Apulia / Prehistory

Prehistory
Archaeological finds testify human settlements in Puglia as early as the Middle Paleolithic (80,000 years ago). There are numerous archaeological sites, caves with graffiti, megalithic constructions (dolmens, menhirs and specchie) which testify to the presence of man in the various prehistoric eras. Extraordinary are the discovery of the Man of Altamura (skeleton of a Neanderthal individual who lived between 50,000-65,000 years ago near the city of Altamura) and of the Delia of Ostuni, the oldest mother in history (skeleton of a female hominid, with in her womb the remains of a terminal fetus, lived 25,000 years ago).

In more recent times
ancient Apulia (Japigia) was inhabited by populations of Illyrian and Greek origin: Dauni in the north, Peucezi in the central part and Messapi in the south. Taranto, the ancient Taras, port of Magna Graecia, was founded in 706 BC. by colonists from Sparta.

Photos: (from top to bottom)
– Dolmen of La Chianca – Bisceglie (BAT)
– Menhir of Canne – Barletta (BAT)