This paper presents a study of the macromammalian fauna recovered from Mousterian levels of Llonin Cave. The sample is highly heterogeneous and comprises six species of ungulates, including Rupicapra pyrenaica, Capra pyrenaica and Cervus... more
This paper presents a study of the macromammalian fauna recovered from Mousterian levels of Llonin Cave. The sample is highly heterogeneous and comprises six species of ungulates, including Rupicapra pyrenaica, Capra pyrenaica and Cervus elaphus, and seven species of carnivores, predominantly Ursus spelaeus, Crocuta spelaea, Canis/Cuon and Panthera pardus. The archaeozoological and taphonomic study of the remains shows preferential use of basal levels of the cave as a den for hyenas and leopards. Neanderthals were also present during this phase and they would have acted mainly on deer and some caprines, while the action of hyenas would mainly have been linked to scavenging of elements left by humans and the introduction of bear remains. Leopards would have transported caprines in order to consume them. The study of several coprolites confirms that hyenas and leopards were the main occupants of the cave. The information from the animals processed by humans together with other archaeological evidence and the intervention of various carnivores in these basal levels enables us to characterise a palimpsest of occupations that would have been short and sporadic in the case of humans.
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We present a review of the Pleistocene fossil record of leopard (Panthera pardus Linnaeus 1758) in the Valencian area. The most prominent distribution of this felid in the area takes place during the Late Pleistocene and the latest... more
We present a review of the Pleistocene fossil record of leopard (Panthera pardus Linnaeus 1758) in the Valencian area. The most prominent distribution of this felid in the area takes place during the Late Pleistocene and the latest references coincide with the expansion of anatomically modern humans at the Early Upper Paleolithic (Aurignacian-Gravettian). Also, we present an overview of the characteristics of the leopard fossil record, the taxonomy of remains, and the possible evidence of interaction between humans and leopards in some archaeological contexts during the Middle and Upper Paleolithic.
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Wolf bones and wolf iconography in the Iberian Culture. Its symbolism.
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This study analyses the fossil record of leopards in the Iberian Peninsula. According to the systematic and morphometric features of new remains, identified mainly in Late Pleistocene palaeontological and archaeological sites of the... more
This study analyses the fossil record of leopards in the Iberian Peninsula. According to the systematic and
morphometric features of new remains, identified mainly in Late Pleistocene palaeontological and
archaeological sites of the Mediterranean region, they can be attributed to Panthera pardus Linnaeus
1758. The findings include the most complete leopard skeleton from the Iberian Peninsula and one of the
most complete in Europe, found in a chasm (Avenc de Joan Guiton) south of Valencia. The new citations
and published data are used to establish the leopard's distribution in the Iberian Peninsula, showing its
maximum development during the Late Pleistocene. Some references suggest that the species survived
for longer here (Lateglacial-Early Holocene) than in other parts of Europe. Finally, the contexts of
appearance and origin of leopard remains are described and the processes of interaction with prehistoric
human groups are assessed.
morphometric features of new remains, identified mainly in Late Pleistocene palaeontological and
archaeological sites of the Mediterranean region, they can be attributed to Panthera pardus Linnaeus
1758. The findings include the most complete leopard skeleton from the Iberian Peninsula and one of the
most complete in Europe, found in a chasm (Avenc de Joan Guiton) south of Valencia. The new citations
and published data are used to establish the leopard's distribution in the Iberian Peninsula, showing its
maximum development during the Late Pleistocene. Some references suggest that the species survived
for longer here (Lateglacial-Early Holocene) than in other parts of Europe. Finally, the contexts of
appearance and origin of leopard remains are described and the processes of interaction with prehistoric
human groups are assessed.
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The first archaeological excavation in Benaxuai caves has provided a variety of materials corresponding to the last moment of use (Andalusian period). To highlight the large set of bones product of repeated nesting raptors, and the... more
The first archaeological excavation in Benaxuai caves
has provided a variety of materials corresponding to
the last moment of use (Andalusian period). To highlight
the large set of bones product of repeated nesting raptors,
and the emergence of small pieces of paper and
parchment, some written in Arabic, which must correspond
to some occultation, probably in the 16th century
(Germanias) or the expulsion of the Moors.
Key words: Andalusian medieval period, windowcaves,
barns-cliffs shelter, raptor nests, Egyptian vulture.
has provided a variety of materials corresponding to
the last moment of use (Andalusian period). To highlight
the large set of bones product of repeated nesting raptors,
and the emergence of small pieces of paper and
parchment, some written in Arabic, which must correspond
to some occultation, probably in the 16th century
(Germanias) or the expulsion of the Moors.
Key words: Andalusian medieval period, windowcaves,
barns-cliffs shelter, raptor nests, Egyptian vulture.
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Aunque la información arqueológica sobre la primera mitad del III milenio cal BC es amplia y extensa en las tierras del Levante de la península Ibérica, las recientes excavaciones en diversos yacimientos, pero especialmente, en El Prado,... more
Aunque la información arqueológica sobre la primera mitad del III milenio cal BC es amplia y extensa en las tierras del Levante de la península Ibérica, las recientes excavaciones en diversos yacimientos, pero especialmente, en El Prado, ha permitido inferir diversas unidades domésticas de diferentes características estructurales en una importante y dilatada secuencia de ocupación. Estos datos permiten proponer una hipótesis sobre la fijación residencial en estas tierras y los procesos de intensificación económica con el Sureste.
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We present the study of small mammals from Abrigo de la Quebrada (Chelva, València), whose chronology is within the Middle Paleolithic between 40.000 and 50.000 years BP- we have determined the following species: Microtus cabrerae,... more
We present the study of small mammals from Abrigo de la Quebrada (Chelva, València), whose chronology is within the Middle Paleolithic between 40.000 and 50.000 years BP- we have determined the following species: Microtus cabrerae, Terricola duodecimcostatus, Apodemus sp. and Eliomys quercinus. According yo the bone fragmentation, the digestion traces and the lack of some species (insectivorous), we regard that the small carnivores are the main agents of accumulation.
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This paper presents the results of a study of bones recovered in various current Egyptian vulture (Neophron percnopterus) nests in a Mediterranean region of the Iberian Peninsula. The Egyptian vulture, a diurnal, scavenging, rupicolous... more
This paper presents the results of a study of bones recovered in various current Egyptian vulture (Neophron percnopterus) nests in a Mediterranean region of the Iberian Peninsula. The Egyptian vulture, a diurnal, scavenging, rupicolous bird of prey, is one of four vulture species that currently inhabit the Iberian Peninsula. An analysis of the remains found in the nests confirms that it has a heterogeneous diet that includes remains from human activities (butchery and food production) and the carcasses of dead animals, although it is possible that they also prey on small-sized taxa. The taphonomic study determines these birds’ capability of transporting, accumulating and altering bone remains. Some of the elements show marks caused by beak and/or claw impacts brought about primarily during feeding, which have characteristic typologies. Despite the fact that this is not a bone-eating vulture, it can also be seen that some bones are swallowed. The characteristics of the bone set studied here are important for establishing the origin of bone accumulations on archaeological sites.
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"In this paper, the results from a rescue archaeological excavation concerning a pit feature are presented. This structure is dated on the Late Bronze Age, and located close to the Barranc del Botx (Crevillent, Alacant).
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"In this paper we analyze animal depictions in Iberian fibulae (brooches) as a means from which to approach gender as a cultural construct. These fibulae were made in precious metals and decorated with hunting scenes or individual... more
"In this paper we analyze animal depictions in Iberian fibulae (brooches) as a means from which to approach gender as a cultural construct. These fibulae were made in precious metals and decorated with hunting scenes or individual animals. They should be considered objects of special significance in specific social groups and elites wielding power among the Iberians. Studying contexts and comparing similar images that appear in other media with documented faunal assemblages provides us insights into Iberian social status, the gender of the wearer, and the meaning of certain animals."
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Se presenta el estudio de los restos óseos de fauna hallados en los niveles mesolítico, neolítico antiguo cardial y neolítico postcardial del yacimiento de Benàmer (Muro, Alicante). Las especies identificadas son Equus ferus, Bos sp.,... more
Se presenta el estudio de los restos óseos de fauna hallados en los niveles mesolítico, neolítico antiguo cardial y neolítico postcardial del yacimiento de Benàmer (Muro, Alicante). Las especies identificadas son Equus ferus, Bos sp., Cervus elaphus, Sus sp., Ovis/Capra sp., Capra cf. pyrenaica, Oryctolagus cuniculus y Leporidae. Los restos presentan un alto grado de fragmentación y la superficie cortical aparece muy deteriorada debido a las condiciones químicas del suelo que han originado una conservación diferencial de los mismos preservando principalmente las piezas dentales.
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Con motivo de las obras de ampliación de la A-7 a su paso por la localidad de Elx, se realizó una intervención arqueológica en el yacimiento de Caramoro, documentando la presencia de una estructura de piedra asociada a niveles fechados en... more
Con motivo de las obras de ampliación de la A-7 a su paso por la localidad de Elx, se realizó una intervención arqueológica en el yacimiento de Caramoro, documentando la presencia de una estructura de piedra asociada a niveles fechados en el Bronce final. En ellos también se documentaron restos humanos depositados en una urna.
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In this paper we present one necropolis excavated during works of the Aeolian parks of zones 1, 2, 3 of the Valencian Aeolian Plan: Sant Joaquim de la Menarella. The only one excavated in extension and later consolidated and put in value... more
In this paper we present one necropolis excavated during works of the Aeolian parks of zones 1, 2, 3 of the Valencian Aeolian Plan: Sant Joaquim de la Menarella. The only one excavated in extension and later consolidated and put in value for its visit. It has been after the works of consolidation that has been able to make new observations to already contributed by the works of excavation. Complementing in the following lines the conclusions presented in previous works.
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This paper provides an overview of the industrial, palaeoeconomic, and palaeoenvironmental data resulting from the recent excavations of the Gravettian, Solutrean and Magdalenian archaeological deposits of Cendres cave. Furthermore, the... more
This paper provides an overview of the industrial, palaeoeconomic, and palaeoenvironmental data resulting from the recent excavations of the Gravettian, Solutrean and Magdalenian archaeological deposits of Cendres cave. Furthermore, the recent advances towards the definition of the Epimagdalenian in the North of the Valencian country, and the new insights in rock art research following the discoveries of Meravelles cave and the Final Palaeolithic engravings from Castellón are also discussed. Finally, the palaeoenvironmental data of these periods are reassessed.
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We present the results of the morphologic and biometric analysis of the rodents and insectivorous molars found in the gravettian levels of the Cova de les Cendres (Moraira-Teulada, Alicante). The analyzed remains are restricted to the... more
We present the results of the morphologic and biometric analysis of the rodents and insectivorous molars found in the gravettian levels of the Cova de les Cendres (Moraira-Teulada, Alicante). The analyzed remains are restricted to the paleolithic’s test pit, recovered during the campaigns of excavation of 1999-2003 and 2005, and are associated with gravettian lithic industries being included date in MIS 2. The identified species belong to Apodemus sylvaticus, Iberomys cf. cabrerae, Terricola duodecimcostatus, Arvicola sapidus, Eliomys quercinus and Crocidura cf. russula have allowed us to realize a environmental reconstruction of the archaeological site.
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Study of the iron age fauna: zoological, gender and iconography perspective
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Se aborda el estudio de los restos de fauna del yacimiento del Tossal del Mortórum (Cabanes, Castellón) correspondiente a la Edad del Bronce y el Hierro antiguo.
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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