIA EUBEA (CATANIA)

Abstract. Archaeological research conducted at the site of Marineo, in the territory of Licodia Eubea (CT, Sicily, Italy), has revealed the existence of a group of evidence dating back to various periods, from the Neolithic to the Middle Ages. Particularly important is the presence of caves, documented through archaeological excavations at the end of the 1980s, subsequently resumed from 2017 to today. These caves were used for ritual activities, especially during the Middle Bronze Age (1450–1250 BC). The existence of numerous combustion structures associated with remains of a meal, as evidenced by remains oan f animal, and human bones in a secondary position, suggests the funerary value of the caves. Until now, however, data were missing on the identification of the settlement inhabited by communities that used caves. During the last archaeological excavation campaign, images and orthophotos were acquired through the use of drones. In this way, through the study of these images, it was possible to identify new anomalies in areas not yet investigated and placed in the vicinity of the caves. Surveys carried out in the area, have confirmed the presence of remains of walls belonging to curvilinear and oval structures. These structures are probably parts of the settlement connected to the caves whose exact location was not known until today. To support the excavation activity, GIS and remote sensing applications were implemented for predictive and postdictive analysis using only free and open source software and satellite images.