- Archaeology, Prehistoric Archaeology, History of wine, Archeobotany, Food Engineering, Crop Processing and Storage, and 8 morePost Harvest Technology, Neem Tree and Its Derivatives, Landscape Archaeology, Archaeological Method & Theory, Neolithic Archaeology, Behavioral Ecology, Roman History, and Protohistoric Iberian Peninsulaedit
The second preliminary report of the S’Urachi Project (San Vero Milis, OR) presents the main results of three years of archaeological research (2016-18) in a range of areas around the Nuragic complex that were occupied between the Iron... more
The second preliminary report of the S’Urachi Project (San Vero Milis, OR) presents the main results of three years of archaeological research (2016-18) in a range of areas around the Nuragic complex that were occupied between the Iron Age and the Roman period. It offers careful descriptions of the situations and contexts brought to light in two large open areas and four stratigraphic test trenches, and describes new evidence acquired through study and classification of the ceramic, faunal and botanical finds recovered during the excavations. The resulting insights throw significant new light on everyday life across the first millennium BCE.
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La lectura conjunta de distintos elementos permite plantear la existencia de diferentes sistemas de explotación de la tierra en los 4.500 años analizados. El registro carpológico está marcando diferencias territoriales, pero los cambios... more
La lectura conjunta de distintos elementos permite plantear la existencia de diferentes sistemas de explotación de la tierra en los 4.500 años analizados. El registro carpológico está marcando diferencias territoriales, pero los cambios parecen afectar fundamentalmente a la diversidad de los cereales cultivados en cada uno de los momentos. Es esta evolución la que permiote plantear una hipótesis sobre dos formas de trabajar la tierra: un sistema intensivo u hortícola y un sistema extensivo o de arado.
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Se presentan los resultados de la excavación arqueológica de urgencia efectuada en el Mas de Fabra, un asentamiento de los siglos VII-VI ANE localizado durante las obras de construcción de la variante de la carretera nacional N-340 entre... more
Se presentan los resultados de la excavación arqueológica de urgencia efectuada en el Mas de Fabra, un asentamiento
de los siglos VII-VI ANE localizado durante las obras de construcción de la variante de la carretera nacional N-340
entre las poblaciones de Benicarló y Vinaròs. Una de sus principales características es la de situarse en llano, entre el
poblado ibérico del Puig de la Nau y la costa, lo que otorga al yacimiento un interés especial en tanto se trata de un patrón
de asentamiento no identificado hasta el momento en la zona.
de los siglos VII-VI ANE localizado durante las obras de construcción de la variante de la carretera nacional N-340
entre las poblaciones de Benicarló y Vinaròs. Una de sus principales características es la de situarse en llano, entre el
poblado ibérico del Puig de la Nau y la costa, lo que otorga al yacimiento un interés especial en tanto se trata de un patrón
de asentamiento no identificado hasta el momento en la zona.
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""A MEDITERRANEAN PERSPECTIVE OF THE NEOLITHIZATION PROCESS. THE CAVE OF NERJA IN THE CONTEXT OF ANDALUSIA (SPAIN) Abstract: This paper offers an overview for the Early Neolithic of the southern coast of Andalusia (Spain). Analyses of... more
""A MEDITERRANEAN PERSPECTIVE OF THE NEOLITHIZATION PROCESS. THE CAVE OF NERJA IN THE CONTEXT OF ANDALUSIA (SPAIN)
Abstract:
This paper offers an overview for the Early Neolithic of the southern coast of Andalusia (Spain). Analyses of materials recovered during the 1979-87 excavations in Nerja cave by professor Francisco Jordá Cerdá, including new radiocarbon dates on domestic taxa, allow us to examine the Mesolithic-Neolithic transition. Paleoenvironmental and paleoeconomic data (stratigraphy and bioarcheological data) combined with archaeological data (ornaments, bone tools, lithics, and ceramics were analysed) to provide a regional perspective on the neolithisation of the western Mediterranean. There is an apparent 500-year gap between occupations by the last coastal foragers and the earliest Neolithic farmers, and no evidence is found to suggest a local Neolithization. Our approach assumes a diffusion process of the Neolithic.
Resumen:
Este trabajo ofrece un balance sobre la neolitización de las costa meridional de Andalucía (España). El estudio de los materiales recuperados en las excavaciones dirigidas por el profesor Francisco Jordá Cerdá entre 1979-87 en la cueva de Nerja y la obtención de nuevas dataciones radiométricas sobre especies domésticas permiten una valoración sobre la transición Mesolítico-Neolítico. Los datos paleoambientales y paleoeconómicos (estratigrafía y bioarqueología) y arqueológicos (producciones líticas, óseas, adornos y cerámica) son valorados a la hora de plantear un análisis sobre la expansión del Neolítico con una perspectiva mediterránea. Los resultados indican que existe un vacío de datos de 500 años entre los últimos cazadores mesolíticos y los primeros agricultores y que nada indica que el Neolítico fuera un proceso local. Nuestra perspectiva asume un proceso de difusión del Neolítico.""
Abstract:
This paper offers an overview for the Early Neolithic of the southern coast of Andalusia (Spain). Analyses of materials recovered during the 1979-87 excavations in Nerja cave by professor Francisco Jordá Cerdá, including new radiocarbon dates on domestic taxa, allow us to examine the Mesolithic-Neolithic transition. Paleoenvironmental and paleoeconomic data (stratigraphy and bioarcheological data) combined with archaeological data (ornaments, bone tools, lithics, and ceramics were analysed) to provide a regional perspective on the neolithisation of the western Mediterranean. There is an apparent 500-year gap between occupations by the last coastal foragers and the earliest Neolithic farmers, and no evidence is found to suggest a local Neolithization. Our approach assumes a diffusion process of the Neolithic.
Resumen:
Este trabajo ofrece un balance sobre la neolitización de las costa meridional de Andalucía (España). El estudio de los materiales recuperados en las excavaciones dirigidas por el profesor Francisco Jordá Cerdá entre 1979-87 en la cueva de Nerja y la obtención de nuevas dataciones radiométricas sobre especies domésticas permiten una valoración sobre la transición Mesolítico-Neolítico. Los datos paleoambientales y paleoeconómicos (estratigrafía y bioarqueología) y arqueológicos (producciones líticas, óseas, adornos y cerámica) son valorados a la hora de plantear un análisis sobre la expansión del Neolítico con una perspectiva mediterránea. Los resultados indican que existe un vacío de datos de 500 años entre los últimos cazadores mesolíticos y los primeros agricultores y que nada indica que el Neolítico fuera un proceso local. Nuestra perspectiva asume un proceso de difusión del Neolítico.""
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Climate conditions during the early Holocene may have contributed to the spread of Old World agriculture from its area of birth, in the Fertile Crescent (Near East), west through the Mediterranean Basin. Reconstructing the specific... more
Climate conditions during the early Holocene may have contributed to the spread of Old World agriculture from its area of birth, in the Fertile Crescent (Near East), west through the Mediterranean Basin. Reconstructing the specific environmental conditions existing in early agricultural settlements of the western Mediterranean may help to elucidate this point. The aim of this work was to gain information on past climate of one of the earliest agricultural settlements of the Iberian Peninsula, La Draga, a lacustrine site dating back to the 2nd half of the 8th millennium BP, in which post fragments of deciduous oak have been exceptionally well preserved in an anaerobic environment (sub-fossil wood). We studied the relationship between climate factors and carbon isotope discrimination (Δ13C) and oxygen isotope composition (δ18O) in wood α-cellulose from modern tree-ring series of Quercus humilis Mill. and Quercus petraea (Matt) Liebl. recovered from the area. Climatic responses observed in extant material were used to interpret the isotopic signal of wood α-cellulose extracted from sub-fossil wood. Results showed that water availability of late spring, early summer and September influences Δ13C and δ18O, which allows their use as proxies for palaeoclimatic reconstruction. Differences between sub-fossil and extant samples in Δ13C (19.35 vs. 18.02‰) and δ18O (26.32 vs. 29.28‰) records suggest slightly lower temperatures and higher plant water availability than at present during the establishment of agriculture at the site. These results seem to disprove the existence of an environmental limitation preventing continuation of hunting and gathering activities as a cause for the adoption of agriculture in this early agricultural site on the Iberian Peninsula.
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Las evidencias arqueológicas datan la expansión del cultivo de la vid en el territorio de Kelin durante los siglos V-III a. C., aunque los primeros indicios se fechan ya en el siglo VII a. C. Una de las singularidades de este territorio... more
Las evidencias arqueológicas datan la expansión del cultivo de la vid en el territorio de Kelin durante los siglos V-III a. C., aunque los primeros indicios se fechan ya en el siglo VII a. C. Una de las singularidades de este territorio es la existencia de estructuras de piedra al aire libre para la producción de vino y aceite. Todas ellas se localizan en una zona concreta del territorio (Ramblas de la Alcantarilla y de los Morenos) (Requena, Valencia) y aparecen asociadas a materiales arqueológicos que permiten datarlas como ibéricas. En este artículo abordamos cómo se organiza el poblamiento en la rambla de la Alcantarilla y presentamos en detalle los yacimientos de la Rambla de la Alcantarilla y Solana de Cantos 2.
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ABSTRACT This work is a synthesis of the history of the earliest phases of Torreparedones history which expand from the beginning of first documented occupation, towards the end of the fourth millennium BC, until development of the... more
ABSTRACT This work is a synthesis of the history of the earliest phases of Torreparedones history which expand from the beginning of first documented occupation, towards the end of the fourth millennium BC, until development of the turdetani oppidum. Therefore we present the results obtained from the trial pit 3, carried out in the central area of settlement during the summer of 2012. These are compared to the sequences obtained during excavations performed between 1987 and 1992 in other areas of this settlement, inhabited although with some interruptions, for over five thousand years. KEY WORDS: Copper Age, Late Bronze Age, Cordovan Campiña.
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This paper focuses on the new macro-botanical evidence of SouthWestern Asian cultivated plants from northern Moroccan Neolithic sites. Due to the reduced presence of plant remains from previous excavations in the region, archaeological... more
This paper focuses on the new macro-botanical evidence of SouthWestern Asian cultivated plants from northern Moroccan Neolithic sites. Due to the reduced presence of plant remains from previous excavations in the region, archaeological evidence of agriculture is rare and the arrival of domesticated plants and the role of farming in the Early Neolithic of North Africa are still poorly understood. Here we present results of the analysis carried out in three sites recently excavated: Kaf Taht el-Ghar, Khil, and Ifri Oudadane. Charred seeds of domesticated cereals (Triticum dicoccum, Triticum monococcum/dicoccum, Triticum durum, Triticum aestivum/durum, Hordeum vulgare, Hordeum vulgare var. nudum) and pulses (Lens culinaris, Pisum sativum, Vicia faba) have been recorded in all sites analyzed. Radiocarbon dating of crop seeds indicates that farming, along animal herding and pottery, was most probably introduced in the region at the interval between 5500 and 5000 cal. BC. Absence of evidence for Neolithic farming in other regions of NorthWestern Africa suggests that the first crops arrived into Morocco through a maritime route, more likely from the Central or Northern Mediterranean shores. Similarities in both radiocarbon dates and crop assemblages from early Neolithic sites in Northern Morocco and the south of the Iberian Peninsula point to an almost simultaneous East to West maritime spread of agriculture along both shores of the Western Mediterranean.
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This paper offers an overview for the Early Neolithic of the southern coast of Andalusia (Spain). Analyses of materials recovered during the 1979-87 excavations in Nerja cave by professor Francisco Jordá Cerdá, including new radiocarbon... more
This paper offers an overview for the Early Neolithic of the southern coast of Andalusia (Spain). Analyses
of materials recovered during the 1979-87 excavations in Nerja cave by professor Francisco Jordá Cerdá,
including new radiocarbon dates on domestic taxa, allow us to examine the Mesolithic-Neolithic transition.
Paleoenvironmental and paleoeconomic data (stratigraphy and bioarcheological data) combined with
archaeological data (ornaments, bone tools, lithics, and ceramics were analysed) to provide a regional
perspective on the neolithisation of the western Mediterranean. There is an apparent 500-year gap between occupations by the last coastal foragers and the earliest Neolithic farmers, and no evidence is found to suggest a local Neolithization. Our approach assumes a diffusion process of the Neolithic.
of materials recovered during the 1979-87 excavations in Nerja cave by professor Francisco Jordá Cerdá,
including new radiocarbon dates on domestic taxa, allow us to examine the Mesolithic-Neolithic transition.
Paleoenvironmental and paleoeconomic data (stratigraphy and bioarcheological data) combined with
archaeological data (ornaments, bone tools, lithics, and ceramics were analysed) to provide a regional
perspective on the neolithisation of the western Mediterranean. There is an apparent 500-year gap between occupations by the last coastal foragers and the earliest Neolithic farmers, and no evidence is found to suggest a local Neolithization. Our approach assumes a diffusion process of the Neolithic.
Research Interests:
En este trabajo se dan a conocer los resultados de las excavaciones llevadas a cabo en la Puerta Oeste de la Bastida de les Alcusses entre los años 2010 y 2011. Asociado a una renovación de las estructuras de la entrada y la muralla, se... more
En este trabajo se dan a conocer los resultados de
las excavaciones llevadas a cabo en la Puerta Oeste de
la Bastida de les Alcusses entre los años 2010 y 2011.
Asociado a una renovación de las estructuras de la entrada
y la muralla, se documentó un depósito de varios centenares
de objetos incluyendo herrajes, maderas, armas,
cerámica, semillas, frutos, fauna y restos constructivos.
Presentamos el estudio multidisciplinar de todos los materiales
y las varias líneas de interpretación que nos sugiere
este extraordinario contexto.
In this paper we present the results of the excavations
carried out during 2010 and 2011 in the West Gate of the Iberian oppidum of la Bastida de les Alcusses. A ritual
deposit of hundreds of items, including iron objects,
charcoal, weapons, pottery, seeds, faunal remains and
mud bricks, was recovered. After undertaking the study
of all the materials, we offer several avenues of research
that this extraordinary context suggests.
las excavaciones llevadas a cabo en la Puerta Oeste de
la Bastida de les Alcusses entre los años 2010 y 2011.
Asociado a una renovación de las estructuras de la entrada
y la muralla, se documentó un depósito de varios centenares
de objetos incluyendo herrajes, maderas, armas,
cerámica, semillas, frutos, fauna y restos constructivos.
Presentamos el estudio multidisciplinar de todos los materiales
y las varias líneas de interpretación que nos sugiere
este extraordinario contexto.
In this paper we present the results of the excavations
carried out during 2010 and 2011 in the West Gate of the Iberian oppidum of la Bastida de les Alcusses. A ritual
deposit of hundreds of items, including iron objects,
charcoal, weapons, pottery, seeds, faunal remains and
mud bricks, was recovered. After undertaking the study
of all the materials, we offer several avenues of research
that this extraordinary context suggests.
Research Interests: Iberian Studies, Iron Age Iberian Peninsula (Archaeology), Iberian Prehistory (Archaeology), Archaeology of the Iberian Peninsula, Archaeology of Ritual and Magic, and 4 moreArchaeology of Ritual, Protohistoric Iberian Peninsula, Ancient Weapons and Warfare, and Archaeology Iberian Prehistory Iron Age
The spread of agriculture in the Iberian Peninsula is documented from at least ca. 5600–5500BC, although botanical data are absent or very limited for large areas. Archaeobotanical information shows from the beginning an imported agrarian... more
The spread of agriculture in the Iberian Peninsula is documented from at least ca. 5600–5500BC, although botanical data are absent or very limited for large areas. Archaeobotanical information shows from the beginning an imported agrarian system with a great diversity of crops: hulled and naked wheats and barleys, legumes such as pea, lentil, fava bean, vetches and grass peas, flax and poppy. This diversity of plants with different requirements, processing and uses, implies that the first farmers quickly imported or acquired a wide range of agrarian knowledge. Regional and inter-site agrarian differences are discussed in relation to factors like ecology, culture, use of the cultivated plants and management of the risk of crop failure. The adoption of farming resulted in significant ecological, economic, dietary, and social changes for the Neolithic people of Iberia.
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Difusión de la agricultura en la Península Ibérica Lydia Zapata PeñaA Leonor Peña-Chocarro" Guillem Pérez Jordác Hans-Peter Stika" Resumen La difusión de la agricultura en la Península Ibe'rica se registra desde al menos c.... more
Difusión de la agricultura en la Península Ibérica Lydia Zapata PeñaA Leonor Peña-Chocarro" Guillem Pérez Jordác Hans-Peter Stika" Resumen La difusión de la agricultura en la Península Ibe'rica se registra desde al menos c. 5500-5200 cal BC aunque la ...
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"This paper presents preliminary information on the excavation of El Khil Caves (Achakar, Tanger, Morocco)carried out in September 2011. The aim was to obtain detailed data on the first farming communities in the northern part of Morocco.... more
"This paper presents preliminary information on the excavation of El Khil Caves (Achakar, Tanger, Morocco)carried out in September 2011. The aim was to obtain detailed data on the first farming communities in the northern part of Morocco. Two test pits were dug in Grotte B and Grotte C and bioarchaeological samples (both archaeobotanical and zooarchaeological) were taken with the aim of reconstructing the subsistence system of these communities and the origins of farming. In addition, geoarchaeological sampling was also carried out which will allow reconstructing the palaeoenvironmental history of the region."
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This paper presents ethnographic, historic and archaeological data from the western Mediterranean in order to explore the variability of storage methods and the various strategies that may have existed in the past in this region. The... more
This paper presents ethnographic, historic and archaeological data from the western Mediterranean in order to explore the variability of storage methods and the various strategies that may have existed in the past in this region. The paper includes ethnographic information on traditional storage methods collected in farming communities in northern Morocco (Rif area). We record the use of plant fibres such as canes (Arundo
donax), dwarf palm (Chamaerops humilis), esparto grass (Stipa tenacissima) and dis (Ampelodesmos mauritanica) to make containers. Recipients made of cow dung and unfired clay, as well as underground silos, have been also used in this region to store food. In addition, we explore historical and ethnohistorical data on the use of large storage structures, including the study of communal granaries, a particular type of granary located at inaccessible places, such as cliff faces or mountain tops, or within fortified buildings, from which arvests can be easily protected and defended. We also examine the archaeological evidence of storage strategies in the Iberian Peninsula during prehistoric times. The paper informs of the large variety of systems and materials used, the functioning of storage structures, and more generally, provides a framework for reflecting on the enormous diversity of solutions that could have existed in the past and that may have left little or none archeological traces.
donax), dwarf palm (Chamaerops humilis), esparto grass (Stipa tenacissima) and dis (Ampelodesmos mauritanica) to make containers. Recipients made of cow dung and unfired clay, as well as underground silos, have been also used in this region to store food. In addition, we explore historical and ethnohistorical data on the use of large storage structures, including the study of communal granaries, a particular type of granary located at inaccessible places, such as cliff faces or mountain tops, or within fortified buildings, from which arvests can be easily protected and defended. We also examine the archaeological evidence of storage strategies in the Iberian Peninsula during prehistoric times. The paper informs of the large variety of systems and materials used, the functioning of storage structures, and more generally, provides a framework for reflecting on the enormous diversity of solutions that could have existed in the past and that may have left little or none archeological traces.
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Aim This study intends to improve our understanding of historical biogeography of olive domestication in the Mediterranean Basin, particularly in the north- western area. Location Investigations were performed simultaneously on olive... more
Aim This study intends to improve our understanding of historical biogeography of olive domestication in the Mediterranean Basin, particularly in the north- western area. Location Investigations were performed simultaneously on olive stones from extant wild populations, extant cultivated varieties from various Mediterranean countries, and archaeological assemblages of Spanish, French and Italian settlements. Methods A combination of morphometrics (traditional and geometrical)
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Se presentan los resultados del estudio tipológico y de las técnicas decorativas de las cerámicas de la Cova de l’Or de los fondos del Museu d’Alcoi. Éstos ratifican la importancia de la cerámica impresa cardial desde el primer horizonte... more
Se presentan los resultados del estudio tipológico y de las técnicas decorativas de las cerámicas de la Cova de l’Or de los fondos del Museu d’Alcoi. Éstos ratifican la importancia de la cerámica impresa cardial desde el primer horizonte de ocupación de la cueva. El contexto local y regional en el que queda integrada nos ha llevado a plantear la existencia de diferentes comunidades cardiales que ocupan territorios concretos.
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"Resumen. Se presenta una propuesta de clasificación tipológica para las cerámicas realizadas a mano del País Valencià. Puesto que ya se ha demostrado válida para colecciones neolíticas y calcolíticas, en este trabajo se aplica a vajillas... more
"Resumen. Se presenta una propuesta de clasificación tipológica para las cerámicas realizadas a mano del País Valencià. Puesto que ya se ha demostrado válida para colecciones neolíticas y calcolíticas, en este trabajo se aplica a vajillas del Bronce final. La revisión de diferentes conjuntos ubicados al norte y al sur del río Vinalopó, y la realización de dataciones radiocarbónicas, nos han permitido establecer una periodización de estos conjuntos.
Palabras Clave. Cerámica, tipología, Bronce final, Vinalopó, dataciones radiocarbónicas
Abstract. This paper includes a proposal for the typological classification of handmade pottery from the Valencian Country. As its validity to classify Neolithic and Chalcolithic assemblages has been already proven, this paper focuses on Late Bronze Age ware. The review of different sites located north and south of the Vinalopó river, and several radiocarbon dates, have been used to propose a chronological sequence for these sites.
Key words. Pottery, typology, Late Bronze Age, Vinalopó, Radiocarbon dating
"
Palabras Clave. Cerámica, tipología, Bronce final, Vinalopó, dataciones radiocarbónicas
Abstract. This paper includes a proposal for the typological classification of handmade pottery from the Valencian Country. As its validity to classify Neolithic and Chalcolithic assemblages has been already proven, this paper focuses on Late Bronze Age ware. The review of different sites located north and south of the Vinalopó river, and several radiocarbon dates, have been used to propose a chronological sequence for these sites.
Key words. Pottery, typology, Late Bronze Age, Vinalopó, Radiocarbon dating
"
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During the archaeological survey carried out in the so-called Southern Access to Gandia a number of Late Bronze Age finds were recorded. Because they fall within the protection perimeter of the settlement of La Vital a project of... more
During the archaeological survey carried out in the so-called Southern Access to Gandia a number of Late Bronze Age finds were recorded. Because they fall within the protection perimeter of the settlement of La Vital a project of excavation was undertaken. The structures correspond to a settlement inhabited during the Late Bronze Age. In this paper we present the results of the excavation and the materials recovered. Also, we integrate this information within the historical developments during this period in eastern Iberia.
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Τhe construction of the wind park La Solana (Ayora) led to a series of archaeological soundings at Cueva de la Diabla. These works uncovered a prehistoric occupation layer dated to the Bell Beaker-Early Bronze Age periods. The study of... more
Τhe construction of the wind park La Solana (Ayora) led to a series of archaeological soundings at Cueva de la Diabla. These works uncovered a prehistoric occupation layer dated to the Bell Beaker-Early Bronze Age periods. The study of the recovered materials suggests that the occupation of the cave was seasonal. No evidence of human burials has been documented. Wild animal hunting was taking place in an environment with hardly any signs of anthropization.
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During the last years different research projects are allowing us to study the earliest farming evidences in the Iberian Peninsula and Northern Morocco. The analyses of plant macroremains and use wear of lithic tools, in relation to the... more
During the last years different research projects are allowing us to study the earliest farming evidences in the Iberian Peninsula
and Northern Morocco. The analyses of plant macroremains and use wear of lithic tools, in relation to the chronology of the sites, are the subjects we deal with in this paper. When the number of studied sites increases in the near future the analyses will allow us to address the origin of the Neolithic in the Western Mediterranean.
and Northern Morocco. The analyses of plant macroremains and use wear of lithic tools, in relation to the chronology of the sites, are the subjects we deal with in this paper. When the number of studied sites increases in the near future the analyses will allow us to address the origin of the Neolithic in the Western Mediterranean.
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This paper presents the preliminary results of the excavation of the Valmayor xi rock shelter, in the context of the research project ‘The pathways of the Neolithic’. Through the analysis of the radiocarbon dates and a detailed... more
This paper presents the preliminary results of the excavation of the Valmayor xi rock shelter, in
the context of the research project ‘The pathways of the Neolithic’. Through the analysis of the radiocarbon dates
and a detailed stratigraphic interpretation three occupations have been established with chronologies within
different periods of the vith millennium cal bc. A general description of the archaeological events documented
in each phase, and of most of the recovered material –pottery, lithic artefacts, bone industry and ornaments,
faunal and carpological remains– is offered. Moreover, in the light of the new dates presented, a review of the
Neolithisation process in the Lower Aragón region, and also in the Ebro valley, is proposed. Also the identification
of archaeological sites as Neolithic ones only on the basis of the presence of some elements considered
as ‘Neolithic markers’, without any consideration of the subsistence strategies or territorial exploitation, is
questioned.
the context of the research project ‘The pathways of the Neolithic’. Through the analysis of the radiocarbon dates
and a detailed stratigraphic interpretation three occupations have been established with chronologies within
different periods of the vith millennium cal bc. A general description of the archaeological events documented
in each phase, and of most of the recovered material –pottery, lithic artefacts, bone industry and ornaments,
faunal and carpological remains– is offered. Moreover, in the light of the new dates presented, a review of the
Neolithisation process in the Lower Aragón region, and also in the Ebro valley, is proposed. Also the identification
of archaeological sites as Neolithic ones only on the basis of the presence of some elements considered
as ‘Neolithic markers’, without any consideration of the subsistence strategies or territorial exploitation, is
questioned.
Research Interests:
El propósito principal de este artículo reside en la descripción e interpretación del registro arqueológico correspondiente al Neolítico final y al Horizonte Campaniforme documentado en los yacimientos de Quintaret (Montesa, Valencia) y... more
El propósito principal de este artículo reside en la descripción e interpretación del registro arqueológico correspondiente al Neolítico final y al Horizonte Campaniforme documentado en los yacimientos de Quintaret (Montesa, Valencia) y Corcot (l’Alcúdia de Crespins, Valencia). Las estructuras aquí reconocidas corresponden a fosas y silos, de cuyo relleno procede un interesante conjunto de materiales. Las dataciones radiométricas obtenidas sitúan el desarrollo de los yacimientos al menos entre el último siglo del IV milenio y los siglos centrales del III milenio cal AC. Cabe destacar la recuperación de varios vasos campaniformes de estilo regional en la estructura Q138 de Quintaret, así como la documentación en otras estructuras de un elevado número de restos de la fábrica de perlas de collar sobre lignito y caliza, que evidencian la existencia en el lugar de áreas de actividad relacionadas con estas artesanías.
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Precipitation has been of utmost importance in shaping the evolution of landscapes and human settlements in the Mediterranean. However, information on seasonal precipitation patterns through the Holocene is scarce. This study attempts to... more
Precipitation has been of utmost importance in shaping the evolution of landscapes and human settlements in the Mediterranean. However, information on seasonal precipitation patterns through the Holocene is scarce. This study attempts to quantify the evolution of seasonal precipitation in the East Iberian Peninsula (5000 BC
to AD 600) based on the carbon isotope composition (d13C) of archaeobotanical remains. Data on Holm oak, Aleppo
pine and small-grain cereals were combined, and precipitation was inferred from models relating present-day records to the d13C of modern samples. Subsequently, charred grains were used as a proxy for ancient moisture during April–May, whereas oak and pine charcoals provided complementary rainfall estimates for September–December and January–August, respectively. The results reveal aridity changes throughout the Holocene in the western Mediterranean.
Past spring–summer precipitation was consistently higher than at present. In contrast, autumn and early winter
precipitation showed stronger fluctuations, particularly during the first millennium BC, and often exhibited values
below those of the present. The high contribution of autumn precipitation to the annual water budget, typical of the
present Mediterranean climate, was definitively established at the beginning of the current era. This study shows how a
combination of species holding complementary environmental signals can contribute to a wider knowledge of local precipitation dynamics.
to AD 600) based on the carbon isotope composition (d13C) of archaeobotanical remains. Data on Holm oak, Aleppo
pine and small-grain cereals were combined, and precipitation was inferred from models relating present-day records to the d13C of modern samples. Subsequently, charred grains were used as a proxy for ancient moisture during April–May, whereas oak and pine charcoals provided complementary rainfall estimates for September–December and January–August, respectively. The results reveal aridity changes throughout the Holocene in the western Mediterranean.
Past spring–summer precipitation was consistently higher than at present. In contrast, autumn and early winter
precipitation showed stronger fluctuations, particularly during the first millennium BC, and often exhibited values
below those of the present. The high contribution of autumn precipitation to the annual water budget, typical of the
present Mediterranean climate, was definitively established at the beginning of the current era. This study shows how a
combination of species holding complementary environmental signals can contribute to a wider knowledge of local precipitation dynamics.
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
We present resuluts of excavations in the Cova d'En Pardo (Planes, Alicante, specificall the levels VIII and VIIIb. The development of a multidisciplinary project has alloed characterize the occupation of a small cavity by first farming... more
We present resuluts of excavations in the Cova d'En Pardo (Planes, Alicante, specificall the levels VIII and VIIIb. The development of a multidisciplinary project has alloed characterize the occupation of a small cavity by first farming communities associated wiht neilithization process of the Levant of Iberian Peninsula
Research Interests:
This paper explores the exploitation of plant resources during the Epipalaeolithic and the Neolithic in southern Iberia and northern Morocco. The archaeobotanical record allows outlining the range of wild species used and characterizing... more
This paper explores the exploitation of plant resources during the Epipalaeolithic and the Neolithic in southern Iberia and northern Morocco. The archaeobotanical record allows outlining the range of wild species used and characterizing the first evidences of farming during the second half of the 6th mil. cal BC. Amongst the first crops, cereals, legumes and most probably flax had a preeminent role. The probable domestication of poppy in this area is addressed. New data from the caves of Nerja (Málaga), Los Murciélagos de Zuheros (Córdoba) and Los Mármoles (Córdoba) are discussed.
Research Interests: Archaeology, Prehistoric Archaeology, Archaeobotany, Landscape Archaeology, Mediterranean prehistory, and 20 moreMesolithic/Epipalaeolithic Archaeology, Neolithic Archaeology, Plant domestication (Prehistoric Archaeology), Iberian Prehistory (Archaeology), Prehistoric Archaeobotany, Neolithic Europe, Eurasian Prehistory, Ancient Agriculture & Farming (Archaeology), North African prehistory (Archaeology), Neolithic, Vegetation History and Archaeobotany, African Archaeology, palaeoecology, palynology, Quaternary, archaeobotany, Andalusia, Prehistoria, Archaeobotanical analysis, Ancient Agriculture, Hunter-gatherer archaeobotany, Archaeobotany, Pollen Analysis, Palaeoecology, and Archaeology and Archaeobotany
Carbon isotope composition (δ13C) in tree-rings has become routinely used in palaeoclimatic research for the assessment of changes in plant water availability in seasonally dry climates. However, the distribution of long tree-ring... more
Carbon isotope composition (δ13C) in tree-rings has become routinely used in palaeoclimatic research for the
assessment of changes in plant water availability in seasonally dry climates. However, the distribution of long
tree-ring records around the world is very limited. Alternatively, the original climate signal of wood δ13C is
well preserved in fossil charcoal and, accordingly, charcoal δ13C can be used to quantify past changes in water
availability (e.g. precipitation).We report a case study on spatial palaeoclimate reconstruction which aims to
characterize the transition between Bronze and Iron Ages, the so-called Iron Age Cold Epoch (ca. 900–
300 BCE), using charcoals of Quercus ilex/coccifera from a set of 11 contemporary archaeological sites of
eastern Spain. Climatic inferences were obtained after calibrating a linear model predicting seasonal
precipitation from δ13C of Q. ilex wood samples obtained across a rainfall gradient. The best regression model
corresponded to September–December (autumn) precipitation (Paut), in agreement with the fact that Q. ilex
is able to exploit previous-year water reserves thanks to very effective water uptake. Subsequently, we
estimated Paut from the δ13C of fossil charcoal to infer spatial patterns in water availability. Overall, estimated
past Paut was about 19% higher (296 mm) than present-time values averaged across archaeological sites
(249 mm). However, a clear geographic pattern of differences in precipitation could be observed in which the
inner continental regions of eastern Spain were characterized by more humid conditions in the past, whereas
the coastal strip of the Mediterranean Sea barely differed in past and present Paut values. The quite uniform
distribution of archaeological sites over eastern Spain allowed development of contour maps of absolute and
relative (to present) past Paut using gridded interpolation methods implemented in a GIS, highlighting the
potential of this approach for reconstructing high-resolution spatial patterns of past climate.
assessment of changes in plant water availability in seasonally dry climates. However, the distribution of long
tree-ring records around the world is very limited. Alternatively, the original climate signal of wood δ13C is
well preserved in fossil charcoal and, accordingly, charcoal δ13C can be used to quantify past changes in water
availability (e.g. precipitation).We report a case study on spatial palaeoclimate reconstruction which aims to
characterize the transition between Bronze and Iron Ages, the so-called Iron Age Cold Epoch (ca. 900–
300 BCE), using charcoals of Quercus ilex/coccifera from a set of 11 contemporary archaeological sites of
eastern Spain. Climatic inferences were obtained after calibrating a linear model predicting seasonal
precipitation from δ13C of Q. ilex wood samples obtained across a rainfall gradient. The best regression model
corresponded to September–December (autumn) precipitation (Paut), in agreement with the fact that Q. ilex
is able to exploit previous-year water reserves thanks to very effective water uptake. Subsequently, we
estimated Paut from the δ13C of fossil charcoal to infer spatial patterns in water availability. Overall, estimated
past Paut was about 19% higher (296 mm) than present-time values averaged across archaeological sites
(249 mm). However, a clear geographic pattern of differences in precipitation could be observed in which the
inner continental regions of eastern Spain were characterized by more humid conditions in the past, whereas
the coastal strip of the Mediterranean Sea barely differed in past and present Paut values. The quite uniform
distribution of archaeological sites over eastern Spain allowed development of contour maps of absolute and
relative (to present) past Paut using gridded interpolation methods implemented in a GIS, highlighting the
potential of this approach for reconstructing high-resolution spatial patterns of past climate.
Research Interests:
In this paper we present the results related to the excavation works conducted in Late Neolithic and Bell Beaker sites of Quintaret (Montesa, Valencia) and Corcot (l’Alcúdia de Crespins, Valencia), both in the middle valley of Canyoles... more
In this paper we present the results related to the excavation works conducted in Late Neolithic and Bell Beaker sites of Quintaret (Montesa, Valencia) and Corcot (l’Alcúdia de Crespins, Valencia), both in the middle valley of Canyoles river. The sites, neighboring each other, offer a quite different volume of information (Quintaret: 51 structures; Corcot: 4 structures). 14C dates allow us to define the occupation of this area of the valley along the first half of the III millennium cal BC. The presence of bell beaker ceramic in archaeological record of Quintaret is limited to just one structure (Q138), where at least 7 different vessels have been identified. Other prominent point of the record is the identification of remains related with the production of stone beads. The whole sequence of production is represented, and also some tools used in the process have been recovered, putting in evidence the existence of some workshop areas.
Research Interests:
Se presentan los resultados de las excavaciones arqueológicas realizadas en el yacimiento arqueológico de época romana de Faldetes, ubicado junto a una calzada romana identificada como la vía Augusta y un camíno de época ibérica.
Research Interests:
The building La Mata, in the region of La Serena (Campanario, Badajoz) is dated to the VI-Vth century b.C. The excavation has allowed us to distinguish three large areas with different functions: an area of room, an area of storage and... more
The building La Mata, in the region of La Serena (Campanario, Badajoz) is dated to the VI-Vth century b.C. The excavation has allowed us to distinguish three large areas with different functions: an area of room, an area of storage and the third one is dedicated to the the processing of food and consumption. The defined elements of the last area are essentially several structures related to cooking practices (firesides and ovens) and with processing (mills and knives). Joined them it is documented an extensive ceramic list showing typical forms of use in the kitchen and in the table are recorded as well; and, finally, a whole of bioarchaeological remains confirm these activities.
Se presentan los resultados de las excavaciones llevadas a cabo en la Cova d’En Pardo (Planes, Alicante), concretamente los niveles VIII y VIIIb. El desarrollo de un proyecto multidisciplinar ha permitido caracterizar la ocupación de una... more
Se presentan los resultados de las excavaciones llevadas a cabo en la Cova d’En Pardo (Planes, Alicante), concretamente los niveles VIII y VIIIb. El desarrollo de un proyecto multidisciplinar ha permitido caracterizar la ocupación de una pequeña cavidad por parte de las primeras comunidades campesinas asociadas al inicio del proceso de neolitización del levante de la península Ibérica.
La historia de las zonas de montaña en nuestro Pirineo no empezó con el termalismo, a principios del siglo XX, ni se corresponde solo con las anotaciones de las primeras ascensiones a sus cimas o los relatos de los grandes rebaños... more
La historia de las zonas de montaña en nuestro Pirineo
no empezó con el termalismo, a principios del siglo XX,
ni se corresponde solo con las anotaciones de las primeras
ascensiones a sus cimas o los relatos de los
grandes rebaños recorriendo las cabañeras arriba y
abajo: es más bien la historia de las personas que las
poblaron. Pero estas zonas altas han sido muy poco exploradas
en busca de vestigios arqueológicos, más allá
de manifestaciones puntuales como castillos e iglesias
medievales, y particularmente Sobrarbe. En los últimos
diez años, no obstante, se han realizado en la comarca
nuevas excavaciones y prospecciones arqueológicas
cuyos resultados intenta compilar este libro, a partir
de los trabajos presentados en 2013 en las jornadas
Sobrarbe antes de Sobrarbe, en su contexto geográfico
de alta montaña.
no empezó con el termalismo, a principios del siglo XX,
ni se corresponde solo con las anotaciones de las primeras
ascensiones a sus cimas o los relatos de los
grandes rebaños recorriendo las cabañeras arriba y
abajo: es más bien la historia de las personas que las
poblaron. Pero estas zonas altas han sido muy poco exploradas
en busca de vestigios arqueológicos, más allá
de manifestaciones puntuales como castillos e iglesias
medievales, y particularmente Sobrarbe. En los últimos
diez años, no obstante, se han realizado en la comarca
nuevas excavaciones y prospecciones arqueológicas
cuyos resultados intenta compilar este libro, a partir
de los trabajos presentados en 2013 en las jornadas
Sobrarbe antes de Sobrarbe, en su contexto geográfico
de alta montaña.
Research Interests:
We invite you to submit your abstract on http://www.eaa2017maastricht.nl until 15 th March 2017. Contributions from different disciplines focusing on material from latrines, cesspits, sewers and other waste places will be welcomed. We... more
We invite you to submit your abstract on http://www.eaa2017maastricht.nl until 15 th March 2017. Contributions from different disciplines focusing on material from latrines, cesspits, sewers and other waste places will be welcomed. We will organize an interdisciplinary session of half-day duration (about 4 hours) with max.15 minutes presentations. Every effort will be done to produce a scientific publication of all the session's contributions. If you have any query about the session, please do not hesitate to contact: leonor.chocarro@csic.es or guillem.perez@csic.es SESSION ABSTRACT Latrines, cesspits, sewers and other waste places are common features in the archaeological record of many European urban sites from the Roman period onwards. These contexts provide important information on the daily life of the communities using them. Waste from food including seeds, fruits, bones and mollusks, insects, parasites and many other items of organic origin (hair, skin etc.) are commonly found together with other waste material and rubbish in these trash places. Apart from the environmental information that can be obtained, the study of food waste and fecal material from latrines, sewers and contexts alike allows exploring a large variety of issues related to food and its consumption, e.g. culinary habits, food trade and imports, diseases, or population health and hygiene. The aim of this session is to approach the study of these various aspects through the analysis of archaeobiological material from latrines, sewers and cesspits from Roman and Medieval case studies. We seek contributions focusing on the study of different types of organic materials from food waste and fecal material that highlight the potential of these contexts for advancing our knowledge on Roman and Medieval food related issues such as dietary habits and food preparation. Special emphasis will be given to interdisciplinary approaches and new methodologies.
Research Interests:
Resumen: Se presentan los resultados preliminares de la excavación arqueológica llevada a cabo en el asentamiento prehistórico de Vilches IV (La Torre Uchea, Hellín). La intervención vino motivada por el avance de la cantera que la... more
Resumen: Se presentan los resultados preliminares de la excavación arqueológica llevada a
cabo en el asentamiento prehistórico de Vilches IV (La Torre Uchea, Hellín). La intervención vino
motivada por el avance de la cantera que la empresa Grupo Levantina estaba explotando en el cerro
de Vistahermosa, junto a la Loma de Vilches. El proceso de excavación permitió documentar tres
cabañas de planta circular con áreas de actividad asociadas. El registro material remite al observado
en otros yacimientos del Neolítico final, aunque aparecen novedades entre las que cabe destacar
varios punzones de cobre.
Palabras clave: Calcolítico, Cabañas circulares, Áreas de actividad, Metalurgia.
Abstract: In this paper we present the preliminary results of the archaeological excavation carried
out in the prehistoric settlement of Vilches IV (LaTorre Uchea, Hellín). The intervention was motivated
by the advance of the quarry that Grupo Levantina was exploding on the hill of Vistahermosa, near
the Loma de Vilches. The excavation process showed the existence of three circular huts associated
with areas of activity. The archaeological record refers to that one observed at other sites of the Late
Neolithic, although it appears innovations which include several copper awls.
Keywords: Chalcolithic, Circular huts, Areas of activity, Metallurgy
cabo en el asentamiento prehistórico de Vilches IV (La Torre Uchea, Hellín). La intervención vino
motivada por el avance de la cantera que la empresa Grupo Levantina estaba explotando en el cerro
de Vistahermosa, junto a la Loma de Vilches. El proceso de excavación permitió documentar tres
cabañas de planta circular con áreas de actividad asociadas. El registro material remite al observado
en otros yacimientos del Neolítico final, aunque aparecen novedades entre las que cabe destacar
varios punzones de cobre.
Palabras clave: Calcolítico, Cabañas circulares, Áreas de actividad, Metalurgia.
Abstract: In this paper we present the preliminary results of the archaeological excavation carried
out in the prehistoric settlement of Vilches IV (LaTorre Uchea, Hellín). The intervention was motivated
by the advance of the quarry that Grupo Levantina was exploding on the hill of Vistahermosa, near
the Loma de Vilches. The excavation process showed the existence of three circular huts associated
with areas of activity. The archaeological record refers to that one observed at other sites of the Late
Neolithic, although it appears innovations which include several copper awls.
Keywords: Chalcolithic, Circular huts, Areas of activity, Metallurgy
Research Interests:
Summaries in Spanish and some in English of the papers presented at the International colloquium on "Diet in the Punic World", held in Valencia (Spain) on June the 15th and 16th 2017.
