Foodways of the dead: molecular approaches to Villanovan funerary rites in Po Valley

Abstract This paper presents a chemical analysis of organic residues preserved in ceramic vessels recovered from a Villanovan funerary context at the site of Granarolo dell’ Emilia (Bologna, Italy), specifically in the La Corte sector. The analysis has provided new insights into the presence of organic materials and supports the identification of a natural matrix indicative of food offerings placed within ceramic grave goods. The nature of these residues evaluate the functional roles of the vessels, and contribute to a broader understanding of ancient dietary and ritual practices. Organic residue extraction was performed on less than 1 mg of ceramic material, sampled from the inner surfaces of selected vessels. Subsequent analysis using Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry (GC–MS) revealed the presence of diterpenoids—markers of pine resin—as well as saccharides such as glucose and galactose, which suggest the inclusion of milk or dairy products. To the best of the authors knowledge this is the first report focused on molecular characterisation of Villanovan relics found in the Bolognese Plain. The results highlight the value of a multidisciplinary approach in archaeological research by combining scientific techniques with archaeological interpretation. Graphic abstract