This paper presents the combined results of archaeobotanical studies, of both macro-remains (carbonised wood, seeds and fruit) and micro-remains (pollen, spores and non-pollen microfossils), at three sites in Sierra de Cantabria (Basque... more
This paper presents the combined results of archaeobotanical studies, of both macro-remains (carbonised wood, seeds and fruit) and micro-remains (pollen, spores and non-pollen microfossils), at three sites in Sierra de Cantabria (Basque Country, northern Iberian Peninsula): Peña Larga, Peña Parda and San Cristóbal, dated from the early Neolithic to the Bronze Age (5500–900 cal BC). The main results show that, despite the abundance of deciduous trees, the taxa used as fuel included both deciduous species (deciduous Quercus, Corylus avellana and birch) and conifers, mainly Taxus baccata. Yew (Taxus baccata) was the wood most used in the Neolithic, but its importance declines in the Chalcolithic and it disappears in the final occupation phases at the rock-shelters, in the Bronze Age. Instead, the use of deciduous Quercus increases.
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In this paper we present the results of the study of plant macroremains of the cave of Praileaitz I, including both charcoal and seeds and fruits. Those remains come from different structure combustion and materials scattered in the... more
In this paper we present the results of the study of plant macroremains of the cave of Praileaitz I, including both charcoal and seeds and fruits. Those remains come from different structure combustion and materials scattered in the sediment of the cave. Since the beginning of the research proyect, we propose a great effort in order to recover all the botanical remains contained in the sediment, processing large amounts of sediment by the method of the flotation. Therefore, we have collected a large amount of remains. The main results show that the best represented charcoal in the all the different areas and along the whole sequence is deciduous Quercus, with Juniperus sp. in some levels. The other taxa reach very low values. In the case of the seeds and fruits, they are virtually absent.
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An integrated archaeobotanical study carried out in the medieval village of Gasteiz (Basque Country, Northern Iberian Peninsula) was able to establish a diachronic view of the evolution of the vegetal landscape, the plant economy and the... more
An integrated archaeobotanical study carried out in the medieval village of Gasteiz (Basque Country, Northern Iberian Peninsula) was able to establish a diachronic view of the evolution of the vegetal landscape, the plant economy and the forest management in this rural community between the 8th and 12th centuries AD, through the study of seeds, fruits, firewood, pollen, spores and non-pollen palynomorphs. The main results show the presence of an anthropogenic vegetal landscape, shaped by the economic activities of the inhabitants of the village, based on cereal crops, legumes and animal husbandry. Also new data are provided about forest management related to metallurgical activities.
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The use of space inside La Peña de Estebanvela Rock-shelter and the activities carried out away from the site are analysed in this article in order to reconstruct the economic and social behaviour of the human group that occupied the site... more
The use of space inside La Peña de Estebanvela Rock-shelter and the activities carried out away from the site are analysed in this article in order to reconstruct the economic and social behaviour of the human group that occupied the site in the Upper Magdalenian (15,010e14,610 cal BP and 14,290e13,730 cal BP). Level III, which is geologically homogeneous and has yielded a large lithic and faunal record was selected for this purpose. The micro-spatial analysis of the level has differentiated two significant units in the central sector of the deposit which may correspond to an area used for intensive flint knapping (Unit 2), and a multi-functional area where hunting weapons were prepared, prey was butchered and defleshed, and hides were processed (Unit 3). The study of the use of the territory around the site reveals a strategy of diversified hunting, especially between late spring and early autumn, oriented towards ibex, horse, red deer and, to a lesser extent, chamois, roe deer and lynxes. This activity was complemented by the use of other resources, like fishing and gathering plants. Stocks of flint and personal ornaments made from marine molluscs confirm the territorial mobility of the residents of La Peña de Estebanvela.
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A partir de los datos estudiados en el estudio carpológico de Gasteiz durante los siglos VIII-XII se puede concluir la existencia de una agricultura de base cerealista complementada con el cultivo de leguminosas y en los primeros momentos... more
A partir de los datos estudiados en el estudio carpológico de Gasteiz durante los siglos VIII-XII se puede concluir la existencia de una agricultura de base cerealista complementada con el cultivo de leguminosas y en los primeros momentos de lino. La importancia de frutales parece muy limitada y la vid está totalmente ausente de las muestras. En relación al entorno de bosque, los resultados antracológicos registran una mayor diversidad de taxones en los primeros siglos, incluidas las muestras relacionadas con instalaciones siderometalúrgicas, lo que sugiere una explotación diversificada y quizá oportunista. A partir de la segunda mitad del siglo XI se explota casi exclusivamente roble y haya, lo que sugiere un uso reglamentado y gestionado de robledales y hayedos.
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This chapter reports the results of archaeobotanical analyses of the Middle Magdalenian (ca. 14.450-14.200 BP), Upper Magdalenian (ca. 12.530-12.070 BP) and Late Magdalenian (ca. 11.700-10.640 BP) of La Peña de Estebanvela (Ayllón,... more
This chapter reports the results of archaeobotanical analyses of the Middle Magdalenian (ca. 14.450-14.200 BP), Upper Magdalenian (ca. 12.530-12.070 BP) and Late Magdalenian (ca. 11.700-10.640 BP) of La Peña de Estebanvela (Ayllón, Segovia). Palynological and carpological analyses provided no significant results. Among the anthracological samples, the wood of Salix sp. was the most common throughout the sequence, particularly so in the Middle and Upper Magdalenian layers. This is probably related to the exploitation of the forested area close to the River Aguisejo. Greater anthracological diversity was recorded for the Late Magdalenian, with significant numbers of rosaceas (Prunus and pomoideas) detected. This might be the consequence of an increase in forest diversity or of a change in the areas where wood was collected. Levels V, IV and III are characterised by the very infrequent presence of tree phytoliths and an abundance of Poaceae specimens, while Levels II and I show an increase in tree phytoliths and a reduction in Poaceae specimens.
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The chronostratigraphic framework of the Magdalenian in the interior of the Iberian Peninsula currently covers the period 21,440e21,040 cal BP (level 2 of the Cueva del Gato site at Epila, Province of Zaragoza) to 12,770e12,570 cal BP... more
The chronostratigraphic framework of the Magdalenian in the interior of the Iberian Peninsula currently covers the period 21,440e21,040 cal BP (level 2 of the Cueva del Gato site at Epila, Province of Zaragoza) to 12,770e12,570 cal BP (level I of the La Peña de Estebanvela site, Ayllón, Province of Segovia). These dates embrace times of strong climatic oscillation, beginning with very rigorous environmental conditions (stage GS2) and ending with a temperate climate (Alleröd); over this period, extreme events such as Heinrich event 1 occurred. However, little information is available that would allow the environments through which human groups moved during the Late Last Glacial of the Iberian interior to be characterised. The La Peña de Estebanvela site is something of an exception in that its archaeological features allow the reconstruction of the surrounding environment, and provide information on how natural
resources may have been used. The faunal remains represented at this site reflect changes in palaeoecology over time. Taphonomic analysis of recovered macromammals and lagomorphs shows that these animals were brought to the site, butchered and consumed. The available data on seasonality fix the occupation of levels IeIII from the spring to the autumn. Certain types of wood were collected for use as firewood. Other elements found in the record (personal ornaments, mobiliary art and raw materials) provide evidence that the people that occupied the site moved over a more extensive territory.
resources may have been used. The faunal remains represented at this site reflect changes in palaeoecology over time. Taphonomic analysis of recovered macromammals and lagomorphs shows that these animals were brought to the site, butchered and consumed. The available data on seasonality fix the occupation of levels IeIII from the spring to the autumn. Certain types of wood were collected for use as firewood. Other elements found in the record (personal ornaments, mobiliary art and raw materials) provide evidence that the people that occupied the site moved over a more extensive territory.
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Estudio comparativo de los resultados obtenidos en dos análisis arqueobotánicos en el yacimiento de Peña Parda (Laguardia, Álava). Mediante la combinación de los estudios antracológico y palinológico se pretende una certera aproximación a... more
Estudio comparativo de los resultados obtenidos en dos análisis arqueobotánicos en el yacimiento de Peña Parda (Laguardia, Álava). Mediante la combinación de los estudios antracológico y palinológico se pretende una certera aproximación a la composición del paisaje vegetal y la dinámica antrópica de esta zona de la Sierra de Cantabria durante la Edad del Bronce. This paper presents a comparative study of the results obtained from two different archaeobotanical analyses from the archaeological site of Peña Parda (Laguardia, Álava). Thanks to the combination of both types of analyses , wood charcoal and pollen, we try to carry out a more accurate reconstruction of the vegetal landscape and the anthropic dynamics at this area of the Sierra de Cantabria during the Bronze Age.
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Wood charcoal retrieved from archaeological contexts dated ca. 700-1200 AD in Vitoria-Gasteiz (Northern Iberia) suggests that Quercus subg. Quercus, Fagus sylvatica and Rosaceae where the main fuels used in domestic activities. The use of... more
Wood charcoal retrieved from archaeological contexts dated ca. 700-1200 AD in Vitoria-Gasteiz (Northern Iberia) suggests that Quercus subg. Quercus, Fagus sylvatica and Rosaceae where the main fuels used in domestic activities. The use of Fagus increases through time and Prunus and Pomoideae are very important in contexts related to metallurgy.
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This paper discusses the potential and limits of wood charcoal analysis in dolmen sites. For that purpose, we present the case of the study of plant macroremains from Mendigana dolmen in Gorbeia. The sampling strategy has considered all... more
This paper discusses the potential and limits of wood charcoal analysis in dolmen sites. For that purpose, we present the case of the study of plant macroremains from Mendigana dolmen in Gorbeia. The sampling strategy has considered all the areas in which there has been an archaeological intervention (chamber, frontal stratigraphic section, sondage) and there have been analyses of both, samples collected in situ and flotation processed samples. Other plant macroremains are very few, mostly fragments of hazelnut pericarp, a poorly represented taxon among wood charcoal. The main component of carbonized wood samples, are deciduous oaks with an important presence of bushy taxons of leguminous and heathers. Birch and beech are also significant taxons in some samples, while ash, hazel, alder and willow are present in low percentages. Thus, wood charcoal suggests the presence of several plant communities in the surroundings of the dolmen: a mixed oakwood, a beechwood and open formations of heathers. The diversity of results in the analyzed contexts will allow us to discuss some questions about the method and the potential of wood charcoal analysis as independent contextual evidence and to understand the dynamic of formation, use and alteration of the archaeological structures.
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This paper presents an overview of the vegetation history and human influence in the Sierra de Cantabria (Álava) during the Middle/Late Holocene, taking into account the results of palynological, anthracological and carpological studies... more
This paper presents an overview of the vegetation history and human influence in the Sierra de Cantabria (Álava) during the Middle/Late Holocene, taking into account the results of palynological, anthracological and carpological studies of three archaeological sites, covering a time frame from the Early Neolithic to the bronze Age. It has been detected some climatic variability, from warm and humid to more dry conditions and agro-pastoral practices have also been registered. Síntesis sobre la evolución de la vegetación y la influencia del ser humano en la Sierra de Cantabria (Álava) durante el Holoceno Medio/Final. Se tienen en cuenta los resultados de los estudios palinológico, antracológico y carpológico de tres yacimientos arqueológicos, que abarcan un marco cronocultural desde el Neolítico Antiguo hasta la Edad del bronce. Se ha identificado cierta evolución climática, pasando de unas condiciones templadas y húmedas a otras más secas. También se han detectado prácticas agro-pastoriles.
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En el presente trabajo se ha llevado a cabo la reconstrucción paleoecológica y paleoeconómica, mediante análisis polínico, carpológico y antracológico del entorno de Vitoria-Gasteiz (Alava), complementando dos tipos de contextos... more
En el presente trabajo se ha llevado a cabo la reconstrucción paleoecológica y paleoeconómica, mediante análisis polínico, carpológico y antracológico del entorno de Vitoria-Gasteiz (Alava), complementando dos tipos de contextos sedimentarios: el yacimiento arqueológico de la catedral de Santa María de Vitoria, y la turbera de Prados de Randulanda en el Condado de Treviño. En conjunto, ambos contextos nos han permitido realizar una lectura diacrónica de la historia de la vegetación y las bases paleoeconómicas del área de estudio entre los siglos VI a XV d.C., tanto a nivel local como regional. La reconstrucción paleoambiental da cuenta de un paisaje antropizado desde el siglo VI, con un elenco arbóreo relativamente rico de quercíneas caducifolias y perennifolias, hayedos, abedules, etc. Ganadería y agricultura parecen ser los factores que delimitan la dinámica antrópica de estos ecosistemas, detectándose desde el siglo VIII, en el entorno de la catedral, el cultivo de trigo, cebada, y leguminosas; entre los siglos XII-XIV se detecta el cultivo de centeno.
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Los resultados disponibles hasta el momento para Euskal Herria en los primeros milenios del Holoceno muestran en la vertiente atlántica una explotación intensiva de las formaciones de robledal de Quercus subg. Quercus (roble albar,... more
Los resultados disponibles hasta el momento para Euskal Herria en los primeros milenios del Holoceno muestran en la vertiente atlántica una explotación intensiva de las formaciones de robledal de Quercus subg. Quercus (roble albar, pedunculado, pubescente, quejigo, melojo), mientras que en la vertiente meditárrena el protagonismo es para el pino, siendo posteriormente sustituido por el roble.
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El número de muestras y carbones analizados en este trabajo es bajo (6 muestras y un total de 9 fragmentos o piezas de madera), por lo que las conclusiones relacionadas con la explotación de los recursos forestales del entorno de Ratinhos... more
El número de muestras y carbones analizados en este trabajo es bajo (6 muestras y un total de 9 fragmentos o piezas de madera), por lo que las conclusiones relacionadas con la explotación de los recursos forestales del entorno de Ratinhos son necesariamente limitadas. En todo caso, la presencia mayoritaria de Pinus tp Pinus sylvestris indica que probablemente existieron formaciones de pinar en las inmediaciones del poblado. Así mismo, podemos constatar el uso de esta madera con fines constructivos (vigas en las Muestras 2, 4, 5 y 6)
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We present the result of the analises of plant macroremains (charcoal, fruits and seeds) from the archaeological excavation carried out at Santa María La Real (Zarautz). One group of samples is dated to the roman age and the others are... more
We present the result of the analises of plant macroremains (charcoal, fruits and seeds) from the archaeological excavation carried out at Santa María La Real (Zarautz). One group of samples is dated to the roman age and the others are medieval. The earliest ones include a bigger diversity of crops (hulled wheats such as Triticum dicoccum and Triticum spelta, free-threshing wheats, barley and Italian millet). The most recent ones include wheat and Italian millet. In both cases Setaria italica (Italian millet) is the most abundant crop. A minimum number of 15 arboreal species are represented in the charcoal analysis. Deciduous oaks sum more than half the fragments followed by alder.
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In this paper we present the results of the analyses of plant macroremains from the Early medieval site (8th century AD) of Las Eras de San Martín (Alfaro, La Rioja, Spain). The cereals identified are: hulled barley (Hordeum vulgare... more
In this paper we present the results of the analyses of plant macroremains from the Early medieval site (8th century AD) of Las Eras de San Martín (Alfaro, La Rioja, Spain). The cereals identified are: hulled barley (Hordeum vulgare vulgare), einkorn (Triticum monococcum), naked wheat (Triticum aestivum/durum) and millet (cf. Panicum miliaceum). Among the fruits, we have retrieved olive and vine. The main wood charcoal taxa are: Vitis vinifera (vine) and olive tree (Olea europaea). Other trees have a lower representation (Pinus sylvestris, Acer sp., Corylus avellana, Ericaceae, Pomoideae, Prunus sp., Quercus subg. Quercus, Quercus ilex/coccifera and Salix).
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La madera carbonizada recuperada en el sepulcro megalítico de Katillotxu V está formada por los siguientes taxones: Acer, Alnus, Betula, corylus avellana, Ericaceae, Leguminosae, quercus subg. quercus, Quercus ilex/coccifera y Prunus. La... more
La madera carbonizada recuperada en el sepulcro megalítico de Katillotxu V está formada por los siguientes taxones: Acer, Alnus, Betula, corylus avellana, Ericaceae, Leguminosae, quercus subg. quercus, Quercus ilex/coccifera y Prunus. La madera de roble tipo caducifolio es la más abundante (64% del total) y es el único taxón que se ha identificado en todos los contextos analizados. Ha sido datada en el núcleo terroso del dolmen formado con material aportado, en una cronologla de Neolítico avanzado (4050-3960 cal. BC). Además, la presencia preferente de madera de Quercus caducifolio en el único hogar individualizado (Smk-c, Smk-h1) nos confirma el uso y posible selección de esta madera como combustible por parte del ser humano. Este hogar corresponde posiblemente a la fase de clausura del monumento y ha sido datado en 3000-2880 cal. BC.
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An integrated archaeobotanical study carried out in the medieval village of Gasteiz (Basque Country, Northern Iberian Peninsula) was able to establish a diachronic view of the evolution of the vegetal landscape, the socioeconomic bases... more
An integrated archaeobotanical study carried out in the medieval village of Gasteiz
(Basque Country, Northern Iberian Peninsula) was able to establish a diachronic view
of the evolution of the vegetal landscape, the socioeconomic bases and the forest
management in this rural community between the 8th and 12th centuries AD, through
the study of seeds, firewood, pollen and non-pollen palynomorphs. The main results
show the presence of an anthropogenic vegetal landscape, shaped by the economic
activities of the inhabitants of the village, based on cereal crops, legumes and animal
husbandry. Also new data are provided about forest management related to
metallurgical activities.
Springer, Vegetation History and Archaeobotany (2015).
(Basque Country, Northern Iberian Peninsula) was able to establish a diachronic view
of the evolution of the vegetal landscape, the socioeconomic bases and the forest
management in this rural community between the 8th and 12th centuries AD, through
the study of seeds, firewood, pollen and non-pollen palynomorphs. The main results
show the presence of an anthropogenic vegetal landscape, shaped by the economic
activities of the inhabitants of the village, based on cereal crops, legumes and animal
husbandry. Also new data are provided about forest management related to
metallurgical activities.
Springer, Vegetation History and Archaeobotany (2015).
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We present the charcoal analyses of samples from the rock-shelter of Peña Parda (Laguardia, Álava). Level HI (Chalcolithic) is stratigraphically the most reliable since Level I most probably includes modern plant material. In Level HJ box... more
We present the charcoal analyses of samples from the rock-shelter of Peña Parda (Laguardia, Álava). Level HI (Chalcolithic) is stratigraphically the most reliable since Level I most probably includes modern plant material. In Level HJ box is the most abundant wood (42%) followed by yew (33%). Other minor taxa, with percentages smaller than 5% are: juniper, pine, bearberry/strawberry tree, dogwood, ash, ivy, leguminosae, pomoideae, cherry tree, oak, currant and wayfaring tree. We suggest that at the moment of this occupation box tree formations must have been important in the vicinity of the rock shelter. The presence of yew must respond to its ability to colonize thin and rocky soils.
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In this paper, we present a synthetic view of the results of anthracological studies in the Western Pyrenean Region during the Holocene. With this aim, we have compiled the results of wood charcoal analyses from archaeological sites... more
In this paper, we present a synthetic view of the results of anthracological studies in the Western Pyrenean Region during the Holocene. With this aim, we have compiled the results of wood charcoal analyses from archaeological sites taking into account that this region can be divided into several biogeographic areas. Firstly, we present the Aizpea archaeological site in the Pyrenees. Secondly, the deposits of Pico Ramos, Kobeaga II and El Mirón in the Coastal Area are described. Moving to the central part, into the Transition area, we describe the data of Mendandia as the main representative site, although the nearby sites of Atxoste, Kampanoste, and Kanpanoste Goikoa are also mentioned. Finally, for the southern sector of the Ebro Valley, we explain the archaeological sites of Peña Parda and Peña Larga. In addition, some specific issues that have been observed in some plant species found in this environment are also addressed. The main results show the use of different types of wood located near the archaeological sites and, in some particular cases, the selection of one of them.
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The excavation of medieval contexts linked to the restoration works carried out in the cathedral of Vitoria-Gasteiz has allowed to recover different archaeobotanical assemblages that help us understand past agrarian practices and human... more
The excavation of medieval contexts linked to the restoration works carried out in the cathedral of Vitoria-Gasteiz has allowed to recover different archaeobotanical assemblages that help us understand past agrarian practices and human exploitation of woodlands. Here we summarize the results of the wood charcoal analysis from samples dated c. 700-1200 AD. Quercus subg. Quercus, Fagus sylvatica and Rosaceae would have been the main fuels used in domestic activities with Fagus increasing through time. In contexts related to metallurgy, Prunus and Pomoideae were the most abundant taxa.
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We present the results of the charcoal analysis of the site of Irikaitz (Zestoa, Basque Country, Spain). This is an open air site with an archaeological sequence which includes Lower Palaeolithic, Upper Palaeolithic and post-Palaeolithic,... more
We present the results of the charcoal analysis of the site of Irikaitz (Zestoa, Basque Country, Spain). This is an open air site with an archaeological sequence which includes Lower Palaeolithic, Upper Palaeolithic and post-Palaeolithic, the only site so
far with Lower Palaeolithic occupations in primary position in the Basque region. Archaeobotanical studies of these early chronologies in the Iberian Peninsula are particularly scarce. Irikaitz adopted from the beginning of the research project a
systematic sampling strategy and recovery methodology through flotation in order to retrieve all types of plant macro-remains. Some finds have also been hand-picked in situ. Macro-remains recovered at the site present a very good preservation. 2878 charcoal fragments have been analysed. The most important taxon in all samples is Quercus subgenus Quercus (deciduous oaks). Some species possibly linked to wet soils along streams are also very important, such as: Corylus avellana (hazel), Salix (willow) and Fraxinus excelsior (ash). Taxa linked to shrub and open communities have also been identified (Ericaceae, Leguminosae). The general results suggest species living under mild climatic conditions which might correspond to the Eemian or the Holsteinian.
far with Lower Palaeolithic occupations in primary position in the Basque region. Archaeobotanical studies of these early chronologies in the Iberian Peninsula are particularly scarce. Irikaitz adopted from the beginning of the research project a
systematic sampling strategy and recovery methodology through flotation in order to retrieve all types of plant macro-remains. Some finds have also been hand-picked in situ. Macro-remains recovered at the site present a very good preservation. 2878 charcoal fragments have been analysed. The most important taxon in all samples is Quercus subgenus Quercus (deciduous oaks). Some species possibly linked to wet soils along streams are also very important, such as: Corylus avellana (hazel), Salix (willow) and Fraxinus excelsior (ash). Taxa linked to shrub and open communities have also been identified (Ericaceae, Leguminosae). The general results suggest species living under mild climatic conditions which might correspond to the Eemian or the Holsteinian.
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En el presente trabajo se ha llevado a cabo la reconstrucción paleoecológica y paleoeconómica, mediante análisis polínico, carpológico y antracológico del entorno de Vitoria-Gasteiz (Alava), complementando dos tipos de contextos... more
En el presente trabajo se ha llevado a cabo la reconstrucción paleoecológica y paleoeconómica, mediante análisis polínico, carpológico y antracológico del entorno de Vitoria-Gasteiz (Alava), complementando dos tipos de contextos sedimentarios: el yacimiento arqueológico de la catedral de Santa María de Vitoria, y la turbera de Prados de Randulanda en el Condado de Treviño. En conjunto, ambos contextos nos han permitido realizar una lectura diacrónica de la historia de la vegetación y las bases paleoeconómicas del área de estudio entre los siglos VI a XV d.C., tanto a nivel local como regional. La reconstrucción paleoambiental da cuenta de un paisaje antropizado desde el siglo VI, con un elenco arbóreo relativamente rico de quercíneas caducifolias y perennifolias, hayedos, abedules, etc. Ganadería y agricultura parecen ser los factores que delimitan la dinámica antrópica de estos ecosistemas, detectándose desde el siglo VIII, en el entorno de la catedral, el cultivo de trigo, cebada,...
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ABSTRACT Abstract An integrated archaeobotanical study carried out in the medieval village of Gasteiz (Basque Country, Northern Iberian Peninsula) was able to establish a diachronic view of the evolution of the vegetal landscape, the... more
ABSTRACT Abstract An integrated archaeobotanical study carried out in the medieval village of Gasteiz (Basque Country, Northern Iberian Peninsula) was able to establish a diachronic view of the evolution of the vegetal landscape, the plant economy and the forest management in this rural community between the 8th and 12th centuries AD, through the study of seeds, fruits, firewood, pollen, spores and nonpollen palynomorphs. The main results show the presence of an anthropogenic vegetal landscape, shaped by the economic activities of the inhabitants of the village, based on cereal crops, legumes and animal husbandry. Also new data are provided about forest management related to metallurgical activities. Keywords Vegetation dynamics Agriculture Plant economy Woodland exploitation
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The littoral site of Ifri Oudadane is one of the most important recently excavated sites in the Mediterranean Maghreb. The shelter presents Epipalaeolithic and Neolithic layers and therefore offers the possibility to investigate the... more
The littoral site of Ifri Oudadane is one of the most important recently excavated sites in the Mediterranean Maghreb. The shelter presents Epipalaeolithic and Neolithic layers and therefore offers the possibility to investigate the Neolithic transition in the region. Besides introducing the archaeological context, this paper focuses on palaeobotanical data in order to reconstruct Holocene environmental change and human use of plant resources for the period c. 11 to 5.7 ka cal. BP. Results show intense landscape transformations resulting from anthropic and climatic factors. First human occupations start at the beginning of the Holocene with favourable conditions in this otherwise harsh semi-arid stretch of land. A wooded environment with evergreen sclerophyllous oaks and riparian forests is documented and exploited by hunter-gatherers. From c. 7.6 ka cal. BP farming activities are well attested together with significant human impact, herding pressure and a progressive decline of arboreal components. After 6.6 ka cal. BP conditions become less favourable and markers for aridity increase. Riparian taxa disappear (Alnus) or decrease (Fraxinus, Populus, Salix); shrubs (Tamarix) and grasses (Artemisia) increase with a degradation of forest into shrubland (macchia). During 6.6 and 6.0 ka cal. BP there is a general occupation gap in arid and semi-arid Morocco and evidence for that change is also found in the alluvial deposits of the Moulouya, NE Morocco. Indicators for food production decrease at the same time and the site is abandoned during the first half of the 6th millennium cal. BP.
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Abstract This research aims to shed light on the early stages of agricultural development in Northern Africa through the analysis of the rich macro-botanical assemblages obtained from Ifri Oudadane, an Epipalaeolithic-Early Neolithic... more
Abstract
This research aims to shed light on the early stages of agricultural development in Northern Africa through the analysis of the rich macro-botanical assemblages obtained from Ifri Oudadane, an Epipalaeolithic-Early Neolithic site from North-East Morocco. Results indicate the presence of domesticated plants, cereals (Hordeum vulgare, Triticum monococcum/dicoccum, Triticum durum and Triticum aestivum/durum) and pulses (Lens culinaris and Pisum sativum) in the Early Neolithic. One lentil has been dated to 7611 ± 37 cal BP representing the oldest direct date of a domesticated plant seed in Morocco and, by extension, in North Africa. Similarities in both radiocarbon dates and crop assemblages from Early Neolithic sites in Northern Morocco and the Iberian Peninsula suggest a simultaneous East to West maritime spread of agriculture along the shores of the Western Mediterranean. Wild plants were abundantly collected in both the Epipalaeolithic and the Early Neolithic periods pointing to the important role of these resources during the two periods. In addition to fruits and seeds that could have been consumed by both humans and domesticated animals, fragments of esparto grass (Stipa tenacissima) rhizomes have been identified. This is a western Mediterranean native plant that may have been used as a source of fibers for basketry.
This research aims to shed light on the early stages of agricultural development in Northern Africa through the analysis of the rich macro-botanical assemblages obtained from Ifri Oudadane, an Epipalaeolithic-Early Neolithic site from North-East Morocco. Results indicate the presence of domesticated plants, cereals (Hordeum vulgare, Triticum monococcum/dicoccum, Triticum durum and Triticum aestivum/durum) and pulses (Lens culinaris and Pisum sativum) in the Early Neolithic. One lentil has been dated to 7611 ± 37 cal BP representing the oldest direct date of a domesticated plant seed in Morocco and, by extension, in North Africa. Similarities in both radiocarbon dates and crop assemblages from Early Neolithic sites in Northern Morocco and the Iberian Peninsula suggest a simultaneous East to West maritime spread of agriculture along the shores of the Western Mediterranean. Wild plants were abundantly collected in both the Epipalaeolithic and the Early Neolithic periods pointing to the important role of these resources during the two periods. In addition to fruits and seeds that could have been consumed by both humans and domesticated animals, fragments of esparto grass (Stipa tenacissima) rhizomes have been identified. This is a western Mediterranean native plant that may have been used as a source of fibers for basketry.
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This paper presents the results of the first excavation campaign of the Artusia rock shelter in Unzue, Navarre, Spain. Chronocultural and archaeobiological analyses revealed five different occupation phases (Artusia IeV) within the... more
This paper presents the results of the first excavation campaign of the Artusia rock shelter in Unzue, Navarre, Spain. Chronocultural and archaeobiological analyses revealed five different occupation phases (Artusia IeV) within the regional Mesolithic timeline, specifically in the Mesolithic of Notches and Denticulates (Artusia I and II) and the Geometric Mesolithic (Artusia III, IV, and V). In addition, the study of the sedimentological and palaeoenvironmental evolution in the entire record helped to clearly define several climatic events which developed around 6550 cal BCe8500 cal BP and 6250 cal BCe8200 cal BP. Here, we present a description of these events and their (pre)historical interpretation with the aim of recognizing how they influenced the Mesolithic hunteregatherer groups living in the Ebro Basin of the Iberian Peninsula.
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The integration of different disciplines in the study of Taxus baccata indicates the presence of this taxon in SW Europe since the middle Pleistocene. However the bulk of archaeobotanical information comes from the Holocene. Both... more
The integration of different disciplines in the study of Taxus baccata indicates the presence of this taxon in SW Europe since the middle Pleistocene. However the bulk of archaeobotanical information comes from the Holocene. Both Palynological and Anthracological approaches are chronologically and palaeoecologically consistent. Once the yew appears and develops among deciduous forest formation without establishing real plant communities, it is exploited by human groups. According to charcoal data this exploitation starts since the Epipalaeolithic-Mesolithic but it is during the Neolithic when the taxon is largely exploited throughout all the area under study, reaching its highest values during the Chalcolithic and Bronze Age. Historical and ethnographic sources also revealed a continuous exploitation of this tree for multiple purposes. Not only humans have exerted a strong pressure on this tree but the ruminants with their constant grazing have also contributed to the regression of yew to the most inaccessible areas of mountains. The various place names related to yew that have been found over the geography of the studied area, testify the former extension reached by this tree in the past. An enlarged number of yews planted from ancient times besides old churches, cemeteries or in the squares of villages (more than 250 yews only in Asturian territory) witnesses the old cult that has always been given to this tree ruling for centuries the destiny of the living and honoring the memory of the dead .
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Wood charcoal retrieved from archaeological contexts dated ca. 700-1200 AD in Vitoria-Gasteiz (Northern Iberia) suggests that Quercus subg. Quercus, Fagus sylvatica and Rosaceae where the main fuels used in domestic activities. The use of... more
Wood charcoal retrieved from archaeological contexts dated ca. 700-1200 AD in Vitoria-Gasteiz (Northern Iberia) suggests that Quercus subg. Quercus, Fagus sylvatica and Rosaceae where the main fuels used in domestic activities. The use of Fagus increases through time and Prunus and Pomoideae are very important in contexts related to metallurgy.