Chemical analyses of an Iron age floor deposit at Rotzo (Vicenza, Italy)

Chemical analyses of phosphorus (P), carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) content were applied to an Iron age building located at Rotzo in the Asiago plateau (NE-Italy). Both total P and organic P distributions were high in the north-eastern zone and along the southern wall where there was an accumulation of the organic matter. The clustering of highest inorganic P values along the eastern wall highlighted the opposition of domestic activities between eastern and western areas, according to the highest values of the C:N ratio. The different forms of P provided good suggestions about the use of the inner space. In particular, oxalate extractable-P individuated the most ancient phase of life of the house.