In 1984, Vittorino Cazzetta, a man part of the friends of the museum of Selva di Cadore association, found some lithics artefacts brought to light by marmots in the Mondeval di Sopra area in San Vito di Cadore. He realized that a more in-depth excavation could have led to new discoveries. 

Therefore, associations started to work together and the University of Ferrara established an archeological site in the area. Consequently, throughout many years, an impressive structure which spans through centuries came to light, making it one of the biggest discoveries on Italian soil concerning the mesolithic era.The site, named VF1, is located under a big rock in the Mondeval’s basin.

Firstly, they discovered some hunters and animal recovery structures. 

Secondly, they found coins probably dated back to the copper era. 

Then, finally, in 1986 they found a well preserved male body approximately 167cm tall presenting even some injuries like a fractured finger and a left chest deformation. 

The site’s discoveries are incredible not only because of its biological findings but also because of its cultural impact. In fact it represents the modality in which they buried their companions. Experts were able to establish that the body was wrapped in a leather cloth and on his neck he had a necklace made of deer’s teeth. On his left side there was the funeral equipment consisting of some of his personal belongings and maybe some hunting trophies like deers horns. In particular, the animals’ remains are especially important to analyse what kind of hunting these men were practicing, giving us the opportunity to understand why they were there: they were hunting wild and big ungulates like deers and ibex, rather than marmots.

The remains of the Man of Mondeval and his funeral equipment are now preserved at the Vittorino Cazzetta museum in Selva di Cadore.

Additionally they were also able to recover the remains of a fireplace made with dolomia, the rock that gives the name to the Dolomites. From its ashes they were able to establish other important cultural facts like the kinds of wood used but also the fact that they were probably using it also as a waste incinerator.