Maria Sana
Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Departament de Prehistòria, Faculty Member
- Neolithic Archaeology, Zooarchaeology, Prehistory, Archaeozoology, Archaeology, Neolithic, and 53 moreNear Eastern Archaeology, Stable Isotope Analysis, Mediterranean prehistory, Animal domestication, Stable Isotopes, Neolithic Europe, Environmental Archaeology, Prehistoric Archaeology, Ancient Agriculture & Farming (Archaeology), Taphonomy, Anatolian Archaeology, Mesolithic/Neolithic, Iberian Prehistory (Archaeology), Neolithic & Chalcolithic Archaeology, Ethnoarchaeology, Settlement archaeology, Ritual Zooarchaeology, Social zooarchaeology, Neolithic Transition, Domestication (Zooarchaeology), Ancient DNA (Archaeology), Bioarchaeology, Household Archaeology, Animal Sacrifice (Anthropology), Ancient Husbandry & Livestock (Archaeology), Archaeological Science, Pastoralism (Archaeology), Central Anatolian Neolithic, Ancient economies (Archaeology), Mediterranean archaeology, Stable isotope ecology, Ritual Practices, Experimental Archaeology, Computed Tomography, Origins of Agriculture, Commensality, Ancient DNA Research, Vertebrate taphonomy, Archaeology of the Iberian Peninsula, Scanning Electron Microscopy, Palaeoenvironment, Archaeology of the Levant, Early Neolithic, Mesolithic Archaeology, Human-Animal Relations, Holocene sea level change, tell Halula, Evolutionary genetics, Animal Husbandry, Mesolithic Europe, Stable Isotopes in Foodwebs, Pre-Pottery Neolithic, and Cooking and Food Preparation (archaeology)edit
... VON DEN DRIESCH Institut fiir Palaeoanatomie und Geschichte der Tiermedizin Tierarztliche Fakultat Ludwig-Maximilians-Universitat Munchen D-80539 Munchen Germany Daniel HELMER UPR 7537, CNRS IPO Jalès F-07460 Berrias France Maria SANA... more
... VON DEN DRIESCH Institut fiir Palaeoanatomie und Geschichte der Tiermedizin Tierarztliche Fakultat Ludwig-Maximilians-Universitat Munchen D-80539 Munchen Germany Daniel HELMER UPR 7537, CNRS IPO Jalès F-07460 Berrias France Maria SANA SEGUI UPR 7537 ...
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We examine the third millennium cal. BC levels from the small rockshelter of Bauma del Serrat del Pont. The site was settled by a small group, building a perishable structure except in the II. 5 level. Some evidence suggests a seasonal... more
We examine the third millennium cal. BC levels from the small rockshelter of Bauma del Serrat del Pont. The site was settled by a small group, building a perishable structure except in the II. 5 level. Some evidence suggests a seasonal occupation of the site. Multidisciplinary research shows a broad spectrum of local resources involved in the dairy life of this people, including those related to metallurgical activity. We find very old tin alloys, plain or bell beaker decorated pot-furnaces (used to smelt copper ores) and clay tuyeres.Se presentan los resultados de la excavación en los niveles del III milenio cal. AC del pequeño abrigo rocoso de la Bauma del Serrat del Pont. El yacimiento fue ocupado por un grupo pequeño que organizó el espacio interno con una estructura de material perecedero, excepto en el nivel II.5. Algunos datos indican que las ocupaciones pudieron tener un carácter estacional. Los estudios multidisciplinares reconstruyen un aprovechamiento diversificado de rec...
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In the absence of any direct evidence, the relative importance of meat and dairy productions to Neolithic prehistoric Mediterranean communities has been extensively debated. Here, we combine lipid residue analysis of ceramic vessels with... more
In the absence of any direct evidence, the relative importance of meat and dairy productions to Neolithic prehistoric Mediterranean communities has been extensively debated. Here, we combine lipid residue analysis of ceramic vessels with osteo-archaeological age-at-death analysis from 82 northern Mediterranean and Near Eastern sites dating from the seventh to fifth millennia BC to address this question. The findings show variable intensities in dairy and nondairy activities in the Mediterranean region with the slaughter profiles of domesticated ruminants mirroring the results of the organic residue analyses. The finding of milk residues in very early Neolithic pottery (seventh millennium BC) from both the east and west of the region contrasts with much lower intensities in sites of northern Greece, where pig bones are present in higher frequencies compared with other locations. In this region, the slaughter profiles of all domesticated ruminants suggest meat production predominated. Overall, it appears that milk or the by-products of milk was an important foodstuff, which may have contributed significantly to the spread of these cultural groups by providing a nourishing and sustainable product for early farming communities.
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This paper presents the multi-disciplinary sampling strategy that has been applied at the archaeological site of La Draga during the last three fieldwork campaigns (2010–2012). A preliminary evaluation of the results is presented in order... more
This paper presents the multi-disciplinary sampling strategy that has been applied at the archaeological site of La Draga during the last three fieldwork campaigns (2010–2012). A preliminary evaluation of the results is presented in order to discuss the efficiency of the strategy in answering the outlined scientific questions. The strategies applied for faunal remains (one hundred per cent recovery), wood remains (selective sampling) and charcoal remains (random sampling of twenty-five fragments per square) proved to be
successful. The anticipated levels for ichthyofauna, entomofauna and nonligneous plant macroremains were not attained using this sampling strategy. Some explanations for this are proposed (e.g. high degree of erosion of the archaeological layer). Further guidelines for future work are established. This strategy could be applied to other Mediterranean wetland sites.
successful. The anticipated levels for ichthyofauna, entomofauna and nonligneous plant macroremains were not attained using this sampling strategy. Some explanations for this are proposed (e.g. high degree of erosion of the archaeological layer). Further guidelines for future work are established. This strategy could be applied to other Mediterranean wetland sites.
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The most significant characteristic of the Neolithic site of La Draga is, undoubtedly, the superb preservation of organic matter. The characteristics of the site make it necessary to develop a protocol that begins during the excavation.... more
The most significant characteristic of the Neolithic site of La Draga is, undoubtedly, the superb preservation of organic matter. The characteristics of the site make it necessary to develop a protocol that begins during the excavation. Wooden objects are registered by photogrammetry and a systematic documentation which involves determining the species, the record of technological and functional traces, 3D scanning and sampling is done. The methods for the conservation of organic materials involve preventive treatment in the field, lyophilization and monitoring the subsequent post-preservation.
El hecho más relevante del yacimiento neolítico de La Draga es sin duda la magnífica conservación de la materia orgánica. Las características del yacimiento hacen necesario desarrollar un protocolo de actuación que se inicia ya durante la excavación. Se lleva a cabo una exhaustiva documentación de los objetos de madera que comporta el registro por fotogrametría, la determinación de la especie, el registro de huellas tecnológicas y funcionales, escaneado 3D y toma de muestras. Los métodos utilizados para la conservación implican el tratamiento preventivo en el campo, la posterior liofilización y seguimiento post-conservación de los materiales orgánicos.
El hecho más relevante del yacimiento neolítico de La Draga es sin duda la magnífica conservación de la materia orgánica. Las características del yacimiento hacen necesario desarrollar un protocolo de actuación que se inicia ya durante la excavación. Se lleva a cabo una exhaustiva documentación de los objetos de madera que comporta el registro por fotogrametría, la determinación de la especie, el registro de huellas tecnológicas y funcionales, escaneado 3D y toma de muestras. Los métodos utilizados para la conservación implican el tratamiento preventivo en el campo, la posterior liofilización y seguimiento post-conservación de los materiales orgánicos.
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The discovery in 2012 of a complete yew bow (Taxus baccata) in the lakeside Neolithic site of La Draga, together with two more fragmented bows from previous field seasons, are the oldest evidence of archery among farming communities in... more
The discovery in 2012 of a complete yew bow (Taxus baccata) in the lakeside Neolithic site of La Draga, together with two more fragmented bows from previous field seasons, are the oldest evidence of archery among farming communities in Europe. This group of bows has allowed different aspects of prehistoric archery to be considered. Firstly with regard to the manufacturing processes of these weapons, which show great uniformity in terms of the raw material used, but some variety in shapes and sizes. Secondly about the socioeconomic significance of weapons in societies which no longer based their economy on hunting and gathering
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Animals have played and continue to play an important role in certain ceremonies and rituals. During the course of such activities, the animal may be present in a living state and may or may not witness its own sacrifice, it may be dead,... more
Animals have played and continue to play an important role in certain ceremonies and rituals. During the course of such activities, the animal may be present in a living state and may or may not witness its own sacrifice, it may be dead, or it may serve as a raw material or product of a ceremony or rite. The abandonment of the remains as a result of such practices (sacrifices, offerings, banquets) can lead to the formation of samples of faunal remains with a given taxonomic and anatomic composition. In the case of excavation of the 362 pit of Iron Age “Mas Castellar de Pontós” site (Girona, Spain), the different associations of archaeological materials led us to consider that the faunal remains recovered at the different established levels may have formed part of the remains resulting from a collective ceremonial consumption. The study of the 1309 large mammal remains recovered is therefore essential if we are to understand the nature and dynamics of the ceremony and its significance and importance in the framework of the social and political relations that governed the life of the inhabitants of this settlement.
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This paper presents the interdisciplinary study of the recent prehistory occupations (Neolithic and Early Bronze) found during the construction of El Liceu's new conservatoire, In Barcelona's El Raval district. Occupational remains... more
This paper presents the interdisciplinary study of the recent prehistory occupations (Neolithic and Early Bronze) found during the construction of El Liceu's new conservatoire, In Barcelona's El Raval district. Occupational remains correspond to a settlement with traces of combustion structures and other support elements. It emphaises the preservation of some magnificent fireplaces and a set of archeological abiotic and biotic materials that can increase knowledge of tge first farming communities in the Barcleona plain.
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TheNorth-WesternMediterraneanwitnessed a rapid expansion of farmers and their livestock during the EarlyNeolithic period. Depending on the region, cattle played a more or less important role in these communities; however how these... more
TheNorth-WesternMediterraneanwitnessed a rapid expansion of farmers and their livestock during the EarlyNeolithic
period. Depending on the region, cattle played a more or less important role in these communities; however
how these animalswere exploited for theirmilk is not clear. Herewe investigate calfmortality to determine indirectly
whether cattle dairying was practised by Early Neolithic stock herders. Age-at-death (AtD) frequencies for calves
from two sites: Trasano (Italy, Impressa culture: 7–6th millennium BC) and La Draga (Spain, Cardial culture: 6th
millennium BC) were estimated from dental eruption and development stages, and measurements of un-fused
post-cranial material. Adult age classes are well represented in the dental AtD frequencies and were interpreted
as the result of the slaughter of prime beef and retired lactating females. For calves aged less than 12 months,
there was no statistical difference in the AtD frequencies based on dental and post-cranial material indicating that
the data is a good representation of the mortality patterns of calves, either natural or deliberate. At both sites
there was a strong mortality peak at 3–6months in all AtD profiles. At La Draga, this peak was clearly
differentiated from a peak at 0–1month, which can be interpreted neonatal mortality possible a consequence
of the birthing season coinciding with the end of winter during more humid climatic conditions
that at present. The deliberate slaughter peak around 3–6months is discussed, and we propose that
stock herders controlled the mortality of infant classes, possibly in response to variable external environment
pressures while maintaining animal productivity.
period. Depending on the region, cattle played a more or less important role in these communities; however
how these animalswere exploited for theirmilk is not clear. Herewe investigate calfmortality to determine indirectly
whether cattle dairying was practised by Early Neolithic stock herders. Age-at-death (AtD) frequencies for calves
from two sites: Trasano (Italy, Impressa culture: 7–6th millennium BC) and La Draga (Spain, Cardial culture: 6th
millennium BC) were estimated from dental eruption and development stages, and measurements of un-fused
post-cranial material. Adult age classes are well represented in the dental AtD frequencies and were interpreted
as the result of the slaughter of prime beef and retired lactating females. For calves aged less than 12 months,
there was no statistical difference in the AtD frequencies based on dental and post-cranial material indicating that
the data is a good representation of the mortality patterns of calves, either natural or deliberate. At both sites
there was a strong mortality peak at 3–6months in all AtD profiles. At La Draga, this peak was clearly
differentiated from a peak at 0–1month, which can be interpreted neonatal mortality possible a consequence
of the birthing season coinciding with the end of winter during more humid climatic conditions
that at present. The deliberate slaughter peak around 3–6months is discussed, and we propose that
stock herders controlled the mortality of infant classes, possibly in response to variable external environment
pressures while maintaining animal productivity.
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"The site of La Draga is located in the central part of the eastern shore of Lake Banyoles, 172 m a.s.l. Archaeological work began in 1990. It is the only Early Neolithic lakeshore site in the western Mediterranean currently being... more
"The site of La Draga is located in the central part of the eastern shore of Lake Banyoles, 172 m a.s.l. Archaeological work began in 1990. It is the only Early Neolithic lakeshore site in the western Mediterranean currently being excavated. Two different occupations have been documented within a timeline of 5430e4796 cal BC. An extent of about 800 m2 has been excavated out of the minimum surface area of 8000 m2. An added peculiarity is that different excavated sectors have distinct characteristics regarding their condition, due to the changing water levels of the lake in historic times: Sector A (328 m2) is the
emerged land sector; Sectors B and D (132 m2 and 48 m2 respectively) are located in the perennial phreatic level; and Sector C (310 m2) is completely underwater. The analysis of more than 20,000 retrieved faunal remains evidences the exploitation of at least 51 different animal species (46 wild and 5 domestic). Comparative taphonomic analyses performed on assemblages in the terrestrial and phreatic sectors have focused on evaluating how the different conditions at the site influence the composition and characteristics of samples, both quantitatively and qualitatively. Emphasis is placed on the specific and
anatomical variability documented in each sector, the proportions of mature and immature animal bone remains and on the animal carcass integrity. The estimation of the degree of historical representation of the faunal assemblages in each of the excavation sectors shows important differences between peat/
anaerobic and dry/aerobic environments, documenting significant biases in sector A. These results demonstrate that the identification of taphonomic processes that operate at intrasite level and their effects are crucial data with important implications for the understanding of past social and economic
dynamics."
emerged land sector; Sectors B and D (132 m2 and 48 m2 respectively) are located in the perennial phreatic level; and Sector C (310 m2) is completely underwater. The analysis of more than 20,000 retrieved faunal remains evidences the exploitation of at least 51 different animal species (46 wild and 5 domestic). Comparative taphonomic analyses performed on assemblages in the terrestrial and phreatic sectors have focused on evaluating how the different conditions at the site influence the composition and characteristics of samples, both quantitatively and qualitatively. Emphasis is placed on the specific and
anatomical variability documented in each sector, the proportions of mature and immature animal bone remains and on the animal carcass integrity. The estimation of the degree of historical representation of the faunal assemblages in each of the excavation sectors shows important differences between peat/
anaerobic and dry/aerobic environments, documenting significant biases in sector A. These results demonstrate that the identification of taphonomic processes that operate at intrasite level and their effects are crucial data with important implications for the understanding of past social and economic
dynamics."
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Animals have played an important role in certain ceremonies or rites in the past. During such activities, animals may have been alive, dead or been used as raw material. The disposal of detritus from these practices can lead to the... more
Animals have played an important role in certain ceremonies or rites in the past. During such activities, animals may have been alive, dead or been used as raw material. The disposal of detritus from these practices can lead to the formation of faunal assemblages with a particular taxonomic and anatomic composition. At the Iron Age ‘Mas Castellar de Pontós’ site (Girona, Spain), associations of archaeological materials excavated from Pit feature FS362 were suggestive of deposits arising from collective ceremonial consumption. Analysis of the 1309 mammal remains recovered from this feature is used to determine the nature and dynamics of the ceremony. At the same time, the relationship of these faunal remains with the other archaeological materials recovered in the pit will allow light to be shed on the significance and importance of these ceremonies in the framework of the social and political relations that governed the life of the inhabitants of this settlement.
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En el poblado neolítico de la Draga (5300-5000 cal BC) se documenta, a partir de 15.391 restos de fauna recuperados y analizados hasta el momento, la explotación como mínimo de 51 especies animales diferentes: 46 salvajes y 5 domésticas.... more
En el poblado neolítico de la Draga (5300-5000 cal BC) se documenta, a partir de 15.391 restos de fauna recuperados y analizados hasta el momento, la explotación como mínimo de 51 especies animales diferentes: 46 salvajes y 5 domésticas. Serán estas últimas las que suministren la mayor parte de los productos necesarios para la alimentación de estas comunidades. La ganadería constituyó en este sentido una actividad fundamental, alrededor de la cual se articulaban probablemente gran parte de los procesos de trabajo desarrollados por los diferentes miembros de la comunidad.
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Land snail shells are a common component in Mediterranean Holocene archaeological deposits, providing the opportunity to explore their potential as source of information concerning human behaviour and palaeoclimatic conditions. Many... more
Land snail shells are a common component in Mediterranean Holocene archaeological deposits, providing the opportunity to explore their potential as source of information concerning human behaviour and palaeoclimatic conditions. Many well-preserved shells of the caenogastropod Pomatias elegans were recovered along the Holocene succession of Bauma del Serrat del Pont (BSP), in the Iberian Peninsula. Their oxygen (δ18Os) and carbon
(δ13Cs) isotopic compositions were analysed and compared with that of modern shells of the same species collected in two distinct areas near the archaeological site. Modern shells from
Site A (shady) and B (sunny) show distinctly different oxygen isotopic ratios possibly due to the effect of microenvironmental conditions (e.g. temperature and relative humidity). Carbon
isotopes, by contrast, reveal similar values. Isotope mass balance suggests a prevalent contribution of vegetation (~70%), integrated with foreign carbonates (~30%) to δ13Cs of modern snails. Early-late Holocene shells (~9 to 2.5 cal ka BP) have lower δ 18Os compared with modern counterparts, which is consistent with prevailing wetter conditions compared with present day. The δ13Cs reveals distinct hydrological regimes, wet and dry conditions, from early to late Holocene respectively. In general, shell isotopic records from western and central Mediterranean regions suggest wetter conditions during the middle Holocene, with a possible reduction in humidity from ~4 cal ka BP. The δ
18Os indicates a possible latitudinal difference in hydrological balance between Mediterranean and Atlantic Europe as inferred by
previous studies of regional palaeoclimatic records. Carbon isotopes, by contrast, do not provide a clear climatic picture, probably due to the effect of distinct vegetation structure and
composition. Comparisons with other environmental archives reinforce the concept of regional shell oxygen isotopic response to millennial-scale changes in hydrological condition over the western and central Mediterranean during the Late Quaternary.
(δ13Cs) isotopic compositions were analysed and compared with that of modern shells of the same species collected in two distinct areas near the archaeological site. Modern shells from
Site A (shady) and B (sunny) show distinctly different oxygen isotopic ratios possibly due to the effect of microenvironmental conditions (e.g. temperature and relative humidity). Carbon
isotopes, by contrast, reveal similar values. Isotope mass balance suggests a prevalent contribution of vegetation (~70%), integrated with foreign carbonates (~30%) to δ13Cs of modern snails. Early-late Holocene shells (~9 to 2.5 cal ka BP) have lower δ 18Os compared with modern counterparts, which is consistent with prevailing wetter conditions compared with present day. The δ13Cs reveals distinct hydrological regimes, wet and dry conditions, from early to late Holocene respectively. In general, shell isotopic records from western and central Mediterranean regions suggest wetter conditions during the middle Holocene, with a possible reduction in humidity from ~4 cal ka BP. The δ
18Os indicates a possible latitudinal difference in hydrological balance between Mediterranean and Atlantic Europe as inferred by
previous studies of regional palaeoclimatic records. Carbon isotopes, by contrast, do not provide a clear climatic picture, probably due to the effect of distinct vegetation structure and
composition. Comparisons with other environmental archives reinforce the concept of regional shell oxygen isotopic response to millennial-scale changes in hydrological condition over the western and central Mediterranean during the Late Quaternary.
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Since Gordon Childe highlights the importance of textile production from animal fi bres in the Neolithic more than 75 years ago, several approaches from different fi elds dealt with this subject of study. This contribution summarize the... more
Since Gordon Childe highlights the importance of textile production from animal fi bres in the Neolithic more than 75 years
ago, several approaches from different fi elds dealt with this subject of study. This contribution summarize the investigation on the exploitation of animal fi bres designed from archaeozoology in south-west Asia in the last years, considering different aspects like the initial chronology of the use and exploitation, technical requirements for textile production and the organization of this craft industry at a community level. Special remark is done for the process of neolithisation in the Middle Euphrates Valley, using the site of Tell Halula (Middle PPNB) as a case study, complemented with other recent Halaf occupations references from Tell Amarna and Chagar Bazar, all of them in the Syrian Arab Republic.
ago, several approaches from different fi elds dealt with this subject of study. This contribution summarize the investigation on the exploitation of animal fi bres designed from archaeozoology in south-west Asia in the last years, considering different aspects like the initial chronology of the use and exploitation, technical requirements for textile production and the organization of this craft industry at a community level. Special remark is done for the process of neolithisation in the Middle Euphrates Valley, using the site of Tell Halula (Middle PPNB) as a case study, complemented with other recent Halaf occupations references from Tell Amarna and Chagar Bazar, all of them in the Syrian Arab Republic.
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The change in cattle size during the late Iron Age and the Early Roman period is a widely known phenomenon. However, hardly any information is available about this change and its causes in the north-east of the Iberian Peninsula. In... more
The change in cattle size during the late Iron Age
and the Early Roman period is a widely known phenomenon.
However, hardly any information is available about this
change and its causes in the north-east of the Iberian Peninsula.
In order to shed more light on this issue, variations of
cattle size and shape through the analysis of Bos taurus
remains from ten archaeological sites located in the northeast
Iberia and occupied from the middle fifth century BC to
the third century AD are examined in this paper. Osteometric
postcranial and teeth analyses show a clear change in cattle
size and shape during the Romanization period at newly
founded sites. This change is documented at all the sites
from the Early Roman period. Genetically, authenticated
results from a short fragment of the mitochondrial d-loop
were obtained from 6 cattle metacarpals out of 33 tested.
They affiliate to the main European taurine haplogroup
T/T3. The integration of the available data including the
archaeological background suggests that the presence of
these morphologically different cattle, introduced during
the Romanization period, was more pronounced at sites
interpreted as villas and trading posts, rather than at cities
during the Early Roman period.
and the Early Roman period is a widely known phenomenon.
However, hardly any information is available about this
change and its causes in the north-east of the Iberian Peninsula.
In order to shed more light on this issue, variations of
cattle size and shape through the analysis of Bos taurus
remains from ten archaeological sites located in the northeast
Iberia and occupied from the middle fifth century BC to
the third century AD are examined in this paper. Osteometric
postcranial and teeth analyses show a clear change in cattle
size and shape during the Romanization period at newly
founded sites. This change is documented at all the sites
from the Early Roman period. Genetically, authenticated
results from a short fragment of the mitochondrial d-loop
were obtained from 6 cattle metacarpals out of 33 tested.
They affiliate to the main European taurine haplogroup
T/T3. The integration of the available data including the
archaeological background suggests that the presence of
these morphologically different cattle, introduced during
the Romanization period, was more pronounced at sites
interpreted as villas and trading posts, rather than at cities
during the Early Roman period.
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The open-air site of Caserna de Sant Pau del Camp, located today in Raval district of Barcelona, has a sequence comprising between Neolithic Cardial to Late Bronze Age, with subsequent occupation in Roman and modern times. It is through... more
The open-air site of Caserna de Sant Pau del Camp, located today in Raval district of Barcelona, has a sequence comprising between Neolithic Cardial to Late Bronze Age, with subsequent occupation in Roman and modern times. It is through old Neolithic Postcardial levels related to a funerary complex with a 24 graves that we try to make an approach to the selection of the recovered materials and the intentionality in the origin and recurrence in the composition of such deposits. The analysis of different materials with a biotic and abiotic origin give a multidisciplinary approach that allowed us to identify the procedence of part of the materials as stone and ceramic, and identify the technological processes related to manufacture process and handling. The contextualization of this set, as well as his formation and origin gives us information about the different practices of this group, particularly those related to the movement of materials and products and with the inherent porpoises in his manipulation.
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In this paper we have aimed to determine the original sources of different raw materials, both biotic and abiotic from the Neolithic settlement of La Draga (Banyoles). Having identified the resources used, we have assessed the territories... more
In this paper we have aimed to determine the original sources of different raw materials, both biotic and abiotic from the Neolithic settlement of La Draga (Banyoles). Having identified the resources used, we have assessed the territories that have been exploited. All the material productions and instrumental uses have also been examined, focusing on technical designs and traditions shared by the Neolithic communities of the Western Mediterranean
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In this shortnote, we present the results of a geochronological study of the last eruption in the volcanic region of the Garrotxa (NE Iberian Peninsula). Four 14C analysis of organic matter contained in palaeosols located under volcanic... more
In this shortnote, we present the results of a geochronological study of the last eruption in the volcanic region of the Garrotxa (NE Iberian Peninsula). Four 14C analysis of organic matter contained in palaeosols located under volcanic pyroclastic fall deposits of the Croscat volcano were made. The samples gave ages between 13160 and 15710 years cal BP, and are in accord with our palynological analysis and climate reconstruction at that time. The ages that we report are the youngest obtained for volcanic activity in the Iberian Peninsula.
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Mountain sites are usually seen as sites connected to pastoral or transhumant activities. This paper proposes an alternative interpretation for Neolithic mountain sites found in the southern Pyrenean slopes. The archaeobotanical and... more
Mountain sites are usually seen as sites connected to pastoral or transhumant activities. This paper proposes an alternative interpretation for Neolithic mountain sites found in the southern Pyrenean slopes. The archaeobotanical and archaeozoological record of highland and lowland sites from this region is compared in order to observe any differences in crop and animal husbandry. Available data indicate that mountain sites present a similar record to the one observed in the lowlands. Most sites show clear evidence of permanent activity, including agriculture, as well as other practices connected to medium- to long-term strategies like storage of plant products. We propose that more integrated analyses are needed in this and other regions to fully characterize mountain economy during the Neolithic, since no clear evidence of pastoralism or transhumance has been found.