Il Salento fra III e I sec. a.C.: diffusione della Ceramica a Pasta Grigia nei contesti funerari

The aim of this paper is the study and analysis of a group of burials selected in various centers of the Salento peninsula, in a chronological period between the end of the 3rd and the 1st century BC, characterized by the presence of Apulian Grey Gloss Ware. Through the analysis of the chosen sample we will try to define the main shapes used in the funerary ritual, which is also an indicator of an economic and social change that occurred in southern Apulia. In fact, the Hannibalic war constituted the true starting point of the process of transformation of the Salento area, with a progressive destructuring of the Italic framework on a political and socio-economic level. Archaeological research has highlighted a remodeling of settlement structures starting from the end of the 3rd century. BC. In particular, there is a tendency towards the shrinking of the urban area, for the larger centres, and a progressive abandonment of the fortifications, until then a symbol of Hellenistic cities, which became an element of the extra-urban landscape. A rarefaction of archaeological evidence is also recorded in the funerary field. In this context, Apulian Grey Gloss Wares can represent the indicator of some aspects of the transformation of the socio-economic structures of the region. The introduction of Apulian Grey Gloss Wares among the objects, often in association with transport containers, may constitute an indication of the economic changes that took place in Messapian society. Furthermore, in this phase, of particular interest was the introduction of incineration, which testifies to the openness of the Messapian world towards new ritual forms.