The protohistoric period in Europe is the theater of very diverse funeral treatments, from simple burial as it is most often envisaged, to cremation, including specific positioning, remodeling of tombs, recovery of bones, etc.

The knowledge of ancient societies is expressed in a significant way through funerary remains.

In the seventh century, Isidore of Seville (Etymologiae, XV, iii) defined habitation [habitatio] as having [habere] a place to live, which could be a ‘casa’ (i.e., a rustic hut), a ‘domus’ (the residence for a single family), an ‘aula’ (the royal residence) or an ‘atrium’ (a large and spacious dwelling).

The cathedral of Messina, locally called ‘Duomo’, is currently a unique building not only for its historical and artistic importance but also for the singular events that have affected it in the last centuries: two earthquakes (1783; 1908) and one bombing (1943).

The last centuries of Antiquity were marked by the spread of Christianity and its growing influence on Western societies. Its expansion was encouraged by the members of the clergy that was being set up, as well as by the circulation of people and ideas within an Empire that made it its official religion in 380.

Recently, knowledge of the ancient habitat during Antiquity has benefited from the multiplication of preventive excavations, from the contribution of programmed excavations, but also from data obtained from pedestrian, aerial and geophysical prospection.

The Western Middle Ages were strongly marked by the emergence and affirmation of Christianity: being part of the Ecclesia (i.e. the community of Christians) it became a frame of reference that was reflected in many individual and collective practices.

Archeological excavations and aerial revelations show that the larger villae continued to develop until the 5th century, while the smaller ones were abandoned between the 2nd and 3rd centuries.

The study of warfare in ancient societies can bring to the fore an understanding of what happen in those societies.

For almost a century, archaeologists and historians have long debated the role of trade in the economies of ancient and medieval societies. Primitivist and modernist views have been at odds over the existence and role of the economy and the market in Antiquity and the Middle Ages.

The social food traditions may be roughly divided into two main categories. In one hand, feasting – being any kind of celebratory meal– is generally led to profusion and overabundance.

We are used to see chronic food shortages as a characteristic feature of ancient societies.