Abstract The main aim of this work is to explore the role played by human mobility in prehistoric... more Abstract The main aim of this work is to explore the role played by human mobility in prehistoric population dynamics of a particular geographical framework:: the depressió prelitoral catalana (Catalonia, Spain). Network analysis and studies of human mobilities ...
[EN] At its origin, the expression "Sepulcros de Fosa" qualified all of the single, non... more [EN] At its origin, the expression "Sepulcros de Fosa" qualified all of the single, non-megalithic prehistoric buriaIs. In 1965, Ana M. Muñoz compiled all of the relevant sites then known, characterized this culture and proposed a first typology. Despite the small number of settlements discovered, the current data enable us to refine the Middle Neolithic chronology, and to define the diverse cultural forms, the latter being characterized based on standardized rituals. The published typologies of tombs dated to between the 5th and the middle of the 4th millennia BC have been summarized and we propase here a simplified typology of them, faci litating their cl assificat ion based on shared features. We also confront it with other variables, which enables us to propase hypotheses based on the origin and evolution of rituals and their geographic locations.[ES] La cultura de los Sepulcros de Fosa incluyó, en su origen, todas las sepulturas prehistóricas individuales no megalíticas. Ana M. Muñoz, en 1965, recopiló todos los yacimientos conocidos hasta entonces, caracterizó la cultura de los sepulcros de fosa y formuló la primera tipología. Con los datos actuales y, a falta de más hallazgos de poblados, se ha ido avanzando en la secuenciación del neolítico medio y en la definición de las diversas formas culturales, caracterizadas con ritos funerarios estandarizados. Hemos resumido las diversas tipologías publicadas de las tumbas neolíticas entre el V y mediados del IV milenio aC y ahora proponemos una tipología simplificada, que facilite la clasificación a partir de características comunes. El siguiente paso será cruzarla con otras variables que nos han de permitir plantear hipótesis sobre el origen y la evolución de los ritos y de su implantación territorial.[FR] A l'origine, l'expression «Sepulcres de Fosa» qualifie toutes les sépultures préhistoriques individuel les non mégalithiques. Ana M. Muñoz, en 1965, rassemble tous les sites concernés connus jusqu'alors, caractérise cette culture et en propase une premiere typologie. Malgré le peu de sites d'habitats découverts, les données actuelles ont permis de préciser le phasage du Néolithique moyen ainsi que la définition des diverses formes culturelles; celles-ci sont caractérisées par des rites standardisés. Les typologies publiées des tombes datées entre le Ve et la moitié du IVe millénaire av. J.-C. ont été résumées, et nous proposons ici une typologie simplifiée, qui facilite la classification a partir de caractéristiques communes. Nous la confronterons aussi a d'autres variables, ce qui nous permettra de proposer des hypotheses fondées sur l'origine et l'évolution des rites et leur implantation territoriale.Peer reviewe
Discovered in 1974, Parco's Cave has been the object of intensive and systematic excavations ... more Discovered in 1974, Parco's Cave has been the object of intensive and systematic excavations by the Seminari d'Estudis i Recerques Prehistoriques (SERP) of the University of Barcelona since 1987. The malacofauna remains obtained from the upper Magdalenian level (N. II) will be presented and discussed. To date, more than 40 evidences have been identified; among these taxa we distinguish the presence of exclusively fluvial species, such as Teodoxus fluviatilis, as well as exclusively marine species, such as Homalopoma sanguineum and Cyclope neritea- both being strictly of Mediterranean origins. While the origin of the former raises no question whatsoever since their catchment was done from the nearby river Segre, the procurement of marine gastropods, however, which has been identified so far exclusively in Cantabrian sites could suggest the possibility of a new doorway through the Ebro Basin, thereby strongly pointing to the possibility of a new way between the Mediterranean B...
One aspect that defines the Neolithic of the northeast of the Iberian Peninsula is its funeral re... more One aspect that defines the Neolithic of the northeast of the Iberian Peninsula is its funeral register. The graves are so numerous that already in the early twentieth century Professor P. Bosch Gimpera considered that they had to belong to the same culture, the culture of « Sepulcres de Fossa ». Many studies have been conducted on the funerary practices of this group, but atypical graves or human remains deposits are generally unnoticed, whereas they exist. In this paper we present some of these structures and propose a first series of reflections on these non- normative deposits.
Abstract In this article, a zooarchaeological and isotopic analysis is presented for 26 dog exemp... more Abstract In this article, a zooarchaeological and isotopic analysis is presented for 26 dog exemplars (Canis familiaris). These dogs were deposited in burial and ceremonial structures in the northeastern Iberian Peninsula during the Middle Neolithic, within the Pit Grave cultural horizon (ca. 4200–3600 cal BC). Four archaeological sites of the Catalonian coastal strip are studied: Cami de Can Grau, La Serreta, Ca l'Arnella, and Bobila Madurell (one of the most important necropolises of the Iberian Peninsula). The presence of these dogs is interpreted as evidence of accompanying offerings and represents the most ancient use of this animal in the context of burials within the studied territory. Although it is a not a globally recorded gesture during this period, in light of the present results, it can be considered as a stereotyped ritual activity and evidence of the close relationship between these animals and the human communities. The diet of most of the dogs must be considered mixed and very similar to that of the humans, including consumption of herbivores and terrestrial plants.
As in many other regions, the periodization of the Neolithic in the northeastern Iberian Peninsul... more As in many other regions, the periodization of the Neolithic in the northeastern Iberian Peninsula was based upon relative dating obtained through ceramic typologies. Moreover, this prehistoric period was structured using nomenclature borrowed from the Neolithization of southern France. A total of 37 new radiocarbon dates for NE Iberia have been recently obtained with appropriate sampling criteria. These results have been used in conjunction with other reliable14C dates in order to assess the validity of traditional classifications established through the study of ceramic typologies. The gradual improvement in the quality of sample choice and the available archaeological records allowed the selection of 187 dates obtained mostly from short-lived taxa. This has enabled the chronological boundaries to be adjusted as precisely as possible.
In the present work we examine early Iron Age burial contexts from two sites located in the Catal... more In the present work we examine early Iron Age burial contexts from two sites located in the Catalonian central coast: Mas d’en Boixos-1 (Pacs del Penedès) and Turó de la Font de la Canya (Avinyonet del Penedès). Recent excavations have revealed the reuse of silos as individual and double burials. In some cases, these inhumations were related to equine bones.
Abstract The temporal span of the Late Bronze Age and the Early Iron Age (1300-550) saw the emerg... more Abstract The temporal span of the Late Bronze Age and the Early Iron Age (1300-550) saw the emergence of intense interconnectivity in the Mediterranean sea. The development of colonial trade dramatically increased cultural exchange along its coasts as can be observed in archaeological evidence. These large scale processes had an impact at all scales and territories close to the main trade routes. However, the process was extremely diverse in its forms. This work presents a case study focused on two adjacent areas in the coast of the NE Iberian Peninsula. Spatial analysis has been carried out to explore the trajectories of settlement location dynamics during the whole period. Basic geographic variables, mobility and distance to trade routes have been explored to identify key differences over periods and areas. Results indicate that the factors guiding settlements location varied between the two zones. Moreover, one of the areas was radically influenced by trade routes in the Early Iron Age while the other did not seem to be affected by this external factor. The interpretation of these analyses suggests that the rise in connectivity was not homogeneous over the Western Mediterranean, but in the regions where it took place this factor was decisive to explain their historical trajectories.
Abstract The main aim of this work is to explore the role played by human mobility in prehistoric... more Abstract The main aim of this work is to explore the role played by human mobility in prehistoric population dynamics of a particular geographical framework:: the depressió prelitoral catalana (Catalonia, Spain). Network analysis and studies of human mobilities ...
[EN] At its origin, the expression "Sepulcros de Fosa" qualified all of the single, non... more [EN] At its origin, the expression "Sepulcros de Fosa" qualified all of the single, non-megalithic prehistoric buriaIs. In 1965, Ana M. Muñoz compiled all of the relevant sites then known, characterized this culture and proposed a first typology. Despite the small number of settlements discovered, the current data enable us to refine the Middle Neolithic chronology, and to define the diverse cultural forms, the latter being characterized based on standardized rituals. The published typologies of tombs dated to between the 5th and the middle of the 4th millennia BC have been summarized and we propase here a simplified typology of them, faci litating their cl assificat ion based on shared features. We also confront it with other variables, which enables us to propase hypotheses based on the origin and evolution of rituals and their geographic locations.[ES] La cultura de los Sepulcros de Fosa incluyó, en su origen, todas las sepulturas prehistóricas individuales no megalíticas. Ana M. Muñoz, en 1965, recopiló todos los yacimientos conocidos hasta entonces, caracterizó la cultura de los sepulcros de fosa y formuló la primera tipología. Con los datos actuales y, a falta de más hallazgos de poblados, se ha ido avanzando en la secuenciación del neolítico medio y en la definición de las diversas formas culturales, caracterizadas con ritos funerarios estandarizados. Hemos resumido las diversas tipologías publicadas de las tumbas neolíticas entre el V y mediados del IV milenio aC y ahora proponemos una tipología simplificada, que facilite la clasificación a partir de características comunes. El siguiente paso será cruzarla con otras variables que nos han de permitir plantear hipótesis sobre el origen y la evolución de los ritos y de su implantación territorial.[FR] A l'origine, l'expression «Sepulcres de Fosa» qualifie toutes les sépultures préhistoriques individuel les non mégalithiques. Ana M. Muñoz, en 1965, rassemble tous les sites concernés connus jusqu'alors, caractérise cette culture et en propase une premiere typologie. Malgré le peu de sites d'habitats découverts, les données actuelles ont permis de préciser le phasage du Néolithique moyen ainsi que la définition des diverses formes culturelles; celles-ci sont caractérisées par des rites standardisés. Les typologies publiées des tombes datées entre le Ve et la moitié du IVe millénaire av. J.-C. ont été résumées, et nous proposons ici une typologie simplifiée, qui facilite la classification a partir de caractéristiques communes. Nous la confronterons aussi a d'autres variables, ce qui nous permettra de proposer des hypotheses fondées sur l'origine et l'évolution des rites et leur implantation territoriale.Peer reviewe
Discovered in 1974, Parco's Cave has been the object of intensive and systematic excavations ... more Discovered in 1974, Parco's Cave has been the object of intensive and systematic excavations by the Seminari d'Estudis i Recerques Prehistoriques (SERP) of the University of Barcelona since 1987. The malacofauna remains obtained from the upper Magdalenian level (N. II) will be presented and discussed. To date, more than 40 evidences have been identified; among these taxa we distinguish the presence of exclusively fluvial species, such as Teodoxus fluviatilis, as well as exclusively marine species, such as Homalopoma sanguineum and Cyclope neritea- both being strictly of Mediterranean origins. While the origin of the former raises no question whatsoever since their catchment was done from the nearby river Segre, the procurement of marine gastropods, however, which has been identified so far exclusively in Cantabrian sites could suggest the possibility of a new doorway through the Ebro Basin, thereby strongly pointing to the possibility of a new way between the Mediterranean B...
One aspect that defines the Neolithic of the northeast of the Iberian Peninsula is its funeral re... more One aspect that defines the Neolithic of the northeast of the Iberian Peninsula is its funeral register. The graves are so numerous that already in the early twentieth century Professor P. Bosch Gimpera considered that they had to belong to the same culture, the culture of « Sepulcres de Fossa ». Many studies have been conducted on the funerary practices of this group, but atypical graves or human remains deposits are generally unnoticed, whereas they exist. In this paper we present some of these structures and propose a first series of reflections on these non- normative deposits.
Abstract In this article, a zooarchaeological and isotopic analysis is presented for 26 dog exemp... more Abstract In this article, a zooarchaeological and isotopic analysis is presented for 26 dog exemplars (Canis familiaris). These dogs were deposited in burial and ceremonial structures in the northeastern Iberian Peninsula during the Middle Neolithic, within the Pit Grave cultural horizon (ca. 4200–3600 cal BC). Four archaeological sites of the Catalonian coastal strip are studied: Cami de Can Grau, La Serreta, Ca l'Arnella, and Bobila Madurell (one of the most important necropolises of the Iberian Peninsula). The presence of these dogs is interpreted as evidence of accompanying offerings and represents the most ancient use of this animal in the context of burials within the studied territory. Although it is a not a globally recorded gesture during this period, in light of the present results, it can be considered as a stereotyped ritual activity and evidence of the close relationship between these animals and the human communities. The diet of most of the dogs must be considered mixed and very similar to that of the humans, including consumption of herbivores and terrestrial plants.
As in many other regions, the periodization of the Neolithic in the northeastern Iberian Peninsul... more As in many other regions, the periodization of the Neolithic in the northeastern Iberian Peninsula was based upon relative dating obtained through ceramic typologies. Moreover, this prehistoric period was structured using nomenclature borrowed from the Neolithization of southern France. A total of 37 new radiocarbon dates for NE Iberia have been recently obtained with appropriate sampling criteria. These results have been used in conjunction with other reliable14C dates in order to assess the validity of traditional classifications established through the study of ceramic typologies. The gradual improvement in the quality of sample choice and the available archaeological records allowed the selection of 187 dates obtained mostly from short-lived taxa. This has enabled the chronological boundaries to be adjusted as precisely as possible.
In the present work we examine early Iron Age burial contexts from two sites located in the Catal... more In the present work we examine early Iron Age burial contexts from two sites located in the Catalonian central coast: Mas d’en Boixos-1 (Pacs del Penedès) and Turó de la Font de la Canya (Avinyonet del Penedès). Recent excavations have revealed the reuse of silos as individual and double burials. In some cases, these inhumations were related to equine bones.
Abstract The temporal span of the Late Bronze Age and the Early Iron Age (1300-550) saw the emerg... more Abstract The temporal span of the Late Bronze Age and the Early Iron Age (1300-550) saw the emergence of intense interconnectivity in the Mediterranean sea. The development of colonial trade dramatically increased cultural exchange along its coasts as can be observed in archaeological evidence. These large scale processes had an impact at all scales and territories close to the main trade routes. However, the process was extremely diverse in its forms. This work presents a case study focused on two adjacent areas in the coast of the NE Iberian Peninsula. Spatial analysis has been carried out to explore the trajectories of settlement location dynamics during the whole period. Basic geographic variables, mobility and distance to trade routes have been explored to identify key differences over periods and areas. Results indicate that the factors guiding settlements location varied between the two zones. Moreover, one of the areas was radically influenced by trade routes in the Early Iron Age while the other did not seem to be affected by this external factor. The interpretation of these analyses suggests that the rise in connectivity was not homogeneous over the Western Mediterranean, but in the regions where it took place this factor was decisive to explain their historical trajectories.
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