The GERANI project will explore the Human-Territory-Economy relationship during Prehistory in Trentino through cutting-edge archaeometric and molecular investigations, utilizing inter- and transdisciplinary approaches. The primary goal of the project is to define the management of animal resources in various valley areas—low, middle, and high—with a particular focus on the relationship between human presence and animals. Thanks to a network of collaborations with the main research centers in Trentino, as well as national and international institutions, the project will offer the young researcher involved the opportunity to significantly expand their skills and grow professionally, while simultaneously diversifying the research directions of the participating entities in the medium and long term.

GERANI will focus on the management of wild and domestic animal resources in Trentino during the Neolithic, a historical period currently suffering from a lack of comprehensive osteoarchaeological data. These data are crucial to addressing open questions of great relevance, such as the onset of pastoralism, the relationship between climate variability and the management of environmental and animal resources, and the possible presence of human remains at archaeological sites.

The project will involve the main Neolithic prehistoric sites in Trentino, including Trento - Riparo Gaban, Trento - La Vela VII, Riva del Garda - Via Brione, and Isera - La Torretta. The analysis will focus on how animal resources were managed, aiming to understand the origin of pastoralism and study the impact of climate variability on resource management. Additionally, the potential presence of human remains at the investigated sites will be explored, providing a more comprehensive overview of the burial practices and social dynamics of the time.

The project's methodological approach will be characterized by the use of state-of-the-art archaeometric and molecular techniques, enabling the detailed and precise collection and analysis of data. This interdisciplinary approach will provide a deep understanding of how prehistoric communities in Trentino interacted with their environment and managed animal resources.

A crucial aspect of the project will be the network of collaborations with key research centers in Trentino and national and international institutions. These collaborations will not only enhance the professional development of the young researcher involved but also contribute to diversifying and expanding the research directions of the participating entities, offering new opportunities for scientific exchange and growth.

Trentino will serve as the starting point and reference for a supra-regional comparison extending both south and north of the Alps, within a broad European perspective. Evaluating the Human-Territory-Economy relationship requires a wide context, as Trentino has been and continues to be a crucial geographical node, transcending modern territorial boundaries in favor of ancient communication routes that underpinned the historical geography of the region.

The GERANI project is financially supported by Fondazione Caritro, which operates in the field of scientific and technological research with a special focus on generating positive impacts for the Trentino region. The Foundation is committed to developing strategically important projects for the area, promoting the training of young researchers at the University of Trento and other qualified institutions. Additionally, it supports collaboration between the research sector and the local economic and productive system, aiming to foster the growth of entrepreneurial and professional initiatives and the integration of young talents.

Caritro encourages the creation of local networks with a special focus on innovative interdisciplinary connections and promotes significant collaborations with national and international scientific communities. The goal is to enhance the capacity of supported projects to gain recognition from scientific communities and attract additional financial and human resources, thereby contributing to the development and consolidation of initiatives within the territory.