jose yravedra | Universidad Complutense de Madrid (original) (raw)

2016-2022 by jose yravedra

Research paper thumbnail of Estaca et al Complutum 2023

Complutum, 2023

The zooarchaeological study of the samples from the Chalcolithic units of the Aldovea area, which... more The zooarchaeological study of the samples from the Chalcolithic units of the Aldovea area, which is one of the three areas of the Aldovea prehistoric site, located in Torrejón de Ardoz (Madrid). This site is a Chalcolithic settlement in the Valle Medio del Tajo formed by a concentration of negative structures in the form of pits and silos. The study of the fauna shows two different types of bone accumulations with different meanings. On the one hand, there is a set of fauna linked to economicfood uses characterized by the predominance of domestic fauna where sheep and cattle are the main species. On the other, there is a set of fauna deposited in what we have called "Deposits", with a less functional and more symbolic-ritual character, which presents complete individuals buried in anatomical connection or semi-connection in which domestic species such as the dog, the suidae and bovids. In this paper we analyze the differences between both types of contexts, and based on them we will try to discuss the economic implications of the bone assemblages of the first type, and the meaning that the more symbolic accumulations could have.

Research paper thumbnail of The fallow deer Dama celiae sp. nov. with two-pointed antlers from the Middle Pleistocene of Madrid, a contemporary of humans with Acheulean technology

Archaeological and Anthropological Sciences, 2023

We describe fossils of a new species of fallow deer, Dama celiae. It is the end member of the lin... more We describe fossils of a new species of fallow deer, Dama celiae. It is the end member of the lineage Dama farnetensis-D. vallonnetensis-D. roberti-D. celiae, which reduced the number of points of the antler from four to two, while the parallel lineage leading to the living fallow deer evolved more complex and palmate antlers. The fossils are from localities Pedro Jaro I and Orcasitas in the + 25-30-m terrace of the Manzanares river, which is correlated to MIS9 (337-300 ka) and which also yielded fossils of Megaloceros matritensis, a recently named species, end member of a lineage that survived longer than previously believed. A younger terrace of the Manzanares yielded remains of Haploidoceros, a rare deer known from two older localities in southern France and one younger locality in Spain. So many rare deer species in this valley indicates either endemism and a very special environment or that the record of fossil deer is much less known than generally assumed. Until recently, the European Middle Pleistocene record of deer had only one middle-sized species at a time. Now, it appears that there were up to three contemporaneous species of the size of a fallow deer. Acheulean lithic assemblages have been documented from the same sites as Dama celiae. This species was contemporaneous to Neanderthals with Acheulean culture. Cut marks suggest that it was consumed by them and probably was hunted.

Research paper thumbnail of An experimental approach to the analysis of altered cut marks in archaeological contexts from Geometrics Morphometrics

Journal of Archaeological Science: Reports 48 (2023) 103850, 2023

Geometric Morphometrics (GMMs) is a useful tool for the experimental characterization of differen... more Geometric Morphometrics (GMMs) is a useful tool for the experimental characterization of different taphonomic
modifications on bone surfaces, including anthropogenic cut marks. Until now, most research has been conducted
evaluating experimental and non-altered cut marks, in order to obtain a better control of the studied
variables. However, in archaeological contexts, bones are frequently subject to different taphonomic alterations
and, in most cases, bone surfaces and the associated taphonomic signals show different grades of alteration. In
this study, we present an experimental approach in which experimental cut marks were produced, mechanically
altered, digitized, and analyzed using GMMs, in order to provide an in-depth characterization of how overlying
taphonomic traces can alter cut marks. In the experiment, 40 cut marks were subjected to abrasion by a mixture
of distilled water, sands, and gravels, using a tumbling machine in a series of cumulative cycles for a total of 4 h:
cycle 1 (0.5′ ), cycle 2 (0.5′ ), cycle 3 (1 h) and cycle 4 (2 h). Cut mark cross-section profiles were then obtained
using 3D digital microscopy, and a 2D 7-landmark designed for cut mark analyses were employed. Our results
show a clear statistical differentiation among non-altered cut marks belonging to Cycle 0, and altered cut marks.
The depth and opening angle of cut marks appear to be the features with a higher weight in the differentiation
between altered and non-altered cut marks. On the other hand, there are no distinctions when differentiating
between the diverse altered cycles. These results, like those previously obtained in an experimental approach
using a binocular microscope, point to the limitation of the identification of cut marks and other taphonomic
signals in archaeological contexts with altered bone surfaces, caused by the fast alteration and the loss of
diagnostic criteria of the bone surface modifications.

Research paper thumbnail of Qué comían Los Picapiedra_

Research paper thumbnail of Taphonomic characterisation of tooth marks of extinct Eurasian carnivores through geometric morphometrics

Research paper thumbnail of Ikhnos: A Novel Software to Register and Analyze Bone Surface Modifications Based on Three-Dimensional Documentation

Abstract: The study of bone surface modifications (BSM) is crucial in understanding site formatio... more Abstract: The study of bone surface modifications (BSM) is crucial in understanding site formation
processes and the identification of the causal agent behind bone assemblages in the fossil record.
In that line, many efforts have been made to generate referential models based on feeding experiments
and human butchery simulations that can then be used to interpret the patterns observed in
archaeological and paleontological sites. Considering these needs, we developed a novel open-access
three-dimensional (3D) software called Ikhnos for the study of BSM distribution patterns on limb
long bones. This software is comprised of all the necessary tools for the 3D documentation of BSM
and bone breakage patterns, as well as the subsequent statistical analysis of this data due to the
integration of an exclusive R library, the IkhnosToolBox. Additionally, Ikhnos integrates tools for bone
survivorship calculations that could facilitate the estimation of the minimum number of elements
(MNE) and minimum number of individuals (MNI). As a demonstration of its precision, here we
present a case study analyzing the modifications produced by wild and captive wolf (Canis lupus
signatus) populations of the Iberian Peninsula on deer carcasses.

Research paper thumbnail of Revisiting the paleoenvironmental reconstruction of the Orce sites and the early Homo habitats in western Europe. A response to Palmqvist et al. (2022)

quaternary science review, 2022

Research paper thumbnail of Turning Art into Hammers: A Complex Biography of Palaeolithic Portable Art from Coímbre Cave (Asturias, Spain)

Cambridge Archaeological Journal, 2022

Palaeolithic representations can be approached from different perspectives. Studying the creativ... more Palaeolithic representations can be approached from different perspectives. Studying the
creative processes, we can glimpse the decisions that the Palaeolithic artists made and
the actions they carried out to materialize an idea. Additionally, the combined study of
both graphic and functional actions performed on an object provides a comprehensive
approach and understanding of the evidence: in the first place, it allows us to
hypothesize about the presence or absence of symbolic purpose of the representations;
secondly, it makes the potential choice of eliminating such symbolism discernible for
us. The monographic study of a Magdalenian pebble from Coímbre Cave (Asturias,
Spain) engraved between 15,680 and 14,230 cal. BP shows that a mistake was made
during the engraving process; subsequently an attempt was made to eliminate the
representations, and finally the pebble was used as a hammerstone. This paper provides
argumentation to reconstruct a complex biography of an object of Palaeolithic portable
art, discussing intentional loss of symbolic value of both the decoration and the object
and the latter’s reuse (as raw material) for an economic or domestic purpose.

Research paper thumbnail of Unravelling Hominin Activities in the Zooarchaeological Assemblage of Barranco León (Orce, Granada, Spain)

Journal of Paleolithic Archaeology, 2022

Little is known about the subsistence practices of the first European settlers, mainly due to th... more Little is known about the subsistence practices of the first European settlers, mainly
due to the shortage of archaeological sites in Europe older than a million years.
This article contributes to the knowledge of the subsistence of the first Europeans
with new zooarchaeology and taphonomic data from the Palaeolithic site of Barranco
León (Orce, Granada, Spain). We present the results of the analysis of the
faunal assemblages retrieved in the context of new excavations undertaken between
2016 and 2020. We have followed a standard methodology for the identification and
quantification of species, mortality profiles, skeletal representation and taphonomic
analysis. With regard to the taphonomic evidence, we have documented the extent of
rounding, abrasion and other alterations. Finally, we examined traces from the activities
of carnivores and hominins that led to the accumulation and alteration of the
bone assemblages. Results indicate that the archaeo-paleontological deposits from
Barranco León present a dual-patterned mixed taphonomic origin. The first phase
primarily involved waterborne processes (BL-D1), which led to the accumulation
of lithic raw materials, a few archaeological stone tools, and some faunal remains
with percussion and cutmarks. The second phase (BL-D2) contains several stone
tools associated with faunal remains with more anthropogenic alterations, such as
cutmarks and percussion marks. After analysing the Barranco León zooarchaeological
assemblage, the present study concludes that hominins had access to the meat
and within-bone nutrients of animals of diverse sizes. However, the specific carcass
acquisition mechanisms that hominins followed are less certain because the presence
of tooth marks suggests that carnivores also played a role in the accumulation
and modification of the Barranco León faunal assemblage.

Research paper thumbnail of Nomads Trading with Empires: Intercultural Trade in Ancient Somaliland in the First to Seventh Centuries CE

American Journal of Archaeology, 2021

This article presents new data from fieldwork in the de facto state of Somaliland, a region in t... more This article presents new data from fieldwork in the de facto state of Somaliland, a region
in the Horn of Africa historically inhabited by nomadic pastoralists who played a key role
in commercial exchange from the first century BCE onward. Relations between ancient
empires and nomadic populations have received comparatively little attention in relation
to other groups living within or outside imperial boundaries. Our understanding of
these interactions has been colored by stereotypes from classical authors and the elusive
nature of their archaeological record. It is thus not surprising that the role of nomadic
groups in long-distance trade networks in antiquity has been often downplayed. This is
the case in the Western Indian Ocean region. Archaeological evidence from survey and
excavation work conducted between 2018 and 2020 in Xiis and the Berbera area reveals
the strong integration of the region in the Indian Ocean network, the high purchasing
power of the nomads, and their heterogeneity. Participation in long-distance trade seems
to have provoked important social changes in local communities that did not, however,
put them on the path to sedentism and political centralization.

Research paper thumbnail of Zooarchaeology of the Iron Age in Western Iberia: new insights from the Celtic oppidum of Ulaca

Archaeological and Anthropological Sciences, 2022

The Vettones were one of the most important Celtic peoples of the Late Iron Age in Western Iberia... more The Vettones were one of the most important Celtic peoples of the Late Iron Age in Western Iberia (between the Duero
and Tagus Rivers). It is a period recognised from the spread of the cremation ritual in the cemeteries, the development of
iron metallurgy, and the emergence of large fortified settlements—the characteristic oppida—that would finally be abandoned
with the conquest of Hispania by Rome. Different types of evidence suggest that the Vetton economy was based on
livestock. Palaeobotanical and carpological analyses reveal a major deforestation of the landscape, the conversion of large
areas into pastures and cultivated fields, and the use of enclosures as cattle pens. The stone sculptures of bulls and pigs
found throughout the mountainous areas of the region—the famous verracos—also reflect the value the Vettones placed on
livestock. However, there have been very few studies devoted to the identification of faunal remains. In this text, we offer
previously unpublished data on the animals found in the oppidum of Ulaca (Solosancho, Ávila, Spain), one of the largest
in Celtic Iberia (third–first centuries BC), which we relate to other evidence from neighbouring sites. Thus, the state of the
research into Vetton zooarchaeology is offered in the broader context of the Iberian Peninsula.

Research paper thumbnail of Systematization of butchery processes during the last Glacial Maximum in the Cantabrian region, a view from La Lluera cave (Asturias, Spain)

Taphonomic studies explain the processes of formation and accumulation of bone assemblages, with ... more Taphonomic studies explain the processes of formation and accumulation of bone assemblages, with special
emphasis on anthropic activity. During the last decades, the number of these studies has increased notably in the
sites of the north of the Iberian Peninsula. It is known that Upper Paleolithic hunter-gatherer groups had a
prominent role in bone accumulations documented at archaeological sites. However, the manner these communities
processed animal resources has gone unnoticed. In this work, with the aim of determining whether
there were specific behavioral trends in terms of disarticulation and bone defleshing, it is analyzed how the
groups that occupied La Lluera (Asturias, northern Spain) during the Solutrean and Magdalenian periods took
advantage of the hunted resources. Finally, we show that Upper Paleolithic hunter-gatherer communities at La
Lluera show a notable degree of systematization of animal processing.

Research paper thumbnail of ‘We hunt to share’: social dynamics and very large mammal butchery during the Oldowan–Acheulean transition

World Archaeology,, 2022

The Early Pleistocene (2.58–0.78 Ma) was a period of major evolutionary changes in the hominin l... more The Early Pleistocene (2.58–0.78 Ma) was a period of major evolutionary
changes in the hominin lineage. The progressive consolidation of bipedal
locomotion, alongside increases in cranial capacity and behavioural flexibility,
allowed early Homo to exploit an increasing diversity of resources and environmental
settings within the changing landscapes of East Africa and beyond.
These complex processes were not necessarily linear or spatially uniform, given
the technological diversity documented, particularly during the Oldowan–
Acheulean transition. In this paper, we argue that human populations experienced
a considerable demographic expansion from c.1.7–1.5 Ma onwards,
expressed in the number, size, density, and distribution of archaeological
sites. These patterns resulted from the interplay of high-yielding animal
resource exploitation strategies, technological investment, prosocial behaviours
as well as increasingly structured land use patterns. A more consolidated
hominin demographic structure led to the extinction of large sympatric carnivore
species, while larger group sizes would have led to more successful Outof-
Africa dispersals.

Research paper thumbnail of The interaction between large mammals and Acheulean tools during the Middle Pleistocene in the Manzanares valley (Madrid, Spain): new evidence for Santa Elena and Oxígeno sites

Archaeological and Anthropological Sciences, 2022

The fluvial deposits of the Manzanares and Jarama rivers present one of the largest concentration... more The fluvial deposits of the Manzanares and Jarama rivers present one of the largest concentrations of lithic and faunal remains
of Pleistocene sites in Europe. In the Manzanares River close to the confluence of the Jarama River, the stepped terrace system
disappears and gives way to the Complex Terrace of Butarque (CTB), where the sites of Santa Elena and Oxígeno are
located. Different numerical dates obtained from the visible CTB’s bottom suggest that it was deposited during the MIS 6 or
even MIS 7. This paper provides the first taphonomic and palaeoecological interpretation of both collections. A total of 445
fossil elements have been recorded in Oxígeno. The most represented are cranial fragments of Elephas sp. About Santa Elena,
130 fossil elements have been recorded. The best represented are fragments of Bos/Bison sp. horns and Elephas sp. tusks.
The taphonomic processes identified at both sites bring to light a complex taphonomic history. The incidence of processes
related to fluvial transport is higher in Oxígeno than in Santa Elena. Besides, dismemberment cut marks have been identified
exclusively on the humerus of Bos primigenius in Santa Elena. Several tooth marks from carnivores have been recorded:
small pits and scores at Oxígeno as well as pits and furrowing on Bos primigenius and Megaloceros sp. bones from Santa
Elena. The faunal association depict an open landscape of wet meadows with herbaceous vegetation adjacent to riparian wood
habitats associated with the Manzanares alluvial plain, where hominids and predators competed to some unknown extent.

Research paper thumbnail of Deciphering carnivoran competition for animal resources at the 1.46 Ma early Pleistocene site of Barranco Leon (Orce, Granada, Spain)

quternary science review, 2023

Barranco Leon (Orce, Guadix Baza, Spain) is one of the sites with the oldest evidence of human a... more Barranco Leon (Orce, Guadix Baza, Spain) is one of the sites with the oldest evidence of human activity in
south-western Europe. This site has yielded human remains in association with both fauna and lithic
artefacts, linked through the presence of anthropogenic cut and percussion marks. Nevertheless, while
this site is a clear example of early hominin access to carcasses, the accumulations have been identified
as a palimpsest, where multiple agents including carnivorans played a role in modifying and interacting
in site formation processes. From this perspective, the interpretation and study of the Barranco Leon site
is of great difficulty. Traditionally, interpretations have presented Barranco Leon as an area where
hominins as well as the giant hyena, Pachycrocuta brevirostris, competed for access to carcasses left by
machairodontine felids, such as the saber-toothed Homotherium latidens. Nevertheless, as will be presented
in this study, the complexity and trophic pressure of Barranco Leon is much more complicated
than originally hypothesized. This study presents a detailed taphonomic analysis of carnivoran activities
in the level D1 of the Barranco Leon assemblage. 3D modelling, geometric morphometrics, and
computational learning are used to provide new insights into the tooth pits observed on faunal materials.
Here we show that Canis mosbachensis plays a pivotal role in the formation of the site, followed by
Pachycrocuta, Homotherium, Ursus etruscus, and Xenocyon (Lycaon) lycaonoides. From this perspective,
it can be seen that while Pachycrocuta and Homotherium were active agents in the formation of the site,
other carnivorans are also important agents to consider when investigating the Guadix Baza region.
© 2022 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved

Research paper thumbnail of Laser-Induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) for the analyses of faunal bones: Assembling of individuals and elemental quantification

Among the innumerable remains that appear in the archaeological sites, the faunal fossil remains ... more Among the innumerable remains that appear in the archaeological sites, the faunal fossil remains
are one of the most numerous. Different specialities study these fossil remains of fauna from
different perspectives. Among them, the quantification of the remains is some of the most important
information, since they allow us to estimate what species there are and what representativeness
they can have. The problem is that the archaeological sites usually consist of
several bones from different species and individuals. The minimum number of individuals (MNI)
is usually used to estimate the representativeness of the species (e.g. there are 4 individuals of
deer and 3 individuals of horses). The problem with this technique is that it does not allow to
relate the remains that appear with each individual in a concrete way. Just the DNA analysis is
necessary to reassemble the remains. However, the high cost and difficulty of implementation of
DNA analysis do not allow performing a genetic study. In this paper, the combination of Laser-
Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) and Neural Networks (NN) has been successfully implemented
to discriminate and reassemble wild deer bones from different individuals. This is a
step further from human bones classification and one step behind the archaeological bones
classification. The elemental composition of bones provides enough information to get the correct
discrimination of different individuals. The spectral correlation has exceeded 93 %. There have
been no false positives and negatives. Also, the quantification of the different inorganic elements
present in all bone samples has been achieved by the Calibration-Free LIBS (CF-LIBS) approach.
Both approaches are different, NN is more qualitative and CF-LIBS, quantitative. Usually, chemometric
methods are employed for the discrimination of samples, but it is an approach that
requires a lot of LIBS spectra in order to perform the training, validation and test. In the case of
CF-LIBS, only one spectrum with a certain degree of accumulation is necessary to obtain the
elemental concentration. Thus, both approaches have been explored in this work. This fast
analysis could allow archaeologist to perform a correct classification of individuals without
performing several DNA´s analysis. This would save time and resources.

Research paper thumbnail of 3D Insights into the Effects of Captivity on Wolf Mastication and Their Tooth Marks; Implications in Ecological Studies of Both the Past and Present

Recent years have seen major advances in the analysis of carnivore modifications to bone during ... more Recent years have seen major advances in the analysis of carnivore modifications
to bone during feeding, based on the integration of 3D modeling and data science techniques, and
with special attention being paid to tooth marks. From this perspective, carnivore tooth scores
and pits have slowly converted into a protagonist in the identification of the carnivores producing
them. The present study confronts the intra-species variability of tooth mark morphologies produced
by Iberian wolves, taking into account not only different populations but also whether wild and
captive wolves produce different shaped tooth marks. Here we show how, in the case of tooth scores,
differences are notable and should thus be treated with caution. Further conclusions reveal that
carnivore tooth pits are currently the most diagnostic elements for the study of carnivore feeding
traces on bone, pending future studies that compare closely related taxa with sufficient intraspecific
variability. In light of this, further investigation into the possible stress captivity may cause on these
animals could be of great importance for both the study of past and present. If differences were
to exist, these results could implicate a larger margin of error than previously perceived for some
experimental samples, affecting both prehistoric and modern-day ecological studies.

Research paper thumbnail of Developments in data science solutions for carnivore tooth pit classification

Competition for resources is a key question in the study of our early human evolution. From the f... more Competition for resources is a key question in the study of our early human evolution. From the first
hominin groups, carnivores have played a fundamental role in the ecosystem. From this perspective,
understanding the trophic pressure between hominins and carnivores can provide valuable insights
into the context in which humans survived, interacted with their surroundings, and consequently
evolved. While numerous techniques already exist for the detection of carnivore activity in
archaeological and palaeontological sites, many of these techniques present important limitations.
The present study builds on a number of advanced data science techniques to confront these issues,
defining methods for the identification of the precise agents involved in carcass consumption and
manipulation. For the purpose of this study, a large sample of 620 carnivore tooth pits is presented,
including samples from bears, hyenas, jaguars, leopards, lions, wolves, foxes and African wild dogs.
Using 3D modelling, geometric morphometrics, robust data modelling, and artificial intelligence
algorithms, the present study obtains between 88 and 98% accuracy, with balanced overall evaluation
metrics across all datasets. From this perspective, and when combined with other sources of
taphonomic evidence, these results show that advanced data science techniques can be considered
a valuable addition to the taphonomist’s toolkit for the identification of precise carnivore agents via
tooth pit morphology.

Research paper thumbnail of Use of meat resources in the Early Pleistocene assemblages from Fuente Nueva 3 (Orce, Granada, Spain)

Archaeological and Anthropological Sciences, 2021

Over the last few decades, several types of evidence such as presence of hominin remains, lithic ... more Over the last few decades, several types of evidence such as presence of hominin remains, lithic assemblages, and bones
with anthropogenic surface modifications have demonstrated that early human communities inhabited the European subcontinent
prior to the Jaramillo Subchron (1.07–0.98 Ma). While most studies have focused primarily on early European
lithic technologies and raw material management, relatively little is known about food procurement strategies. While there
is some evidence showing access to meat and other animal-based food resources, their mode of acquisition and associated
butchery processes are still poorly understood. This paper presents a taphonomic and zooarchaeological analysis of the
Fuente Nueva-3 (FN3) (Guadix-Baza, Spain) faunal assemblage, providing a more in-depth understanding of early hominin
subsistence strategies in Europe. The present results show that hominins had access to the meat and marrow of a wide range
of animal taxa, including elephants, hippopotami, and small- and medium-sized animals. At the same time, evidence of
carnivore activity at the site suggests that these communities likely faced some degree of competition from large predators
when acquiring and processing carcasses.

Research paper thumbnail of The role of birds in Roman imperial funerary rituals at La Magdalena (Alcalá de Henares, Spain): osteoarchaeological and symbolic analysis

Archaeological and Anthropological Sciences (2021) 13: 67, 2021

The archaeological site of La Magdalena, located in Alcalá de Henares (Madrid), has a large necro... more The archaeological site of La Magdalena, located in Alcalá de Henares (Madrid), has a large necropolis area related to different
chronological phases. This study was based on the bone remains found in three Roman tombs that date back to the second and
third century AD and a votive offering. The three tombs were located in different places far from one another and have special
features on their structure pits and their grave goods. We conducted anthropological and archeozoological analyses on the
individuals and bird-associated remains. The anthropological results indicated that there was one adult male, one adult female,
and a child, each one associated with a Common Pheasant which presents the same relative age and sex as the corpse they were
accompanying. Moreover, all these pheasants were placed inside the grave next to the right tibia of the indicated human remains.
We found another bird interred as an offering for the Early Roman cremations, but it was not associated with any particular grave.
We consider that the presence of these bird remains is a votive offering related to a religious funeral ritual, but we could not
determine if it belongs to a pagan religion or Christianity.

Research paper thumbnail of Estaca et al Complutum 2023

Complutum, 2023

The zooarchaeological study of the samples from the Chalcolithic units of the Aldovea area, which... more The zooarchaeological study of the samples from the Chalcolithic units of the Aldovea area, which is one of the three areas of the Aldovea prehistoric site, located in Torrejón de Ardoz (Madrid). This site is a Chalcolithic settlement in the Valle Medio del Tajo formed by a concentration of negative structures in the form of pits and silos. The study of the fauna shows two different types of bone accumulations with different meanings. On the one hand, there is a set of fauna linked to economicfood uses characterized by the predominance of domestic fauna where sheep and cattle are the main species. On the other, there is a set of fauna deposited in what we have called "Deposits", with a less functional and more symbolic-ritual character, which presents complete individuals buried in anatomical connection or semi-connection in which domestic species such as the dog, the suidae and bovids. In this paper we analyze the differences between both types of contexts, and based on them we will try to discuss the economic implications of the bone assemblages of the first type, and the meaning that the more symbolic accumulations could have.

Research paper thumbnail of The fallow deer Dama celiae sp. nov. with two-pointed antlers from the Middle Pleistocene of Madrid, a contemporary of humans with Acheulean technology

Archaeological and Anthropological Sciences, 2023

We describe fossils of a new species of fallow deer, Dama celiae. It is the end member of the lin... more We describe fossils of a new species of fallow deer, Dama celiae. It is the end member of the lineage Dama farnetensis-D. vallonnetensis-D. roberti-D. celiae, which reduced the number of points of the antler from four to two, while the parallel lineage leading to the living fallow deer evolved more complex and palmate antlers. The fossils are from localities Pedro Jaro I and Orcasitas in the + 25-30-m terrace of the Manzanares river, which is correlated to MIS9 (337-300 ka) and which also yielded fossils of Megaloceros matritensis, a recently named species, end member of a lineage that survived longer than previously believed. A younger terrace of the Manzanares yielded remains of Haploidoceros, a rare deer known from two older localities in southern France and one younger locality in Spain. So many rare deer species in this valley indicates either endemism and a very special environment or that the record of fossil deer is much less known than generally assumed. Until recently, the European Middle Pleistocene record of deer had only one middle-sized species at a time. Now, it appears that there were up to three contemporaneous species of the size of a fallow deer. Acheulean lithic assemblages have been documented from the same sites as Dama celiae. This species was contemporaneous to Neanderthals with Acheulean culture. Cut marks suggest that it was consumed by them and probably was hunted.

Research paper thumbnail of An experimental approach to the analysis of altered cut marks in archaeological contexts from Geometrics Morphometrics

Journal of Archaeological Science: Reports 48 (2023) 103850, 2023

Geometric Morphometrics (GMMs) is a useful tool for the experimental characterization of differen... more Geometric Morphometrics (GMMs) is a useful tool for the experimental characterization of different taphonomic
modifications on bone surfaces, including anthropogenic cut marks. Until now, most research has been conducted
evaluating experimental and non-altered cut marks, in order to obtain a better control of the studied
variables. However, in archaeological contexts, bones are frequently subject to different taphonomic alterations
and, in most cases, bone surfaces and the associated taphonomic signals show different grades of alteration. In
this study, we present an experimental approach in which experimental cut marks were produced, mechanically
altered, digitized, and analyzed using GMMs, in order to provide an in-depth characterization of how overlying
taphonomic traces can alter cut marks. In the experiment, 40 cut marks were subjected to abrasion by a mixture
of distilled water, sands, and gravels, using a tumbling machine in a series of cumulative cycles for a total of 4 h:
cycle 1 (0.5′ ), cycle 2 (0.5′ ), cycle 3 (1 h) and cycle 4 (2 h). Cut mark cross-section profiles were then obtained
using 3D digital microscopy, and a 2D 7-landmark designed for cut mark analyses were employed. Our results
show a clear statistical differentiation among non-altered cut marks belonging to Cycle 0, and altered cut marks.
The depth and opening angle of cut marks appear to be the features with a higher weight in the differentiation
between altered and non-altered cut marks. On the other hand, there are no distinctions when differentiating
between the diverse altered cycles. These results, like those previously obtained in an experimental approach
using a binocular microscope, point to the limitation of the identification of cut marks and other taphonomic
signals in archaeological contexts with altered bone surfaces, caused by the fast alteration and the loss of
diagnostic criteria of the bone surface modifications.

Research paper thumbnail of Qué comían Los Picapiedra_

Research paper thumbnail of Taphonomic characterisation of tooth marks of extinct Eurasian carnivores through geometric morphometrics

Research paper thumbnail of Ikhnos: A Novel Software to Register and Analyze Bone Surface Modifications Based on Three-Dimensional Documentation

Abstract: The study of bone surface modifications (BSM) is crucial in understanding site formatio... more Abstract: The study of bone surface modifications (BSM) is crucial in understanding site formation
processes and the identification of the causal agent behind bone assemblages in the fossil record.
In that line, many efforts have been made to generate referential models based on feeding experiments
and human butchery simulations that can then be used to interpret the patterns observed in
archaeological and paleontological sites. Considering these needs, we developed a novel open-access
three-dimensional (3D) software called Ikhnos for the study of BSM distribution patterns on limb
long bones. This software is comprised of all the necessary tools for the 3D documentation of BSM
and bone breakage patterns, as well as the subsequent statistical analysis of this data due to the
integration of an exclusive R library, the IkhnosToolBox. Additionally, Ikhnos integrates tools for bone
survivorship calculations that could facilitate the estimation of the minimum number of elements
(MNE) and minimum number of individuals (MNI). As a demonstration of its precision, here we
present a case study analyzing the modifications produced by wild and captive wolf (Canis lupus
signatus) populations of the Iberian Peninsula on deer carcasses.

Research paper thumbnail of Revisiting the paleoenvironmental reconstruction of the Orce sites and the early Homo habitats in western Europe. A response to Palmqvist et al. (2022)

quaternary science review, 2022

Research paper thumbnail of Turning Art into Hammers: A Complex Biography of Palaeolithic Portable Art from Coímbre Cave (Asturias, Spain)

Cambridge Archaeological Journal, 2022

Palaeolithic representations can be approached from different perspectives. Studying the creativ... more Palaeolithic representations can be approached from different perspectives. Studying the
creative processes, we can glimpse the decisions that the Palaeolithic artists made and
the actions they carried out to materialize an idea. Additionally, the combined study of
both graphic and functional actions performed on an object provides a comprehensive
approach and understanding of the evidence: in the first place, it allows us to
hypothesize about the presence or absence of symbolic purpose of the representations;
secondly, it makes the potential choice of eliminating such symbolism discernible for
us. The monographic study of a Magdalenian pebble from Coímbre Cave (Asturias,
Spain) engraved between 15,680 and 14,230 cal. BP shows that a mistake was made
during the engraving process; subsequently an attempt was made to eliminate the
representations, and finally the pebble was used as a hammerstone. This paper provides
argumentation to reconstruct a complex biography of an object of Palaeolithic portable
art, discussing intentional loss of symbolic value of both the decoration and the object
and the latter’s reuse (as raw material) for an economic or domestic purpose.

Research paper thumbnail of Unravelling Hominin Activities in the Zooarchaeological Assemblage of Barranco León (Orce, Granada, Spain)

Journal of Paleolithic Archaeology, 2022

Little is known about the subsistence practices of the first European settlers, mainly due to th... more Little is known about the subsistence practices of the first European settlers, mainly
due to the shortage of archaeological sites in Europe older than a million years.
This article contributes to the knowledge of the subsistence of the first Europeans
with new zooarchaeology and taphonomic data from the Palaeolithic site of Barranco
León (Orce, Granada, Spain). We present the results of the analysis of the
faunal assemblages retrieved in the context of new excavations undertaken between
2016 and 2020. We have followed a standard methodology for the identification and
quantification of species, mortality profiles, skeletal representation and taphonomic
analysis. With regard to the taphonomic evidence, we have documented the extent of
rounding, abrasion and other alterations. Finally, we examined traces from the activities
of carnivores and hominins that led to the accumulation and alteration of the
bone assemblages. Results indicate that the archaeo-paleontological deposits from
Barranco León present a dual-patterned mixed taphonomic origin. The first phase
primarily involved waterborne processes (BL-D1), which led to the accumulation
of lithic raw materials, a few archaeological stone tools, and some faunal remains
with percussion and cutmarks. The second phase (BL-D2) contains several stone
tools associated with faunal remains with more anthropogenic alterations, such as
cutmarks and percussion marks. After analysing the Barranco León zooarchaeological
assemblage, the present study concludes that hominins had access to the meat
and within-bone nutrients of animals of diverse sizes. However, the specific carcass
acquisition mechanisms that hominins followed are less certain because the presence
of tooth marks suggests that carnivores also played a role in the accumulation
and modification of the Barranco León faunal assemblage.

Research paper thumbnail of Nomads Trading with Empires: Intercultural Trade in Ancient Somaliland in the First to Seventh Centuries CE

American Journal of Archaeology, 2021

This article presents new data from fieldwork in the de facto state of Somaliland, a region in t... more This article presents new data from fieldwork in the de facto state of Somaliland, a region
in the Horn of Africa historically inhabited by nomadic pastoralists who played a key role
in commercial exchange from the first century BCE onward. Relations between ancient
empires and nomadic populations have received comparatively little attention in relation
to other groups living within or outside imperial boundaries. Our understanding of
these interactions has been colored by stereotypes from classical authors and the elusive
nature of their archaeological record. It is thus not surprising that the role of nomadic
groups in long-distance trade networks in antiquity has been often downplayed. This is
the case in the Western Indian Ocean region. Archaeological evidence from survey and
excavation work conducted between 2018 and 2020 in Xiis and the Berbera area reveals
the strong integration of the region in the Indian Ocean network, the high purchasing
power of the nomads, and their heterogeneity. Participation in long-distance trade seems
to have provoked important social changes in local communities that did not, however,
put them on the path to sedentism and political centralization.

Research paper thumbnail of Zooarchaeology of the Iron Age in Western Iberia: new insights from the Celtic oppidum of Ulaca

Archaeological and Anthropological Sciences, 2022

The Vettones were one of the most important Celtic peoples of the Late Iron Age in Western Iberia... more The Vettones were one of the most important Celtic peoples of the Late Iron Age in Western Iberia (between the Duero
and Tagus Rivers). It is a period recognised from the spread of the cremation ritual in the cemeteries, the development of
iron metallurgy, and the emergence of large fortified settlements—the characteristic oppida—that would finally be abandoned
with the conquest of Hispania by Rome. Different types of evidence suggest that the Vetton economy was based on
livestock. Palaeobotanical and carpological analyses reveal a major deforestation of the landscape, the conversion of large
areas into pastures and cultivated fields, and the use of enclosures as cattle pens. The stone sculptures of bulls and pigs
found throughout the mountainous areas of the region—the famous verracos—also reflect the value the Vettones placed on
livestock. However, there have been very few studies devoted to the identification of faunal remains. In this text, we offer
previously unpublished data on the animals found in the oppidum of Ulaca (Solosancho, Ávila, Spain), one of the largest
in Celtic Iberia (third–first centuries BC), which we relate to other evidence from neighbouring sites. Thus, the state of the
research into Vetton zooarchaeology is offered in the broader context of the Iberian Peninsula.

Research paper thumbnail of Systematization of butchery processes during the last Glacial Maximum in the Cantabrian region, a view from La Lluera cave (Asturias, Spain)

Taphonomic studies explain the processes of formation and accumulation of bone assemblages, with ... more Taphonomic studies explain the processes of formation and accumulation of bone assemblages, with special
emphasis on anthropic activity. During the last decades, the number of these studies has increased notably in the
sites of the north of the Iberian Peninsula. It is known that Upper Paleolithic hunter-gatherer groups had a
prominent role in bone accumulations documented at archaeological sites. However, the manner these communities
processed animal resources has gone unnoticed. In this work, with the aim of determining whether
there were specific behavioral trends in terms of disarticulation and bone defleshing, it is analyzed how the
groups that occupied La Lluera (Asturias, northern Spain) during the Solutrean and Magdalenian periods took
advantage of the hunted resources. Finally, we show that Upper Paleolithic hunter-gatherer communities at La
Lluera show a notable degree of systematization of animal processing.

Research paper thumbnail of ‘We hunt to share’: social dynamics and very large mammal butchery during the Oldowan–Acheulean transition

World Archaeology,, 2022

The Early Pleistocene (2.58–0.78 Ma) was a period of major evolutionary changes in the hominin l... more The Early Pleistocene (2.58–0.78 Ma) was a period of major evolutionary
changes in the hominin lineage. The progressive consolidation of bipedal
locomotion, alongside increases in cranial capacity and behavioural flexibility,
allowed early Homo to exploit an increasing diversity of resources and environmental
settings within the changing landscapes of East Africa and beyond.
These complex processes were not necessarily linear or spatially uniform, given
the technological diversity documented, particularly during the Oldowan–
Acheulean transition. In this paper, we argue that human populations experienced
a considerable demographic expansion from c.1.7–1.5 Ma onwards,
expressed in the number, size, density, and distribution of archaeological
sites. These patterns resulted from the interplay of high-yielding animal
resource exploitation strategies, technological investment, prosocial behaviours
as well as increasingly structured land use patterns. A more consolidated
hominin demographic structure led to the extinction of large sympatric carnivore
species, while larger group sizes would have led to more successful Outof-
Africa dispersals.

Research paper thumbnail of The interaction between large mammals and Acheulean tools during the Middle Pleistocene in the Manzanares valley (Madrid, Spain): new evidence for Santa Elena and Oxígeno sites

Archaeological and Anthropological Sciences, 2022

The fluvial deposits of the Manzanares and Jarama rivers present one of the largest concentration... more The fluvial deposits of the Manzanares and Jarama rivers present one of the largest concentrations of lithic and faunal remains
of Pleistocene sites in Europe. In the Manzanares River close to the confluence of the Jarama River, the stepped terrace system
disappears and gives way to the Complex Terrace of Butarque (CTB), where the sites of Santa Elena and Oxígeno are
located. Different numerical dates obtained from the visible CTB’s bottom suggest that it was deposited during the MIS 6 or
even MIS 7. This paper provides the first taphonomic and palaeoecological interpretation of both collections. A total of 445
fossil elements have been recorded in Oxígeno. The most represented are cranial fragments of Elephas sp. About Santa Elena,
130 fossil elements have been recorded. The best represented are fragments of Bos/Bison sp. horns and Elephas sp. tusks.
The taphonomic processes identified at both sites bring to light a complex taphonomic history. The incidence of processes
related to fluvial transport is higher in Oxígeno than in Santa Elena. Besides, dismemberment cut marks have been identified
exclusively on the humerus of Bos primigenius in Santa Elena. Several tooth marks from carnivores have been recorded:
small pits and scores at Oxígeno as well as pits and furrowing on Bos primigenius and Megaloceros sp. bones from Santa
Elena. The faunal association depict an open landscape of wet meadows with herbaceous vegetation adjacent to riparian wood
habitats associated with the Manzanares alluvial plain, where hominids and predators competed to some unknown extent.

Research paper thumbnail of Deciphering carnivoran competition for animal resources at the 1.46 Ma early Pleistocene site of Barranco Leon (Orce, Granada, Spain)

quternary science review, 2023

Barranco Leon (Orce, Guadix Baza, Spain) is one of the sites with the oldest evidence of human a... more Barranco Leon (Orce, Guadix Baza, Spain) is one of the sites with the oldest evidence of human activity in
south-western Europe. This site has yielded human remains in association with both fauna and lithic
artefacts, linked through the presence of anthropogenic cut and percussion marks. Nevertheless, while
this site is a clear example of early hominin access to carcasses, the accumulations have been identified
as a palimpsest, where multiple agents including carnivorans played a role in modifying and interacting
in site formation processes. From this perspective, the interpretation and study of the Barranco Leon site
is of great difficulty. Traditionally, interpretations have presented Barranco Leon as an area where
hominins as well as the giant hyena, Pachycrocuta brevirostris, competed for access to carcasses left by
machairodontine felids, such as the saber-toothed Homotherium latidens. Nevertheless, as will be presented
in this study, the complexity and trophic pressure of Barranco Leon is much more complicated
than originally hypothesized. This study presents a detailed taphonomic analysis of carnivoran activities
in the level D1 of the Barranco Leon assemblage. 3D modelling, geometric morphometrics, and
computational learning are used to provide new insights into the tooth pits observed on faunal materials.
Here we show that Canis mosbachensis plays a pivotal role in the formation of the site, followed by
Pachycrocuta, Homotherium, Ursus etruscus, and Xenocyon (Lycaon) lycaonoides. From this perspective,
it can be seen that while Pachycrocuta and Homotherium were active agents in the formation of the site,
other carnivorans are also important agents to consider when investigating the Guadix Baza region.
© 2022 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved

Research paper thumbnail of Laser-Induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) for the analyses of faunal bones: Assembling of individuals and elemental quantification

Among the innumerable remains that appear in the archaeological sites, the faunal fossil remains ... more Among the innumerable remains that appear in the archaeological sites, the faunal fossil remains
are one of the most numerous. Different specialities study these fossil remains of fauna from
different perspectives. Among them, the quantification of the remains is some of the most important
information, since they allow us to estimate what species there are and what representativeness
they can have. The problem is that the archaeological sites usually consist of
several bones from different species and individuals. The minimum number of individuals (MNI)
is usually used to estimate the representativeness of the species (e.g. there are 4 individuals of
deer and 3 individuals of horses). The problem with this technique is that it does not allow to
relate the remains that appear with each individual in a concrete way. Just the DNA analysis is
necessary to reassemble the remains. However, the high cost and difficulty of implementation of
DNA analysis do not allow performing a genetic study. In this paper, the combination of Laser-
Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) and Neural Networks (NN) has been successfully implemented
to discriminate and reassemble wild deer bones from different individuals. This is a
step further from human bones classification and one step behind the archaeological bones
classification. The elemental composition of bones provides enough information to get the correct
discrimination of different individuals. The spectral correlation has exceeded 93 %. There have
been no false positives and negatives. Also, the quantification of the different inorganic elements
present in all bone samples has been achieved by the Calibration-Free LIBS (CF-LIBS) approach.
Both approaches are different, NN is more qualitative and CF-LIBS, quantitative. Usually, chemometric
methods are employed for the discrimination of samples, but it is an approach that
requires a lot of LIBS spectra in order to perform the training, validation and test. In the case of
CF-LIBS, only one spectrum with a certain degree of accumulation is necessary to obtain the
elemental concentration. Thus, both approaches have been explored in this work. This fast
analysis could allow archaeologist to perform a correct classification of individuals without
performing several DNA´s analysis. This would save time and resources.

Research paper thumbnail of 3D Insights into the Effects of Captivity on Wolf Mastication and Their Tooth Marks; Implications in Ecological Studies of Both the Past and Present

Recent years have seen major advances in the analysis of carnivore modifications to bone during ... more Recent years have seen major advances in the analysis of carnivore modifications
to bone during feeding, based on the integration of 3D modeling and data science techniques, and
with special attention being paid to tooth marks. From this perspective, carnivore tooth scores
and pits have slowly converted into a protagonist in the identification of the carnivores producing
them. The present study confronts the intra-species variability of tooth mark morphologies produced
by Iberian wolves, taking into account not only different populations but also whether wild and
captive wolves produce different shaped tooth marks. Here we show how, in the case of tooth scores,
differences are notable and should thus be treated with caution. Further conclusions reveal that
carnivore tooth pits are currently the most diagnostic elements for the study of carnivore feeding
traces on bone, pending future studies that compare closely related taxa with sufficient intraspecific
variability. In light of this, further investigation into the possible stress captivity may cause on these
animals could be of great importance for both the study of past and present. If differences were
to exist, these results could implicate a larger margin of error than previously perceived for some
experimental samples, affecting both prehistoric and modern-day ecological studies.

Research paper thumbnail of Developments in data science solutions for carnivore tooth pit classification

Competition for resources is a key question in the study of our early human evolution. From the f... more Competition for resources is a key question in the study of our early human evolution. From the first
hominin groups, carnivores have played a fundamental role in the ecosystem. From this perspective,
understanding the trophic pressure between hominins and carnivores can provide valuable insights
into the context in which humans survived, interacted with their surroundings, and consequently
evolved. While numerous techniques already exist for the detection of carnivore activity in
archaeological and palaeontological sites, many of these techniques present important limitations.
The present study builds on a number of advanced data science techniques to confront these issues,
defining methods for the identification of the precise agents involved in carcass consumption and
manipulation. For the purpose of this study, a large sample of 620 carnivore tooth pits is presented,
including samples from bears, hyenas, jaguars, leopards, lions, wolves, foxes and African wild dogs.
Using 3D modelling, geometric morphometrics, robust data modelling, and artificial intelligence
algorithms, the present study obtains between 88 and 98% accuracy, with balanced overall evaluation
metrics across all datasets. From this perspective, and when combined with other sources of
taphonomic evidence, these results show that advanced data science techniques can be considered
a valuable addition to the taphonomist’s toolkit for the identification of precise carnivore agents via
tooth pit morphology.

Research paper thumbnail of Use of meat resources in the Early Pleistocene assemblages from Fuente Nueva 3 (Orce, Granada, Spain)

Archaeological and Anthropological Sciences, 2021

Over the last few decades, several types of evidence such as presence of hominin remains, lithic ... more Over the last few decades, several types of evidence such as presence of hominin remains, lithic assemblages, and bones
with anthropogenic surface modifications have demonstrated that early human communities inhabited the European subcontinent
prior to the Jaramillo Subchron (1.07–0.98 Ma). While most studies have focused primarily on early European
lithic technologies and raw material management, relatively little is known about food procurement strategies. While there
is some evidence showing access to meat and other animal-based food resources, their mode of acquisition and associated
butchery processes are still poorly understood. This paper presents a taphonomic and zooarchaeological analysis of the
Fuente Nueva-3 (FN3) (Guadix-Baza, Spain) faunal assemblage, providing a more in-depth understanding of early hominin
subsistence strategies in Europe. The present results show that hominins had access to the meat and marrow of a wide range
of animal taxa, including elephants, hippopotami, and small- and medium-sized animals. At the same time, evidence of
carnivore activity at the site suggests that these communities likely faced some degree of competition from large predators
when acquiring and processing carcasses.

Research paper thumbnail of The role of birds in Roman imperial funerary rituals at La Magdalena (Alcalá de Henares, Spain): osteoarchaeological and symbolic analysis

Archaeological and Anthropological Sciences (2021) 13: 67, 2021

The archaeological site of La Magdalena, located in Alcalá de Henares (Madrid), has a large necro... more The archaeological site of La Magdalena, located in Alcalá de Henares (Madrid), has a large necropolis area related to different
chronological phases. This study was based on the bone remains found in three Roman tombs that date back to the second and
third century AD and a votive offering. The three tombs were located in different places far from one another and have special
features on their structure pits and their grave goods. We conducted anthropological and archeozoological analyses on the
individuals and bird-associated remains. The anthropological results indicated that there was one adult male, one adult female,
and a child, each one associated with a Common Pheasant which presents the same relative age and sex as the corpse they were
accompanying. Moreover, all these pheasants were placed inside the grave next to the right tibia of the indicated human remains.
We found another bird interred as an offering for the Early Roman cremations, but it was not associated with any particular grave.
We consider that the presence of these bird remains is a votive offering related to a religious funeral ritual, but we could not
determine if it belongs to a pagan religion or Christianity.

Research paper thumbnail of Laplana et al 2015 butarque

Due to the construction of the Stormwater Tank in Villaverde (Madrid), two new Pleistocene verteb... more Due to the construction of the Stormwater Tank in Villaverde (Madrid), two new Pleistocene vertebrate bearing sites were discovered within the sediments of the Complex Terrace of Butarque (TCB, in Spanish), called H-02 and H-03. Termoluminiscence (TL) dates placed the first site at the Late Pleistocene, more precisely at the end of the MIS 5. An older age within the Middle Pleistocene was obtained for H-03 (Domínguez-Alonso et al., 2009). In this work, we evaluate the agreement between the TL dates and the estimated ages resulting from the biochronological interpretation of the fossil mammal assemblages recovered in both sites. Whereas for H-03 there is consistency between the TL dating and the age estimated based on biocronological criteria, this is not the case for H-02. At this site, the presence of Microtus brecciensis points to an older age than the proposal based on TL, within the Middle Pleistocene. On the other hand, comparison of some biometric features between the H-02 and Áridos 1 populations of the last species allows to establish a younger age for the first site with regard to the second one. Taking into account the available dates for Áridos 1, which placed this site at the end of the MIS 11 (Panera et al., 2011), the age of H-02 must therefore be included in the last quarter of the Middle Pleistocene. In summary, TL dates for the H-02 site and, perhaps, some others obtained for the Stormwater Tank in Villaverde, seem to be minimum estimations of the age of the sediments, and do not represent their real age.

Research paper thumbnail of SERIE I PREHISTORIA Y ARQUEOLOGÍA

Neanderthals have recently been found to have exploited a rather wide range of species. Regardles... more Neanderthals have recently been found to have exploited a rather wide range of species. Regardless of size or habitat, many animals were consumed, from proboscidians, ungulates of different size and carnivores, to small mammals such as lagomorphs or even reptiles, birds and fish. All these species present evidence of having been intervened by this hominines. This large variety of resources is an example of Neanderthal versatility. This paper discusses this adaptive behavior in a revision of the zooarcheological and taphonomic evidence found in Mousterian sites in inland Iberia, particularly the ones located in the northern and southern plateau for the 5-3 isotopic stages.

Research paper thumbnail of An experimental lion-to-hammerstone model and its relevance to understand hominin-carnivore interactions in the archeological record

Traditional scavenging models have emphasized that a secondary intervention of hominins to carcas... more Traditional scavenging models have emphasized that a secondary intervention of hominins to carcasses previously consumed by carnivores should yield high tooth mark frequencies on long bone shafts. It has also been shown that the most feasible scavenging scenario for early Pleistocene African hominins would have been acquiring carcasses from felid kills and prior to hyenid intervention. Oddly, most experiments conducted in the past 20 years have been mostly based on bone modification patterns created by durophagous carnivores. Previous works emphasized that a felid-hominin model would be reflected in low frequencies of tooth-marked shaft specimens. The present work intends to put this hypothesis fully to test by replicating the complete felid-hominin scenario. Hammerstone breakage of bones from wild lion kills was simulated and the resulting anatomical and bone portion distribution of tooth mark frequencies was documented. Here, it is shown that wild lions inflict moderate damage to long bone ends. In contrast, hammerstone-broken shaft specimens bear very few tooth marks (usually <10% of fragments). It is shown that most damage inflicted by lions on carcasses during consumption occur on upper limb bones. Distal portions of radius-ulnae and tibiae are the least affected areas. This referential framework can potentially be applied to the archaeological record to reassert primary access to carcasses in some early Pleistocene African sites and unravel hominin-carnivore contribution to middle and late Pleistocene Eurasian palimpsests.

Research paper thumbnail of On the use of space at La Peña de Estebanvela (Ayll on, Segovia, Spain): An approach to economic and social behaviour in the Upper Magdalenian

The use of space inside La Peña de Estebanvela Rock-shelter and the activities carried out away f... more The use of space inside La Peña de Estebanvela Rock-shelter and the activities carried out away from the site are analysed in this article in order to reconstruct the economic and social behaviour of the human group that occupied the site in the Upper Magdalenian (15,010e14,610 cal BP and 14,290e13,730 cal BP). Level III, which is geologically homogeneous and has yielded a large lithic and faunal record was selected for this purpose. The micro-spatial analysis of the level has differentiated two significant units in the central sector of the deposit which may correspond to an area used for intensive flint knapping (Unit 2), and a multi-functional area where hunting weapons were prepared, prey was butchered and defleshed, and hides were processed (Unit 3). The study of the use of the territory around the site reveals a strategy of diversified hunting, especially between late spring and early autumn, oriented towards ibex, horse, red deer and, to a lesser extent, chamois, roe deer and lynxes. This activity was complemented by the use of other resources, like fishing and gathering plants. Stocks of flint and personal ornaments made from marine molluscs confirm the territorial mobility of the residents of La Peña de Estebanvela.

Research paper thumbnail of Yravedra et al coimbre hogares

Your article is protected by copyright and all rights are held exclusively by Springer-Verlag Ber... more Your article is protected by copyright and all rights are held exclusively by Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg. This e-offprint is for personal use only and shall not be selfarchived in electronic repositories. If you wish to self-archive your article, please use the accepted manuscript version for posting on your own website. You may further deposit the accepted manuscript version in any repository, provided it is only made publicly available 12 months after official publication or later and provided acknowledgement is given to the original source of publication and a link is inserted to the published article on Springer's website. The link must be accompanied by the following text: "The final publication is available at link.springer.com".

Research paper thumbnail of Alcaraz-Castaño et al. 2015 Los Casares

A atividade arqueológica e a salvaguarda do patrimonio arqueológico em avaliação de impacte ambie... more A atividade arqueológica e a salvaguarda do patrimonio arqueológico em avaliação de impacte ambiental. Branco, Gertrudes 32-50 Los espacios divulgativos del patrimonio arqueológico de la comunidad de Madrid: el Plan de yacimientos visitables. Hernández Garcés, Carlos 51-67 Las Navas de Tolosa: Musealizando su campo de batalla. Ramírez Galán, Mario 68-89 Regreso a la cueva de Los Casares (Guadalajara). Un nuevo proyecto de investigación para el yacimiento

Research paper thumbnail of Genero homo

Research paper thumbnail of Neanderthal and Homo sapiens subsistence strategies in the Cantabrian region of northern Spain

Your article is protected by copyright and all rights are held exclusively by Springer-Verlag Ber... more Your article is protected by copyright and all rights are held exclusively by Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg. This e-offprint is for personal use only and shall not be selfarchived in electronic repositories. If you wish to self-archive your article, please use the accepted manuscript version for posting on your own website. You may further deposit the accepted manuscript version in any repository, provided it is only made publicly available 12 months after official publication or later and provided acknowledgement is given to the original source of publication and a link is inserted to the published article on Springer's website. The link must be accompanied by the following text: "The final publication is available at link.springer.com".

Research paper thumbnail of The larger mammal palimpsest from TK (Thiongo Korongo), Bed II, Olduvai Gorge, Tanzania

Ever since Mary Leakey's initial excavations in the 1960s, TK (Thiongo Korongo) has been recogniz... more Ever since Mary Leakey's initial excavations in the 1960s, TK (Thiongo Korongo) has been recognized as one of Olduvai Gorge's most important Acheulean sites. The significant concentrations of lithics and fauna reported by Mary Leakey have been augmented in recent years by Santonja et al., who argue that human activities appear to be largely related to the manufacture of lithic implements. In contrast, the faunal remains have been interpreted to be of uncertain origin, and their anthropogenic nature remains in question. This paper presents new data on the formation of the TK bone accumulation. Our results reveal a diverse list of taxa, many of which reflect open habitats. Only limited evidence of anthropogenic activity is documented.

Research paper thumbnail of Mate et al

Micro-photogrammetric and morphometric differentiation of cut marks on bones using metal knives, ... more Micro-photogrammetric and morphometric differentiation of cut marks on bones using metal knives, quartzite, and flint flakes

Research paper thumbnail of Barroso et al 2015 TP las Vegas

José yravedra Sainz de los Terreros (******) David Uribelarrea del val (***) RESUMEN 1 2 3 4 5 6 ... more José yravedra Sainz de los Terreros (******) David Uribelarrea del val (***) RESUMEN 1 2 3 4 5 6 Presentamos los resultados de los sondeos del yacimiento de Las Vegas, Huecas (Toledo). Se trata de un área abierta, junto al arroyo y al pie de la necrópolis de Valle de las Higueras. Un fuerte depósito de coluvión sepulta el yacimiento. Sin evidencias en superficie, su detección se realizó mediante prospección geofísica. Carece de estructuras y está formado por un único estrato, un depósito secundario que contiene campaniforme Ciempozuelos y metal, con una fecha C14 de la 2ª mitad del III milenio a.C. La cerámica es el material más abundante. Su es

Research paper thumbnail of A new approach to raw material use in the exploitation of animal carcasses at BK (Upper Bed II, Olduvai Gorge, Tanzania): a micro-photogrammetric and geometric morphometric analysis of fossil cut marks

The use of innovative techniques such as micro-photogrammetry and geometric morphometrics may hav... more The use of innovative techniques such as micro-photogrammetry and geometric morphometrics may have a major impact on the differentiation of cut marks made with different raw materials and, thus, link butchering processes with stone tool reduction sequences. This work focuses on a sample of cut-marked bones from the Bell's Korongo (BK) site (Upper Bed II, Olduvai Gorge, Tanzania), which is an emblematic early Pleistocene site where a large faunal assemblage, including a diverse megafauna, occurs in association with quartzite and basalt industries. We present a detailed study of a sample of 58 cut marks identified on a set of recently excavated BK fossils, using a micro-photogrammetric and geometric morphometric approach, with the aim of identifying the raw materials used in the butchery of carcasses. In order to carry out this study, we previously carried out an experimental analysis to characterize cut marks and their morphology according to the types of raw material found at BK, namely quartzite and basalt. The results from the experimental study show that there is a good fit between raw material type and cut mark morphology, enabling us to confidently apply this method to the analysis of the cut marks of the BK fossil assemblage. The present study shows that most of the BK cut marks were created by the use of quartzite tools. The efficiency of this type of raw material is emphasized, which explains its curation over the landscape by hominins.

Research paper thumbnail of The paleoecology and taphonomy of AMK (Bed I, Olduvai Gorge) and its contributions to the understanding of the "Zinj" paleolandscape

is a newly discovered site situated under Tuff IC (Bed I, 1.84 Ma). It contains several fossilife... more is a newly discovered site situated under Tuff IC (Bed I, 1.84 Ma). It contains several fossiliferous levels and the top one is situated on the same paleosurface as FLK-Zinj. For the first time this allows sampling the "Zinj" paleoenvironment well into the Secondary Gorge and expands the known area of this paleolandscape. Fossils found at this site show exceptional preservation. Several articulated units have been discovered, indicating minimal postdepositional disturbance and rapid sedimentation. This assemblage allows a general estimation of time span (the most elusive variable in archaeological analyses) for the formation of AMK. Phytolith analyses have discovered a dense palm forest at the site, expanding the forested area known on the slightly elevated platform that contains the FLK-Zinj-FLK-NN-PTK sites. Although a few artifacts have been discovered in the vicinity of AMK, the site was mostly naturally (i.e., non-anthropogenically) formed. This is of major relevance to determine that factors other than forested habitats must have influenced the formation of anthropogenic sites on the same platform as AMK in the Olduvai lacustrine basin.

Research paper thumbnail of On applications of micro-photogrammetry and geometric morphometrics to studies of tooth mark morphology: The modern Olduvai Carnivore Site (Tanzania

Recent application of photogrammetric and geometric morphometric approaches to the study of cut m... more Recent application of photogrammetric and geometric morphometric approaches to the study of cut marks on bones has yielded positive results in discriminating different types of tools and even some raw materials. Here, we apply this analytical technique to the study of carnivore tooth scores. The goal is twofold: on the one hand, we intend to differentiate carnivore types and on the other one, we show the application of this approach to a sample of tooth scores from long bones documented at the modern assemblage of the Olduvai Carnivore Site (OCS). Previous taphonomic work at OCS suggested that this bone assemblage constituted a good evidence of a carcass accumulation behavior by lions, followed by hyena ravaging. The application of these 3D techniques to the selected sample of tooth marks shows that lions, as well as spotted hyenas, did indeed impart marks on the OCS assemblage. This reinforces the dual nature of the assemblage and the implication of lions in its formation.

Research paper thumbnail of DINÁMICAS POBLACIONALES EN EL CENTRO DE LA PENÍNSULA IBÉRICA DURANTE EL PLEISTOCENO SUPERIOR: UN NUEVO PROYECTO GEOARQUEOLÓGICO

Late Pleistocene population dynamics in Central Iberia: a new geoarchaeological project): We pres... more Late Pleistocene population dynamics in Central Iberia: a new geoarchaeological project): We present a new research project aimed at investigating population dynamics and human-environment interactions during the second half of the Late Pleistocene in Central Iberia. In this communication we discuss the state-of-the-art on the Middle and Upper Palaeolithic settlement of the Iberian plateau and we propose new avenues of research for testing the validity of the currently accepted interpretations. It is our hypothesis that models on Late Pleistocene population dynamics in the Iberian interior lands are still biased by the poor quantity and quality of data available, especially for the Upper Palaeolithic. Our project is focused on the geoarchaeological study of 3 selected sites located in the Upper Tagus basin (Northern area of Guadalajara province, Spain).Our methods include micromorpholgy, high resolution sedimentology, 14C, OSL and U/Th dating, pollen, phytolith, microfaunal and anthracological analyses, as well as lithic technology, taphonomy and zooarchaeology.

Research paper thumbnail of The larger mammal palimpsest from TK (Thiongo Korongo), Bed II, Olduvai Gorge, Tanzania

Ever since Mary Leakey's initial excavations in the 1960s, TK (Thiongo Korongo) has been recogniz... more Ever since Mary Leakey's initial excavations in the 1960s, TK (Thiongo Korongo) has been recognized as one of Olduvai Gorge's most important Acheulean sites. The significant concentrations of lithics and fauna reported by Mary Leakey have been augmented in recent years by Santonja et al., who argue that human activities appear to be largely related to the manufacture of lithic implements. In contrast, the faunal remains have been interpreted to be of uncertain origin, and their anthropogenic nature remains in question. This paper presents new data on the formation of the TK bone accumulation. Our results reveal a diverse list of taxa, many of which reflect open habitats. Only limited evidence of anthropogenic activity is documented.

Research paper thumbnail of Cannibalism in the Neanderthal World: An Exhaustive Revision

Cannibalism is a controversial subject that has always created great expectation. Different evide... more Cannibalism is a controversial subject that has always created great expectation. Different evidences found
show it was a recurrent practice amongst the different hominine species from the Lower Pleistocene to
historic times. However, understanding the reasons behind this behavior in such chronologies is a
complicated matter. Several Neanderthal sites have uncovered new data on anthropogenic alterations on
human remains, along with a great diversity of interpretations. Some authors highlight the possibility of a
ritual or symbolic meaning whereas others believe this was due to dietary necessities since studied cut
marks resemble those found on faunal remains. The aim of this study is to carry out an exhaustive
Neanderthal cannibalism bibliographic revision, with especial focus on taphonomical evidences such as
cut mark frequencies and cut mark anatomical distribution. The main objective of this study is therefore
to ponder on Neanderthal cannibalism and propose new insights on this behavior.

Research paper thumbnail of The larger mammal palimpsest from TK (Thiongo Korongo), Bed II, Olduvai Gorge, Tanzania

Ever since Mary Leakey's initial excavations in the 1960s, TK (Thiongo Korongo) has been recogniz... more Ever since Mary Leakey's initial excavations in the 1960s, TK (Thiongo Korongo) has been recognized as one of Olduvai Gorge's most important Acheulean sites. The significant concentrations of lithics and fauna reported by Mary Leakey have been augmented in recent years by Santonja et al., who argue that human activities appear to be largely related to the manufacture of lithic implements. In contrast, the faunal remains have been interpreted to be of uncertain origin, and their anthropogenic nature remains in question. This paper presents new data on the formation of the TK bone accumulation. Our results reveal a diverse list of taxa, many of which reflect open habitats. Only limited evidence of anthropogenic activity is documented.

Research paper thumbnail of Neanderthal and Homo sapiens subsistence strategies in the Cantabrian region of northern Spain

The Iberian Peninsula is key for the study of the transition from the Middle to the Upper Palaeol... more The Iberian Peninsula is key for the study of the
transition from the Middle to the Upper Palaeolithic in
Europe, as well as for the replacement of Neanderthals by anatomically
modern humans (AMH). On this subject, the most
widespread misconception assumed that both human species
coexisted during a certain period of time, after which Homo
sapiens imposed on Neanderthals who finally got extinct.
However, recent proposals based on improved dating methods,
discuss this possibility, arguing that the arrival of AMH was
marked by the complete absence of Homo neanderthalensis in
this territory. In that way, new theories deny the possibility of
coexistence and the disappearance of Neanderthals by cultural
displacement. Covalejos Cave (Velo, Pielagos, Cantabria), one
of the few settlements in the northern Peninsula with Final
Mousterian and Early Aurignacian levels, supports this hypothesis.
Nevertheless, in this paper, we try to avoid a direct discussion
about this question in order to centre our analysis on identifying
possible different subsistence strategies between
H. neanderthalensis and anatomically modern humans in the
north of the Iberian Peninsula. Our zooarchaeological and taphonomic
studies reflect that Neanderthals and anatomically modern
humans exploited the same faunal species, pointing out that
there does not seem to be significant differences in their behaviour
in Covalejos Cave.

Research paper thumbnail of Neanderthal exploitation of ibex and chamois in southwestern Europe

There is increasing evidence that Neanderthals had a diverse and flexible diet. They exploited a ... more There is increasing evidence that Neanderthals had a diverse and flexible diet. They exploited a wide range of resources from large proboscideans to small animals like turtles, rabbits, and marine species. Here, we discuss the importance of ibex and chamois in Neanderthal hunting strategies. The exploitation of both animals has traditionally been regarded as typical of Homo sapiens hunting behavior but was not a feature of Neanderthal behavior, which was thought to have focused on other kinds of game like deer, horses or large bovids. Our analysis of an extensive sample of Middle Paleolithic sites with faunal remains in the Iberian Peninsula reveals that Iberian ibex and chamois were frequently present throughout this period. Statistical analyses allowed us to assess the conditions that might have favored the presence or absence of these animals in the sites, while the taphonomic analyses enabled us to address the issue of whether ibex and chamois were indeed hunted by Neanderthals in the Iberian Peninsula. Our results indicate a better representation of both species in rocky and mountainous areas. The taphonomy of some sites reveals that chamois and ibex were hunted by Neanderthals, who showed great adaptive capacities to a wide variety of environments, including mountainous habitats. In contrast, other sites with favorable ecological conditions for ibex and chamois where these animals were not exploited by Neanderthals, who chose to hunt other species like deer, horses or aurochs, suggest behavioral complexity and large versatility.

Research paper thumbnail of Biocronología de la Terraza Compleja de Butarque del río Manzanares en el Estanque de Tormentas al sur de Madrid (España) ; Biochronology of the Complex Terrace of Butarque of the Manzanares river at the Stormwater Tank in southern Madrid (Spain

Con motivo de la construcción en 2006 del Estanque de Tormentas en Villaverde (Madrid) se localiz... more Con motivo de la construcción en 2006 del Estanque de Tormentas en Villaverde (Madrid) se localizaron
dos nuevos yacimientos de vertebrados del Pleistoceno, denominados H-02 y H-03, en depósitos de la Terraza
Compleja de Butarque (TCB). Las dataciones realizadas por Termoluminiscencia (TL) situaron al primero de los
yacimientos H-02 en el Pleistoceno Superior, al final del MIS 5, mientras que para el yacimiento H-03 se obtuvo
una edad más antigua, ya dentro del Pleistoceno Medio (Domínguez-Alonso et al., 2009). En este trabajo se
evalúa la concordancia de estas dataciones con la estimación de la edad obtenida a partir de la interpretación
biocronológica
de las asociaciones de mamíferos fósiles recuperadas en cada uno de los yacimientos. Mientras
que para el yacimiento H-03 existe congruencia entre la datación por TL y la estimación de su edad a partir de criterios
biocronológicos, que combinadas sitúan al yacimiento en la segunda mitad del Pleistoceno Medio, no ocurre
lo mismo en el caso de H-02. En este yacimiento, la presencia de Microtus brecciensis señala una edad más antigua
que la propuesta por las dataciones de TL, dentro del Pleistoceno Medio. La comparación de algunas características
biométricas entre las poblaciones de esta última especie de H-02 y de Áridos 1 permite además precisar
que la edad del primero es más reciente que el segundo. Teniendo en cuenta que las dataciones disponibles
para
Áridos 1 (Panera et al., 2011) sitúan este yacimiento a finales del MIS 11, el yacimiento H-02 tuvo que formarse
en el último cuarto del Pleistoceno Medio. Por consiguiente, las dataciones obtenidas por TL para el yacimiento
H-02 parecen corresponder con edades mínimas de los sedimentos y no con su edad real.

Research paper thumbnail of Origen de la acumulación de vertebrados del yacimiento de PRERESA

En el preámbulo de la Ley de Museos de la Comunidad de Madrid se cita que "los museos deben conte... more En el preámbulo de la Ley de Museos de la Comunidad de Madrid se cita que "los museos deben contemplarse como centros de servicio público, encargados de dar a los ciudadanos prestaciones derivadas no sólo de la exposición, sino también de la investigación y el goce intelectual y artístico. De tal suerte, se constituyen en espacios de fomento de la participación cultural, lúdica y científica, mediante la conexión de los bienes depositados en ellos".

Research paper thumbnail of Idanha-a-Velha. Portugal

Idanha-a-Velha es una de las aldeas históricas de la provincia de la Beira Interior, comarca de C... more Idanha-a-Velha es una de las aldeas históricas de la provincia de la Beira Interior, comarca de Castelo Branco 1 (Portugal). En la actualidad, es una freguesia de unos 20, 98 km², que depende del concelho de Idanha-a-Nova, que se encuentra a 38 km de la frontera con España (Coria, Cáceres).

Research paper thumbnail of Zooarqueología de los macrovertebrados del yacimiento fenicio del Teatro Cómico (Cádiz)

SPAL. Revista de Prehistoria y Arqueología, 24, 2015, Sevilla 2015, pp. 55-76., Feb 1, 2015

En este trabajo presentamos el estudio zooarqueológico de los macromamíferos del yacimiento de ép... more En este trabajo presentamos el estudio zooarqueológico de los macromamíferos del yacimiento de época fenicia del Teatro Cómico. Los ovicápridos son la cabaña ganadera más importante seguidos del vacuno y el porcino según el periodo de ocupación. A continuación están representados el caballo y el perro, aunque con porcentajes pequeños. En cuanto a la fauna silvestre su representación es baja, destacando entre ellos el ciervo. Los datos taxonómicos, esqueléticos, y los patrones de mortandad, unidos al registro arqueológico, nos permiten concluir que las especies domésticas tuvieron una funcionalidad orientada a distintos usos económicos como la producción de leche y lana, lo cual es acorde a lo observado en otros yacimientos de este momento.
This paper presents the zooarchaeological study of the macromammals recovered at the Phoenician site called Teatro Cómico. Ovicaprids constitute the main herding followed by cattle and porcine, depending on the occupation period. Other species, with a reduced representation, are horse and dog. Regarding wild fauna, a low presence was recorded, deer being the most significant species. Taxonomic and skeletal and death-patterns data, supplemented by the archaeological record, lead to the conclusion that the rearing of domestic species was oriented towards diverse economic uses such as milk and wool production, in line with contemporaneous recordsin other sites.

Research paper thumbnail of Taphonomic implications for the Late Mousterian of South-West Europe at Esquilleu Cave (Spain)

Both the MiddleeUpper Palaeolithic transition and the disappearance of the Neanderthals in Europe... more Both the MiddleeUpper Palaeolithic transition and the disappearance of the Neanderthals in Europe
are frequent issues in the archaeological and paleoanthropological literature. The northern area of the
Iberian Peninsula has become a place of remarkable importance for these studies, particularly the
Cantabrian cave of Esquilleu, which provides valuable information as well as new dates for understanding
the situation at the end of the European Mousterian. The areas used by the last Neanderthals in
Esquilleu demonstrate the exploitation of local resources as well as short and sporadic occupations. In
this paper we consider these issues from a zooarchaeological and taphonomical perspective and propose
an alternative explanation for the unexpected dating for a final Mousterian occupation in the cave: the
significance of carnivores in the upper levels may explain this anomalous chronology.
 2013 Elsevier Ltd and INQUA. All

Research paper thumbnail of Manzanares Valley (Madrid, Spain): A good country for Proboscideans and Neanderthals

This paper presents the findings from four sites with proboscidean remains associated with Middle... more This paper presents the findings from four sites with proboscidean remains associated with Middle
Palaeolithic stone tools from the Manzanares Valley Complex Terrace of Butarque (CTB), which has been
dated to between the final Middle Pleistocene (MIS 6, 190e130 ka) and the early Late Pleistocene (MIS 5,
130-74-71 ka). We review the direct and indirect evidence of proboscidean exploitation in the Middle
Paleolithic sites of Europe, and provide information on Lower Paleolithic European sites with proboscidean
remains and stone tools. Geological, chronological, bio-stratigraphic and climatic data of the CTB
are provided, and the sites with proboscidean remains and Middle Palaeolithic stone tools are described
in detail.
Systematic exploitation of large mammals during the Middle Palaeolithic, and even their regular
hunting, is widely accepted. However, the exploitation of proboscideans is not as evident in the
archaeological record of this period. The exploitation of proboscideans cannot be considered as merely
occasional before the Upper Palaeolithic, and although there is more evidence of the exploitation of these
mega-herbivores during the Lower than during the Middle Palaeolithic, the discoveries from the Manzanares
Valley state that, at least in this area, proboscideans continued

Research paper thumbnail of Study of the SHK Main Site faunal assemblage, Olduvai Gorge, Tanzania: Implications for Bed II taphonomy, paleoecology, and hominin utilization of megafauna

Recent excavations at the SHK Main Site, Olduvai Gorge, Tanzania, have unearthed a dense concentr... more Recent excavations at the SHK Main Site, Olduvai Gorge, Tanzania, have unearthed a dense concentration
of stone tools and faunal remains. Here, we describe how the site contributes to the understanding of
hominin subsistence strategies and paleoecology during Bed II times (1.78e1.34 Ma). This palimpsestic
site is located within, and on the over-bank of, a river channel. Taphonomic analyses suggest that a
heterogeneous set of taphonomic agents played a role in the accumulation and modification of the faunal
assemblage. Although hominins played a rather marginal part in this assemblage’s faunal accumulation
and modification, the recovered faunal assemblage includes evidence that is consistent with hominin
exploitation of hippopotamus and equid. This evidence underscores the possibility that by 1.5 Ma
hominins were diversifying their diet and enlarging their ecological niche by exploiting, probably
opportunistically, megafaunal remains more commonly than previously documented. Taphonomic
spatial analysis shows differences in bone preservation and modification according to whether faunal
specimens were located inside the river channel or on its over-bank. We also show that spatial taphonomic
analysis can contribute to the understanding of palimpsest-site formation, as well as to the
reconstruction of diverse taphonomic agents responsible for that formation. A comparative analysis of
taxonomic diversity between SHK versus other upper Bed II sites supports the notion that the environment
was fairly open prior to the beginning of the Bed III deposits. The large number of lithic artifacts
concentrated at the SHK Main Site, when considered in conjunction with the small amount of evidence
for carcass-processing, suggests that hominins engaged in a diversity of activities beyond butchery.
 2013 Elsevier Ltd and INQUA. All rights reserved.

Research paper thumbnail of Autochthonous anisotropy of archaeological materials by the action of water: experimental and archaeological reassessment of the orientation patterns at the Olduvai sites

Anisotropic patterns documented indirectly through M. Leakey’s drawings of Olduvai archaeological... more Anisotropic patterns documented indirectly through M. Leakey’s drawings of Olduvai archaeological sites
have led to questions about the integrity of these sites. Most experiments on bone transport by water
have been carried out using complete elements that do not replicate specimen bone breakage and size as
documented in archaeological sites. In the present work, an experimental framework is provided using
experimental proxies of archaeological assemblages. Results show that autochthonous assemblages
affected by hydraulic processes can adopt anisotropy in their fabric. Archaeological comparisons between
drawings and excavated sites at Olduvai stress the bias in Leakey’s drawings of FLK Zinj and FLK North in
Bed I. A large-scale open excavation recently carried out at TK (Bed II) exposes an area comparable in size
to Leakey’s excavations. Comparing the orientation patterns of this site to those reported by Leakey,
shows how biased the drawing of the site is and how easily this can lead to misinterpretati

Research paper thumbnail of A critical re-evaluation of bone surface modification models for inferring fossil hominin and carnivore interactions through a multivariate approach: Application to the FLK Zinj archaeofaunal assemblage (Olduvai Gorge, Tanzania)

Over the past three decades, controversial interpretations of the behavioral meaning of bone surf... more Over the past three decades, controversial interpretations of the behavioral meaning of bone surface
modifications at FLK Zinj regarding primary or secondary access to carcasses by hominins have stemmed
from the independent use of mark types (cut, percussion, and tooth marks) to evaluate opposing models.
Such controversy has also been based on an over-reliance on tooth mark frequencies (mostly generated
by non-hominin carnivores), which have been documented to be high when hyenids are primary bone
modifiers, low when felids have primary access to carcasses, and high when suids feed primarily or
secondarily on carcass parts. In addition, it has also been argued that the frequency of tooth marks on the
FLK Zinj bones has been overidentified by some researchers, by mistaking tooth marks with biochemical
marks created by plant roots. Some methodological approaches have hampered the use of cut marks to
identify hominin behavior. Most of the reasons for purported equifinality of experimental scenarios are
strictly methodological and are also caused by the separate rather than joint analysis of mark types. In
the present work, for the first time cut marks, tooth marks, and percussion marks will be jointly
analyzed, both experimentally and at FLK Zinj. Primary and secondary access to carcasses by hominins
yields different frequency associations of all of these marks, which can be diagnostic of the type of access.
Such mark-type relationships can only be detected when all mark types are analyzed simultaneously and
not as separate sets. This multivariate approach provides a robust interpretation of primary access to
carcasses by hominins at FLK Zinj.

Research paper thumbnail of On meat eating and human evolution: A taphonomic analysis of BK4b (Upper Bed II, Olduvai Gorge, Tanzania), and its bearing on hominin megafaunal consumption

Recent archaeological work at BK has uncovered abundant taphonomic evidence of megafaunal exploit... more Recent archaeological work at BK has uncovered abundant taphonomic evidence of megafaunal
exploitation by 1.34 Ma hominins. Butchery of small, medium-sized and large carcasses at the site
indicate that meat consumption was a crucial adaptive element in the behavior of Homo erectus. Current
debates on the role played by meat in this early stage of the evolution of the genus Homo confront cost
signaling interpretations against dietary/physiological interpretations of meat eating and its relation to
brain evolution. BBK (including all the archaeological levels) contains the largest amount of homininmodified
bones and butchered animals documented in the Early Pleistocene archaeological record.
This evidence supports that meat consumption was tightly linked to the physiology that shaped the
evolution of our genus. Hunting was an integral part of the adaptive behavior of H. erectus although
megafaunal exploitation may have included more opportunistic behaviors. Site organization also suggests
that this species may have exhibited a different within-site spatial organization, which differed
from previous hominins, as documented at sites such as FLK Zinj. This unveils the need of new behavioral
models to explain the functionality of Acheulian central-place sites.
 2013 Elsevier

Research paper thumbnail of Specialised hunting of Iberian ibex during Neanderthal occupation at El Esquilleu Cave, northern Spain

Traditional views of Neanderthal hunting strategies envisage them preying on herd species such as... more Traditional views of Neanderthal hunting
strategies envisage them preying on herd
species such as bison and deer, rather
than the sophisticated tracking of solitary
animals. Analysis of faunal remains from
El Esquilleu Cave in northern Spain,
however, demonstrates that during certain
periods of theMiddle Palaeolithic occupation,
Neanderthals focused on the hunting of
ibex and chamois, small solitary species
that inhabited the mountainous terrain
around the site. These results indicate that
Neanderthal hunting practices may have
had more similarity to those of their Upper
Palaeolithic relatives than is usually assumed.

Research paper thumbnail of The Middle Paleolithic site of Cuesta de la Bajada (Teruel, Spain): a perspective on the Acheulean and Middle Paleolithic technocomplexes in Europe

Here we present a pluridisciplinary study of Cuesta de la Bajada site (Teruel, Spain). Our findin... more Here we present a pluridisciplinary study of Cuesta de la Bajada site (Teruel, Spain). Our findings show
that the site contains an early Middle Paleolithic assemblage similar to other European early Middle
Paleolithic industries, allowing us to evaluate the coexistence of this industrial tradition with the
Acheulean technocomplex in southwest Europe.
The process of lithic production at Cuesta de la Bajada represents a technology focused on debitage,
the application of technical concepts such as ramified production sequences, and the recycling of flakes
via the resharpening of tools and exhausted cores. This site was formed around a pond not far from a
river and contains remains of large macrofauna other than equids and cervids. Taphonomic analysis
highlights the abundance of cut marks on bones, and supports the hypothesis of selective hunting by
hominids. The numerical ages derived from the combination of ESR, OSL and AAR dating methods
indicate that the archaeological site was very likely formed around the MIS 8-MIS 9. The appearance of
Middle Paleolithic industries in Europe could represents the autochthonous development of a technocomplex
distinctly different from the Acheulean, characterised by chaînes operatoires of debitage and a
progressive increase of Levallois technology and retouched tools.
These results suggest that there is a clear coexistence of assemblages with Acheulean and Middle
Paleolithic industries during the last third of the Middle Pleistocene at least in the Iberian Peninsula.
© 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Research paper thumbnail of Middle Paleolithic subsistence strategies in the northern Meseta. Corazón cave (Mave, Palencia, Spain) Estrategias de subsistencia durante el Paleolítico Medio en la Submeseta norte. La cueva Corazón (Mave, Palencia)

Research paper thumbnail of resultados de la intervencion arqueologica en la calle del Nuncio

Research paper thumbnail of Neanderthal and Mammuthus interactions at EDAR Culebro 1 (Madrid, Spain)

Journal of Archaeological Science, 2014

The association between elephants of the Mammuthus and Palaeoloxodon types and lithic tools is a ... more The association between elephants of the Mammuthus and Palaeoloxodon types and lithic tools is a recurrent phenomenon in Pleistocene sites. This has been a heavily debated topic. Thanks to the latest discoveries of cut and percussion marks in several archaeological sites, direct evidence of butchery practices generated by humans on elephants has been identified. Indirect evidence may also suggest a type of feeding activity. In this paper, the open-air site of EDAR Culebro 1 (Madrid, Spain) is presented, as well as a discussion about the possible interactions occurring between Neanderthals and Mammuthus cf. intermedius at this archaeological site.

Research paper thumbnail of First Partial Skeleton of a 1.34-Million-Year-Old

plos one

Recent excavations in Level 4 at BK (Bed II, Olduvai Gorge, Tanzania) have yielded nine hominin t... more Recent excavations in Level 4 at BK (Bed II, Olduvai Gorge, Tanzania) have yielded nine hominin teeth, a distal humerus
fragment, a proximal radius with much of its shaft, a femur shaft, and a tibia shaft fragment (cataloged collectively as OH
80). Those elements identified more specifically than to simply Hominidae gen. et sp. indet are attributed to Paranthropus
boisei. Before this study, incontrovertible P. boisei partial skeletons, for which postcranial remains occurred in association
with taxonomically diagnostic craniodental remains, were unknown. Thus, OH 80 stands as the first unambiguous, dentally
associated Paranthropus partial skeleton from East Africa. The morphology and size of its constituent parts suggest that the
fossils derived from an extremely robust individual who, at 1.33860.024 Ma (1 sigma), represents one of the most recent
occurrences of Paranthropus before its extinction in East Africa.

Research paper thumbnail of A taphonomic study of the African wild dog (Lycaon pictus

Archaeological and Anthropological Sciences, 2013

Abstract Carnivore taphonomy has been traditionally used for the interpretation of archaeologica... more Abstract Carnivore taphonomy has been traditionally used
for the interpretation of archaeological sites in order to discriminate
human-generated or modified from non-anthropic
bone assemblages. In most of this actualistic research, the
focus has mainly been placed on hyenas and felids, neglecting
other carnivores. This paper analyzes the taphonomic impact
of the African wild dog (Lycaon pictus) on equid bones and
compares it with the bone modification patterns produced by
other canids, such as wolves (Canis lupus) in order to compare
medium-/large-sized canid variability on bone modification
patterns and elaborate a referential framework which
could be feasibly applied to the zooarchaeological record to
detect canid intervention on archaeological assemblages in the
past.

Research paper thumbnail of Taphonomic implications for the Late Mousterian of South-West Europe at Esquilleu Cave (Spain).

Quaternary International, 2013

Qutaternary Interrnational Abstract Both the Middle–Upper Palaeolithic transition and the dis... more Qutaternary Interrnational
Abstract

Both the Middle–Upper Palaeolithic transition and the disappearance of the Neanderthals in Europe are frequent issues in the archaeological and paleoanthropological literature. The northern area of the Iberian Peninsula has become a place of remarkable importance for these studies, particularly the Cantabrian cave of Esquilleu, which provides valuable information as well as new dates for understanding the situation at the end of the European Mousterian. The areas used by the last Neanderthals in Esquilleu demonstrate the exploitation of local resources as well as short and sporadic occupations. In this paper we consider these issues from a zooarchaeological and taphonomical perspective and propose an alternative explanation for the unexpected dating for a final Mousterian occupation in the cave: the significance of carnivores in the upper levels may explain this anomalous chronology.

Research paper thumbnail of Autochthonous anisotropy of archaeological materials by the action of water: experimental and archaeological reassessment of the orientation patterns at the Olduvai sites

Journal of Archaeological Science Volume 41, January 2014, Pages 44-68, 2014

Anisotropic patterns documented indirectly through M. Leakey's drawings of Olduvai archaeological... more Anisotropic patterns documented indirectly through M. Leakey's drawings of Olduvai archaeological sites have led to questions about the integrity of these sites. Most experiments on bone transport by water have been carried out using complete elements that do not replicate specimen bone breakage and size as documented in archaeological sites. In the present work, an experimental framework is provided using experimental proxies of archaeological assemblages. Results show that autochthonous assemblages affected by hydraulic processes can adopt anisotropy in their fabric. Archaeological comparisons between drawings and excavated sites at Olduvai stress the bias in Leakey's drawings of FLK Zinj and FLK North in Bed I. A large-scale open excavation recently carried out at TK (Bed II) exposes an area comparable in size to Leakey's excavations. Comparing the orientation patterns of this site to those reported by Leakey, shows how biased the drawing of the site is and how easily this can lead to misinterpretations of isotropy/anisotropy, with fatal consequences for the understanding of site formation processes.

Research paper thumbnail of New Contributions on Subsistence Practices during the Middle-Upper Paleolithic in Northern Spain

Jamie L. Clark and John D. Speth (eds.), Zooarchaeology and Modern Human Origins: Human Hunting Behavior during the Later Pleistocene, Vertebrate Paleobiology and Paleoanthropology, DOI: 10.1007/978-94-007-6766-9_6,, 2013

Research paper thumbnail of La secuencia cronoestratigráfica del paleolítico superior de la Cueva de Coimbre (Asturias España). VIII Reunión de Cuaternario Ibérico. La Renconada, Sevilla, 2013. 83-86

VIII Reunión de Cuaternario Ibérico. La Renconada, Sevilla, 2013. 83-86

Research paper thumbnail of . Los orígenes del Solutrense y la ocupación pleniglaciar del interior de la Península Ibérica: implicaciones del nivel 3 de Peña Capón (valle del Sorbe, Guadalajara).

Trabajos de Prehistoria 70. 1. 28-53. , 2013

The Peña Capón rockshelter contains an archaeological deposit known since 1970 that was the obje... more The Peña Capón rockshelter contains an archaeological
deposit known since 1970 that was the object of a
preliminary study in the late 1990’s. In this paper we
present a revision of the archaeological material from
level 3 that includes the technological and typological
study of the lithics and bone tools, the zooarchaeological
and taphonomic analysis of the faunal remains, the record
of engravings on bones, and the radiocarbon dating of
several bone samples. The data obtained has allowed us to
relate the level 3 to the Protosolutrean industries with Vale
Comprido points defined in the Portuguese Estremadura,
a matter that constitutes an important breakthrough within
the Meseta area, where little is known about the Upper
Palaeolithic prior to the Middle Solutrean. The results
are consistent with the definition of the Protosolutrean
as a transitional industry between the Gravettian and
the Solutrean. Furthermore, the verification of a human
settlement in the foothills of the Central System range
during the Upper Pleniglacial (MIS 2) strongly points
to the abandonment of the classic hypothesis that posit
a depopulation of inner Iberia during the coldest stages
of the last glacial cycle.

Research paper thumbnail of Entre el Gravetiense y el Solutrense: el nivel 3 de Peña Capón (valle del Sorbe, Guadalajara).

En Las Heras, C,M laceras, J. A,M Arrizabakagam A, & Narci de la Rasilla, Pensando el Gravetiense: Nuevos datos para la región cantábrica en su contexto peninsular y pirenaico, 23. 126-141, 2013

El abrigo de Peña Capón contiene un depósito arqueológico conocido desde los años 70 del siglo X... more El abrigo de Peña Capón contiene un depósito arqueológico conocido desde los años
70 del siglo XX, que fue posteriormente objeto de un estudio preliminar a finales de los 90.
Recientemente hemos desarrollado un nuevo análisis de sus materiales, que ha incluido el
estudio tecnológico y tipológico de la industria lítica, el análisis tafonómico y arqueo-zoológico
de la fauna, así como la datación mediante radiocarbono de varias muestras óseas.
Esta revisión nos ha permitido asignar uno de los niveles (3) a un momento intermedio entre
el Gravetiense y el Solutrense, lo cual constituye una novedad de primer orden en el contexto
geográfico de la Meseta, donde apenas se conocen datos correspondientes a las fases iniciales
y medias del Paleolítico superior. Se presenta un avance de los datos relativos a este nivel y se
discuten sus posibles relaciones con otros ámbitos de la geografía peninsular, en lo que
destacan especialmente sus fuertes similitudes con los conjuntos

Research paper thumbnail of A modo de conclusión, ocupaciones magdalenienses en la Peña de Estebanvela

Cacho C. (Coord). Ocupaciones magdaleniense en el interior de la Península Ibérica. La Peña de Estebanvela, Ayllón, Segovia. ISBN: 978-84-616-5992-0. 536-544., 2013

his last chapter provides an overall interpretation of the La Peña de Estebanvela site, the resul... more his last chapter provides an overall interpretation of the La Peña de Estebanvela site, the result of multidisciplinary research. Studies of the geoarchaeological, chronostratigraphic, taxonomic, zooarchaeological, taphonomic, anthracological and phytological records allow the chronology of the site’s occupations to be determined. Sometimes even the seasonality of occupation can be established, and patterns of territory exploitation discerned. The results of technotypological, traceological and spatial analyses show a marked internal structuring of the site’s space, and provide clues on the possible functions of the site. Finally, the detailed examination of the site’s ornamental pieces and decorated stones shows the groups that used the rock shelter sometimes travelled great distances.

Research paper thumbnail of Estrategias de subsistencia entre los grupos magdalenienses de La Peña de Estebanvela

Cacho C. (Coord). Ocupaciones magdaleniense en el interior de la Península Ibérica. La Peña de Estebanvela, Ayllón, Segovia. ISBN: 978-84-616-5992-0. 213-244, 2013

This work updates the zooarchaeological and taphonomic data available for La Peña de Estebanvela ... more This work updates the zooarchaeological and taphonomic data available for La Peña de Estebanvela (Ayllón, Segovia). Diverse subsistence strategies appear to have been followed, making use of a wide range of resources. Rabbits, goats, chamois, red deer, roe deer, horses and even carnivores such as the lynx were hunted and processed by humans. The simultaneous presence of these animals in certain layers suggests that Magdalenian hunters exploited many ecological niches, making use of open areas favourable to horses and Equus hydruntinus, wooded areas favourable to red deer, roe deer and rabbits, and mountainous areas favourable to chamois. The skeletal profiles for the different taxa suggest game was brought intact to the site and, therefore, that hunting took place close to the site.

Research paper thumbnail of Estrategias De Subsistencia Durante El Paleolítico Medio En La Submeseta Norte. La Cueva Corazón (Mave, Palencia

Zephyrus, LXXI, enero-junio 2013, 45-60, 2013

Este trabajo pretende abordar una primera aproximación a las estrategias de subsistencia emplead... more Este trabajo pretende abordar una primera aproximación a las estrategias de subsistencia
empleadas por los neandertales en el Cañón de la Horadada (Mave, Palencia). A través del análisis de las
colecciones faunísticas recuperadas hasta el momento en el yacimiento musteriense de Cueva Corazón,
fechado en torno a 96 Ka, se aborda el análisis y la caracterización de los modelos de obtención de recursos
cárnicos en el entorno de este enclave, un importante corredor natural de comunicación entre la Meseta y
la región cantábrica. La metodología empleada para este estudio incluye el análisis zooarqueológico y tafonómico
de los restos óseos, así como el estudio de los patrones de mortandad. Nuestros resultados ofrecen
una acumulación principalmente antrópica de caballos, ciervos, cabras y otros animales. Diferentes evidencias
como el análisis de las frecuencias de marcas y los patrones de fracturación así lo corroboran. La presencia
de marcas de corte en casi todas las porciones anatómicas indica diversas actividades ligadas al desollado,
el desarticulado y el descarnado. Junto al aprovechamiento cárnico, la médula de los animales también sería
explotada como muestran las marcas de percusión y los patrones de fracturación. Los carnívoros intervinieron
en el yacimiento como agentes carroñeros, aprovechando los restos abandonados por los neandertales en
los momentos de desocupación humana.
Palabras clave: Cañón de la Horadada.

Research paper thumbnail of Taphonomy of ungulate ribs and the consumption of meat and bone by 1.2-million-year-old hominins at Olduvai Gorge, Tanzania

Journal of Archaeological Science Volume 40, Issue 2, February 2013, Pages 1295–1309, 2013

The phenomenon of equifinality complicates behavioral interpretations of faunal assemblages from ... more The phenomenon of equifinality complicates behavioral interpretations of faunal assemblages from contexts in which Pleistocene hominins are suspected bone accumulators. Stone tool butchery marks on ungulate fossils are diagnostic of hominin activities, but debate continues over the higher-order implications of butchered bones for the foraging capabilities of hominins. Additionally, tooth marks imparted on bones by hominins overlap in morphology and dimensions with those created by some non-hominin carnivores, further confounding our view of early hominins as meat-eating hunters, scavengers or both. We report on the manual/oral peeling of cortical layers of ungulate ribs as taphonomically diagnostic of hominoid/hominin meat- and bone-eating behavior that indicates access to large herbivore carcasses by hominins at the site of BK, Olduvai. Supporting these inferences, we show that certain types of rib peeling damage are very rare or completely unknown in faunas created by modern carnivores and African porcupines, but common in faunas modified by the butchery and/or consumption activities of modern humans and chimpanzees, during which these hominoids often grasp ribs with their hands, and then used their teeth to peel strips of cortex from raggedly chewed ends of the ribs. Carnivores consume ungulate ribcage tissues soon after kills, so diagnostic traces of hominin butchery/consumption on ribs (i.e., peeling and butchery marks) indicate early access to ungulate carcasses by BK hominins. Tooth marks associated with the peeling and butchery marks are probably hominin-derived, and may indicate that it was not uncommon for our ancestors to use their teeth to strip meat from and to consume portions of ribs. Recognition of rib peeling as a diagnostic signature of hominoid/hominin behavior may also aid the search for pre-archaeological traces of hominin meat-eating.

Research paper thumbnail of A cautionary note on the use of captive carnivores to model wild predator behavior: a comparison of bone modification patterns on long bones by captive and wild lions

Journal of Archaeological Science, Volume 40, Issue 4, April 2013, Pages 1903-1910, 2013

A study with wild lions in Tarangire National Park (Tanzania) and with captive lions in Cabárceno... more A study with wild lions in Tarangire National Park (Tanzania) and with captive lions in Cabárceno Reserve (Spain) has yielded two different bone modification patterns, probably as a result of the differences in environmental contexts. Captive lions have modified bones more intensively, both in the form of total number of tooth-marked bones and number of tooth marks per tooth-marked bone, probably because of stereotypic behaviors. This emphasizes the importance of environmental contexts to understand carnivore behavior and their resulting bone modification patterns. It also shows that analogical models based on experiments carried out with captive carnivores may be biased and inadequate as proxies for wild carnivore bone modification behaviors.

Research paper thumbnail of Burnt bone assemblages from El Esquilleu cave (Cantabria, Northern Spain): deliberate use for fuel or systematic disposal of organic waste?

Quaternary Science Reviews Volume 68, 15 May 2013, Pages 175–190, 2013

Bones or fossil fuels associated with combustion structures have been widely discussed in several... more Bones or fossil fuels associated with combustion structures have been widely discussed in several works related to Neanderthal lifestyles and subsistence patterns during the MIS 3. El Esquilleu cave (western Cantabria, Spain) can significantly contribute to this issue, particularly with the taphonomic study of layers 21 and 23, which are characterized by the presence of hearths containing abundant burnt and charred faunal remains of ibex. The fragmentation and burning rates as well as bone presence within hearths may suggest that they were used as a supplementary fuel resource. Following previous research on the suitability of bones as a supplement to firewood in hearth combustions, a series of experiments are here presented using goat bones, in consistency with the faunal record present at El Esquilleu. Our experiments proved that small-sized animal (<100 kg in weight) bones also possess appropriate qualities for their use as fuel, particularly epiphyseal and axial parts. This paper critically evaluates whether bones could have been used as fuel by the Neanderthal groups at El Esquilleu or whether their combustion resulted from other behavioural practises. In this sense, we compare our results with different proxy data from this site as well as with the palaeoenvironmental information available for the MIS 3 chronological period in Western Europe.

Research paper thumbnail of Manzanares Valley (Madrid, Spain): A good country for Proboscideans and Neanderthals

Quaternary International, 2013

This paper presents the findings from four sites with proboscidean remains associated with Middle... more This paper presents the findings from four sites with proboscidean remains associated with Middle Palaeolithic stone tools from the Manzanares Valley Complex Terrace of Butarque (CTB), which has been dated to between the final Middle Pleistocene (MIS 6, 190–130 ka) and the early Late Pleistocene (MIS 5, 130-74-71 ka). We review the direct and indirect evidence of proboscidean exploitation in the Middle Paleolithic sites of Europe, and provide information on Lower Paleolithic European sites with proboscidean remains and stone tools. Geological, chronological, bio-stratigraphic and climatic data of the CTB are provided, and the sites with proboscidean remains and Middle Palaeolithic stone tools are described in detail.

Systematic exploitation of large mammals during the Middle Palaeolithic, and even their regular hunting, is widely accepted. However, the exploitation of proboscideans is not as evident in the archaeological record of this period. The exploitation of proboscideans cannot be considered as merely occasional before the Upper Palaeolithic, and although there is more evidence of the exploitation of these mega-herbivores during the Lower than during the Middle Palaeolithic, the discoveries from the Manzanares Valley state that, at least in this area, proboscideans continued to play an important role with regards to the exploitation of the environmental resources.

Research paper thumbnail of On meat eating and human evolution: A taphonomic analysis of BK4b (Upper Bed II, Olduvai Gorge, Tanzania), and its bearing on hominin megafaunal consumption

Quaternary International, 2013

Recent archaeological work at BK has uncovered abundant taphonomic evidence of megafaunal exploit... more Recent archaeological work at BK has uncovered abundant taphonomic evidence of megafaunal exploitation by 1.34 Ma hominins. Butchery of small, medium-sized and large carcasses at the site indicate that meat consumption was a crucial adaptive element in the behavior of Homo erectus. Current debates on the role played by meat in this early stage of the evolution of the genus Homo confront cost signaling interpretations against dietary/physiological interpretations of meat eating and its relation to brain evolution. BBK (including all the archaeological levels) contains the largest amount of hominin-modified bones and butchered animals documented in the Early Pleistocene archaeological record. This evidence supports that meat consumption was tightly linked to the physiology that shaped the evolution of our genus. Hunting was an integral part of the adaptive behavior of H. erectus although megafaunal exploitation may have included more opportunistic behaviors. Site organization also suggests that this species may have exhibited a different within-site spatial organization, which differed from previous hominins, as documented at sites such as FLK Zinj. This unveils the need of new behavioral models to explain the functionality of Acheulian central-place sites.

Research paper thumbnail of . A critical re-evaluation of bone surface modification models for inferring fossil hominin and carnivore interactions through a multivariate approach: Application to the FLK Zinj archaeofaunal assemblage (Olduvai Gorge, Tanzania).

Quaternary International, 2013

Over the past three decades, controversial interpretations of the behavioral meaning of bone surf... more Over the past three decades, controversial interpretations of the behavioral meaning of bone surface modifications at FLK Zinj regarding primary or secondary access to carcasses by hominins have stemmed from the independent use of mark types (cut, percussion, and tooth marks) to evaluate opposing models. Such controversy has also been based on an over-reliance on tooth mark frequencies (mostly generated by non-hominin carnivores), which have been documented to be high when hyenids are primary bone modifiers, low when felids have primary access to carcasses, and high when suids feed primarily or secondarily on carcass parts. In addition, it has also been argued that the frequency of tooth marks on the FLK Zinj bones has been overidentified by some researchers, by mistaking tooth marks with biochemical marks created by plant roots. Some methodological approaches have hampered the use of cut marks to identify hominin behavior. Most of the reasons for purported equifinality of experimental scenarios are strictly methodological and are also caused by the separate rather than joint analysis of mark types. In the present work, for the first time cut marks, tooth marks, and percussion marks will be jointly analyzed, both experimentally and at FLK Zinj. Primary and secondary access to carcasses by hominins yields different frequency associations of all of these marks, which can be diagnostic of the type of access. Such mark-type relationships can only be detected when all mark types are analyzed simultaneously and not as separate sets. This multivariate approach provides a robust interpretation of primary access to carcasses by hominins at FLK Zinj.

Research paper thumbnail of Bone Modification by Modern Wolf (Canis lupus): A Taphonomic Study From Their Natural Feeding Places

Journal of Taphonomy 10(3-4), 2012

Large carnivore neotaphonomy is used to provide guidelines for understanding fossil bone assembla... more Large carnivore neotaphonomy is used to provide guidelines for understanding fossil bone assemblages. However, few studies have been carried out on the taphonomic signatures of wolves (Canis lupus) in their natural settings. From 2001 to 2007, 56 wolf feeding places were studied in 2 geographic areas of Poland
(Bialowieza, Bieszczady). We recorded ecological aspects such as prey selection, time span of carcasses use, scavengers’ activity and the identification of prey from ungulate hairs found in scats, and taphonomic considerations, such as the number and type of bone remains, intensity of tooth modification on carcasses and
the effect of digestion on skeletal elements observed in scats. Localities studied included kill sites (4 C. capreolus and 20 C. elaphus in Bialowieza, 29 C. elaphus in Bieszczady) and scavenging sites (10 B. bonasus carcasses in Bialowieza). In order to characterize taphonomically impact of wolf on medium- and
large-size ungulates, the general bone modifications recorded in this study are compared with data from North American and Iberian wolf feeding sites as well as from other large carnivore (Crocuta) den contents.

Research paper thumbnail of Bone Modification by Modern Wolf (Canis lupus): A Taphonomic Study From their Natural Feeding Places

Large carnivore neotaphonomy is used to provide guidelines for understanding fossil bone assembla... more Large carnivore neotaphonomy is used to provide guidelines for understanding fossil bone assemblages.
However, few studies have been carried out on the taphonomic signatures of wolves (Canis lupus) in their
natural settings. From 2001 to 2007, 56 wolf feeding places were studied in 2 geographic areas of Poland
(Bialowieza, Bieszczady). We recorded ecological aspects such as prey selection, time span of carcasses
use, scavengers’ activity and the identification of prey from ungulate hairs found in scats, and taphonomic
considerations, such as the number and type of bone remains, intensity of tooth modification on carcasses and
the effect of digestion on skeletal elements observed in scats. Localities studied included kill sites (4
C. capreolus and 20 C. elaphus in Bialowieza, 29 C. elaphus in Bieszczady) and scavenging sites (10 B.
bonasus carcasses in Bialowieza). In order to characterize taphonomically impact of wolf on medium- and
large-size ungulates, the general bone modifications recorded in this study are compared with data from
North American and Iberian wolf feeding sites as well as from other large carnivore (Crocuta) den
contents.

Research paper thumbnail of A Comparative Neo-Taphonomic Study of Felids, Hyaenids and Canids: an Analogical Framework Based on Long Bone Modification Patterns

Previous studies have emphasized the overlap in bone modifications by different types of carnivor... more Previous studies have emphasized the overlap in bone modifications by different types of carnivores. However, the documented overlap is not enough to prevent taphonomists from differentiating among carnivore types (e.g., felids, hyaenids and canids). The present work elaborates on previous experimental works and produces an analogical framework created with the intention of differentiating predator/scavenger bone modification by analyzing furrowing patterns on epiphyseal ends. Taking long bones from the same carcass type as a reference, it will be shown that the three major groups of carnivores (felids, hyaenids and canids) can be successfully differentiated. The patterns of long bone furrowing by these three groups will be presented.

Research paper thumbnail of The Wild Wolf (Canis lupus) as a Dispersal Agent of Animal Carcasses in Northwestern Spain

Journal Of Taphonomy, 2012

Hominid–carnivore interaction is a constant feature along the Pleistocene: both species shared ti... more Hominid–carnivore interaction is a constant feature along the Pleistocene: both species shared time and space, and contributed to the formation of bone assemblages. Thus, the identification of the agent responsible for the accumulations found in any site demands a series of analyses. Taking into account that wolves were frequent carnivores in the European Pleistocene as well as potential predators of medium-sized prey, we approach the study of the record they produce on carcasses. Based on previous works of their taphonomic impact on horse carcasses (Yravedra et al., 2011), we now focus on the distribution patterns they generate and the identification of wolves either as dispersal or accumulating agents in order to compare this behaviour with the patterns found at Palaeolithic sites. Our research suggests that wolves are wolves are shown to be agents of dispersal

Research paper thumbnail of Geoarqueología y paleontología de los depósitos del Pleistoceno Superior del antiguo Arroyo Abroñigal (Cuenca del Manzanares, Madrid): el yacimiento del Puente de los Tres Ojos

Cuaternario y Geomorfología (2012), 26 (1‐2), 105‐132, 2012

The archaeological excavation of the Puente de los Tres Ojos site, next to Cerro Negro Street (Ma... more The archaeological excavation of the Puente de los Tres Ojos site, next to Cerro Negro Street (Madrid), has
provided new data that has allowed us to go in depth into the human settlement and the palaeoenvironmental
reconstruction of the old Abroñigal stream valley, whose fluvial course worked as a tributary of the
Manzanares River probably from before the Late Pleistocene up to the second half of the XXth century. In
this paper we present the geomorphological and chronostratigraphic data of the excavated layers, documenting
the various sequences of the fluvial and alluvial deposits that have filled the right bank of the
Abroñigal valley bottom within its lower stretch. A large collection of lithic pieces has been obtained during
the excavation works, most of which have been found within medium energy deposits of sands and gravels,
being the rest associated to argillaceous slimes and thin sand deposits. The majority of the lithic
collection responds to technical systems of the Middle Palaeolithic, although it is noteworthy the testimonial
presence of pieces belonging to the Upper Palaeolithic, as well as mammal faunal remains from the Late
Pleistocene. The dates obtained through OSL place the chronology of the deposit between approximately
14,400 and 11,170 years BP.

Research paper thumbnail of Zoorarqueología. La fauna en la Primera Edad del Hierro.

el primer milenio en la meseta central. segunda Edad deñ Hierro Vol 2

Research paper thumbnail of El Yacimiento de Las Camas (Villaverde, Madrid) Longhouses en la Meseta Central.

el primer milenio en la meseta centra

Todos los derechos reservados. Esta publicación no puede ser reproducida, ni todo ni en parte, ni... more Todos los derechos reservados. Esta publicación no puede ser reproducida, ni todo ni en parte, ni registrada, transmitida por un sistema de recuperación de información, en ninguna forma ni por ningún medio, sea mecánico, fotoquímico, electrónico, por fotocopia, o cualquier otro, sin el permiso previo por escrito de Auditores de Energía y Medio Ambiente S.A.

Research paper thumbnail of  El abrigo de Cueva Blanca: un yacimiento de la transición al Neolítico antiguo en el campo de Hellín (Albacete)

ABSTRACT The rock shelter of Cueva Blanca is located in Hellín (Albacete). It contains an occupat... more ABSTRACT The rock shelter of Cueva Blanca is located in Hellín (Albacete). It contains an occupation layer belonging to the transition to ancient Neolithic. In this paper we present the preliminary results coming from the analysis of archaeological material, as well as from geomorphological, coal, traceology and malacofauna studies. The site is exceptional because of its next situation to the Levantine rock art site of Minateda and the existence of prehistoric paintings in one of its walls.
Keywords: Cueva Blanca, Epipaleolithic‑ancient Neolithic,

Research paper thumbnail of Caracterización del yacimiento de Cueva Blanca (Hellín, Albacete). Nuevas aportaciones para el debate en torno a la transición del Mesolítico al Neolítico antiguo en el Sureste peninsular

Research paper thumbnail of A study of dimensional differences of tooth marks (pits

Archaeol Anthropol Sci, 2012

Abstract The use of tooth mark sizes to infer carnivore types when analyzing the modification of... more Abstract The use of tooth mark sizes to infer carnivore
types when analyzing the modification of faunal assemblages
has been criticized on the base of intense overlap in
tooth mark size among differently sized carnivores. The
present study analyzes this overlap and presents some critical
explanations for it. This work is based on the largest
collection of tooth pit dimensional data collected to date for
some of the most relevant carnivore types. The study empirically
shows that small and large carnivores can be clearly
differentiated when using tooth pit size, with a higher
discrimination when using tooth marks on dense shafts than
on cancellous ends. It is argued that most previous studies of
tooth mark sizes have reproduced a higher overlap probably
because sample sizes were small, and experiments were
carried out using small carcasses (which require a smaller
bite force) or for a combination of factors.

Research paper thumbnail of Earliest Porotic Hyperostosis on a 1.5-Million-Year-Old Hominin, Olduvai Gorge, Tanzania

Domínguez-Rodrigo M, Pickering TR, Diez-Martín F, Mabulla A, Musiba C, et al. (2012) Earliest Porotic Hyperostosis on a 1.5-Million-Year-Old Hominin, Olduvai Gorge, Tanzania. PLoS ONE 7(10): e46414. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0046414, 2012

Meat-eating was an important factor affecting early hominin brain expansion, social organization ... more Meat-eating was an important factor affecting early hominin brain expansion, social organization and geographic movement. Stone tool butchery marks on ungulate fossils in several African archaeological assemblages demonstrate a significant level of carnivory by Pleistocene hominins, but the discovery at Olduvai Gorge of a child's pathological cranial fragments indicates that some hominins probably experienced scarcity of animal foods during various stages of their life histories. The child's parietal fragments, excavated from 1.5-million-year-old sediments, show porotic hyperostosis, a pathology associated with anemia. Nutritional deficiencies, including anemia, are most common at weaning, when children lose passive immunity received through their mothers' milk. Our results suggest, alternatively, that (1) the developmentally disruptive potential of weaning reached far beyond sedentary Holocene food-producing societies and into the early Pleistocene, or that (2) a hominin mother's meat-deficient diet negatively altered the nutritional content of her breast milk to the extent that her nursing child ultimately died from malnourishment. Either way, this discovery highlights that by at least 1.5 million years ago early human physiology was already adapted to a diet that included the regular consumption of meat.

Research paper thumbnail of Autochthony and orientation patterns in Olduvai Bed I: a re-examination of the status of post-depositional biasing of archaeological assemblages from FLK North (FLKN)

Journal of Archaeological Science Volume 39, Issue 7, July 2012, Pages 2116–2127, 2012

Recent excavations at FLK North (Olduvai Gorge, Tanzania) have produced new information on the or... more Recent excavations at FLK North (Olduvai Gorge, Tanzania) have produced new information on the orientation of archaeological materials at various levels of the site. This information includes the uniform distribution of material azimuths, which contrasts with previous inferences of highly patterned orientations of materials in the Bed I archaeological sites. Those previous inferences of patterned material orientations are based on Mary Leakey's 50-year-old drawings of artifact and fossil bone distribution, but are not verified by our precise measurements of archaeological objects made in situ. Nor do those previous results agree with the general lack of geological, geomorphological, and/or taphonomic data that would indicate significant post-depositional movement of archaeological materials in the sites. We argue here that Leakey's drawings are incomplete (only portions of each assemblage were drawn) and inaccurate in their representation of the original locations, shapes and orientations of most archaeological specimens. This argument is supported by several important mismatches in object representations between a photograph taken of a small portion of the FLK 22 Zinjanthropus site floor before the removal of the archaeological items, and the sketch of the same area drawn by Leakey. Thus, we conclude that primary orientation data of excavations (i.e., direct measurements taken from items) generated prior to object removal are the only valid indicators of the relative isotropy or anisotropy of these important paleoanthropological assemblages.

Research paper thumbnail of Elephants and subsistence. Evidence of the human exploitation of extremely large mammal bones from the Middle Palaeolithic site of PRERESA (Madrid, Spain)

Journal of Archaeological Science Volume 39, Issue 4, April 2012, Pages 1063–1071, 2012

The archaeological site at PRERESA (Madrid, Spain) has been dated to 84 ± 5.6 ka by optically sti... more The archaeological site at PRERESA (Madrid, Spain) has been dated to 84 ± 5.6 ka by optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) (MIS 5a). An area 255 m2 was excavated and 754 lithic pieces were recovered, as well as a large amount of micro and macro vertebrate remains, including proboscidean bones. The aim of this paper is to outline the results of the taphonomic study of these remains. The identification of cut marks on a number of the bones recovered strengthens the theory that the exploitation of extremely large mammals was more than just a marginal practice before the Upper Palaeolithic. Additionally, the identification of green-bone fractures and percussion marks confirm for the first time, that the bone marrow of these taxa was also consumed. Few other cases of this practice have been identified, firstly because obtaining this substance would not be an easy matter, and secondly because similar nutritional needs can also be met by the consumption of brain matter, which is easier to acquire.

Research paper thumbnail of Human behaviour and adaptations to MIS 3 environmental trends (>53–30 ka BP) at Esquilleu cave (Cantabria, northern Spain)

quaternary intrrnational Volume 252, 27 February 2012, Pages 82–89, 2012

Esquilleu cave (Cantabria, northern Spain) presents 30 Mousterian archaeological layers covering ... more Esquilleu cave (Cantabria, northern Spain) presents 30 Mousterian archaeological layers covering virtually the complete MIS 3 both in chronology and environmental. A number of environmental analyses (faunal, pollen, charcoal) allow the study of the different strategies for the procurement and management of resources available near the site and indicate the Neanderthals’ wide adaptability to the changing environment typical of this period. This paper also discusses the possibility of using bones as fuel either as a palliative for a presumed lack of wood resources in the environment or as a mere pattern of human behaviour.

Research paper thumbnail of Human landscapes of the Late Glacial Period in the interior of the Iberian Peninsula: La Peña de Estebanvela (Segovia, Spain)

Quaternary International Volumes 272–273, 12 September 2012, Pages 42–54, 2012

The chronostratigraphic framework of the Magdalenian in the interior of the Iberian Peninsula cur... more The chronostratigraphic framework of the Magdalenian in the interior of the Iberian Peninsula currently covers the period 21,440–21,040 cal BP (level 2 of the Cueva del Gato site at Epila, Province of Zaragoza) to 12,770–12,570 cal BP (level I of the La Peña de Estebanvela site, Ayllón, Province of Segovia). These dates embrace times of strong climatic oscillation, beginning with very rigorous environmental conditions (stage GS2) and ending with a temperate climate (Alleröd); over this period, extreme events such as Heinrich event 1 occurred. However, little information is available that would allow the environments through which human groups moved during the Late Last Glacial of the Iberian interior to be characterised. The La Peña de Estebanvela site is something of an exception in that its archaeological features allow the reconstruction of the surrounding environment, and provide information on how natural resources may have been used. The faunal remains represented at this site reflect changes in palaeoecology over time. Taphonomic analysis of recovered macromammals and lagomorphs shows that these animals were brought to the site, butchered and consumed. The available data on seasonality fix the occupation of levels I–III from the spring to the autumn. Certain types of wood were collected for use as firewood. Other elements found in the record (personal ornaments, mobiliary art and raw materials) provide evidence that the people that occupied the site moved over a more extensive territory.

Research paper thumbnail of ANÁLISIS DE LOS PROCESOS TAFONÓMICOS DE CUEVA MORÍN. PRIMEROS RESULTADOS DE UN ESTUDIO NECESARIO

RESUMEN: Cueva Morín es un emblemático yacimiento utilizado como referente en multitud de trabajo... more RESUMEN: Cueva Morín es un emblemático yacimiento utilizado como referente en multitud de trabajos
referidos a la subsistencia del Paleolítico Medio y Superior del norte de la Península Ibérica. En este texto se
ofrecen los primeros resultados proporcionados por el estudio tafonómico de una parte importante de su
fauna. Se muestra cómo el componente hídrico es un elemento a tener en cuenta en la comprensión de la formación
del yacimiento. También los carnívoros parecen haber intervenido sobre las acumulaciones óseas, tal y
como indican las marcas de dientes. En varios niveles se deduce, por la presencia de marcas de corte y estigmas
de percusión en piezas de diversos taxones, que el ser humano fue el agente principal del aporte de ungulados
al yacimiento. No obstante, las alteraciones y el sesgo producido por los procesos mencionados (carnívoros y
agua) limitan las interpretaciones que podemos hacer del registro faunístico de algunos niveles

Research paper thumbnail of . La Secuencia Estratigráfica Magdaleniense De La Cueva De Coímbre (Peñamellera Alta, Asturias, España). Fervedes, nº7. 57-64

Fervedes, 2011

The excavations that have been making since 2008 in Coímbre cave (Peñamellera Alta, Asturias), ar... more The excavations that have been making since 2008 in Coímbre cave (Peñamellera Alta, Asturias), are
providing an important sequence for the later phases of the Cantabrian Magdalenian. The cave has a rich
archaeological deposit but also with a good collection of artistic parietal, which make this site one of the most
important archaeological sites for the Cantabrian Magdalenian, both for its organization as its state of
conservation. In this paper we present the preliminary results of the first three years of excavation.

Research paper thumbnail of Human landscapes of the Late Last Glacial Period in the interior of the Iberian Peninsula.  La Peña de Estebanvela (Segovia, Spain)

La Peña de Estebanvela is a rock shelter located at an altitude of 1065 m in the Sierra de Ayllón... more La Peña de Estebanvela is a rock shelter located at an altitude of 1065 m in the Sierra de Ayllón on the northern border of Spain's Sistema Central range. It lies on a slope on the right bank of the River Aguisejo, a tributary of the River Riaza which eventually flows into the River Duero. Its archaeological infilling stretches from the Middle to Late Magdalenian. Research undertaken between 1999 and 2009 returned long lithic (51,000 pieces) and faunistic (64,155 remains of macrofauna) inventories, as well as elements of personal ornaments, bone industry objects, a unique collection of objets d'art, and a number of hearths.

Research paper thumbnail of  La ocupación neandertal en el Cañón de La Horadada (Mave, Palencia, España) Nuevas perspectivas arqueológicas en Cueva Corazón. Munibe 62. 65-85-

This paper shows a first synthesis of the new data obtained through the research project on the h... more This paper shows a first synthesis of the new data obtained through the research project on the human occupation in the Horadada Gorge
during the Upper Pleistocene, currently in progress. Thorough our investigation in Cueva del Espino and particularly in Cueva Corazón, we present
here an interpretation on the genesis and development of the karst system of La Horadada. The sedimentology of the archaeological horizon
discovered in Cueva Corazon, bracketed via TL between 96 and 95 Ka., is also described. The site has been ascribed to the Middle
Palaeolithic and a brief description of its cultural and economic evidence is also reported here.

Research paper thumbnail of El yacimiento paleolítico del 12 de Octubre (Villaverde, Madrid)

Research paper thumbnail of El yacimiento arqueo-paleontológico de E.D.A.R. CULEBRO 1

Se presentan los resultados de la excavación arqueológica del yacimiento EDAR CULEBRO 1, que se d... more Se presentan los resultados de la excavación arqueológica del yacimiento EDAR CULEBRO 1, que se descubrió en el año 2003 con motivo de las obras de construcción de la E.D.A.R. de la Cuenca Baja del Arroyo Culebro. Se hallaron restos de varios macromamíferos con industria lítica asociada en depósitos de baja-media energía que se han asignado al OIS 5.

Research paper thumbnail of Datos geoarqueológicos de la Terraza Compleja del Manzanares en la desembocadura del arroyo Butarque (Villaverde, Madrid)

Research paper thumbnail of Puente de los Tres Ojos: Aportaciones geoarqueológicas al estudio del Cuaternario en el antiguo arroyo Abroñigal (cuenca del Manzanares, Madrid)

Research paper thumbnail of El registro Paleolítico de las terrazas complejas de los valles del

Los más de 200 yacimientos documentados en los valles de los ríos Manzanares y Jarama, desde el ... more Los más de 200 yacimientos documentados en los valles de los ríos Manzanares y Jarama,
desde el descubrimiento de San Isidro en 1862, evidencian que los tramos medio y bajo de los
valles de estos ríos son una zona con gran potencial para el estudio del Paleolítico. Sin embargo,
salvo excepciones, la información disponible procede de intervenciones realizadas en la primera
mitad del siglo XX, y no permiten dibujar ni tan siquiera un esbozo de las características básicas
y evolución de las ocupaciones humanas durante el Pleistoceno en la región de Madrid.

Research paper thumbnail of ANÁLISIS DE LOS PROCESOS TAFONÓMICOS

Zephyrus,, 2011

RESUMEN: Cueva Morín es un emblemático yacimiento utilizado como referente en multitud de trabajo... more RESUMEN: Cueva Morín es un emblemático yacimiento utilizado como referente en multitud de trabajos
referidos a la subsistencia del Paleolítico Medio y Superior del norte de la Península Ibérica. En este texto se
ofrecen los primeros resultados proporcionados por el estudio tafonómico de una parte importante de su
fauna. Se muestra cómo el componente hídrico es un elemento a tener en cuenta en la comprensión de la formación
del yacimiento. También los carnívoros parecen haber intervenido sobre las acumulaciones óseas, tal y
como indican las marcas de dientes. En varios niveles se deduce, por la presencia de marcas de corte y estigmas
de percusión en piezas de diversos taxones, que el ser humano fue el agente principal del aporte de ungulados
al yacimiento. No obstante, las alteraciones y el sesgo producido por los procesos mencionados (carnívoros y
agua) limitan las interpretaciones que podemos hacer del registro faunístico de algunos niveles.
Palabras clave: Musteriense. Paleolítico Superior. Continuidad. Tafonomía.
ABSTRACT: Morín Cave is an important site used as a referential model in many works in regards to the
Upper and Middle Paleolithic in the north of Spain. We offer in this report the study of a great part of its faunal
record. We show that the water was an important element in its formation. The hidraulic action has influenced
too on skeletal parts bias that appears in some levels. The carnivores, as show their tooth marks, would be
important in the bone accumulation as well. Finally, we report that both cut and percussion marks in bones of
many taxons belonging from different levels point out that the human being was the main responsible in the
ungulates accumulation of Cueva Morín.
Key words: Mousterian. Upper Palaeolithic. Continuity. Taphonomy.

Research paper thumbnail of A taphonomic Perspective on the origins of the faunal remains from Amalda Cave (Spain).  Journal of Taphonomy 8 (4) (2011), 301-334

Journal of Taphonomy , 2011

Some traditional zooarchaeological analyses assume that faunal assemblages associated with stone ... more Some traditional zooarchaeological analyses assume that faunal assemblages associated with stone tools
are basically the result of human behaviour. Under this view, in previous research of the Palaeolithic site
of Amalda Cave, the site was defined as a fully anthropogenic assemblage. In this paper, new
taphonomic analyses show a different interpretation, since in some cases, the associations of bones and
stone tools are created and modified by more than one agent in a succession of events. In Amalda Cave,
the high frequencies of tooth marks on some animal bones, in contrast to the marginal percentages of cut
and percussion marks, as well as the fragmentation profiles, suggest that carnivores played a major role
in the accumulation of small-sized animals. On the other hand, medium-sized and large-sized animals
show high percentages of cut marks and other evidences of human behaviour in detriment of carnivore
modification. The present review leads to the conclusion that carnivores were the main agent for the
accumulation of small-sized animals, while hominids enjoyed a primary access to larger carcasses. This
study underscores the crucial role of taphonomy to understand the zooarchaeological record of the
Iberian Peninsula.

Research paper thumbnail of A Taphonomic Study of Wild Wolf

Journal of Taphonomy, 2011

Taphonomic studies of carnivores have become an integral part of taphonomic research in the past ... more Taphonomic studies of carnivores have become an integral part of taphonomic research in the past two
decades. These studies are developing a referential framework for the identification of carnivore
signature variety in the fossil record. Hyaenas and felids are predominant in these studies, whereas other
carnivores such as wolves have not received as much attention yet. This paper analyses wild horse
carcasses processed by wild wolves and discusses the implications for the study of site formation in the
Eurasian Pleistocene. Carcasses have undergone different kinds of consumption by wild wolves and show
important differences in the degree of bone modification according to wolf hunting and scavenging strategies.
The different degree of bone destruction when consumed in one or many events is also discussed.

Research paper thumbnail of alvarez et al 201obermaier.pdf

Bibliographische Information der Deutschen Nationalbibliothek: Die Deutsche Nationalbibliothek ve... more Bibliographische Information der Deutschen Nationalbibliothek: Die Deutsche Nationalbibliothek verzeichnet diese Publikation in der Deutschen Nationalbibliographie, detaillierte bibliographische Angaben sind im Internet über http://dnb.d-nb.de abrufbar. Für den Inhalt der Seiten sind die Autoren selbst verantwortlich.

Research paper thumbnail of ESTRATEGIAS DE SUBSISTENCIA EN EL YACIMIENTO PALEOLÍTICO DEL RUSO (IGOLLO DE CAMARGO, CANTABRIA, ESPAÑA)

del Ruso (Igollo, Camargo, Cantabria) se sitúa muy cerca de los emblemáticos yacimientos del Pend... more del Ruso (Igollo, Camargo, Cantabria) se sitúa muy cerca de los emblemáticos yacimientos del Pendo y el Juyo. Estos emplazamientos han proporcionado diferentes secuencias estratigráficas -Magdaleniense en el Juyo y una muy interesante en el Pendo que abarca del Musteriense a la Prehistoria reciente, con algunas trazas de presencia medie-val- (Barandiarán et al., 1987;). Sin embargo ambos sitios, a pesar de la importancia de su información, presentan algunas carencias. Así, en el caso del Juyo hay que decir que tan sólo aporta material de un sólo periodo cultural y en el caso del Pendo su principal inconveniente es que la larga secuencia del sitio es muy problemática desde el punto de vista estratigráfico lo que ha convertido a este lu-ESTRATEGIAS DE SUBSISTENCIA EN EL YACIMIENTO PALEOLÍTICO DEL RUSO (IGOLLO DE CAMARGO, CANTABRIA, ESPAÑA) The subsistence in the Palaeolithic site The Ruso (Igollo de Camargo, Recibido el 27 de octubre de 2010. Aceptado el 18 de enero de 2011 Resumen. La Cueva del Ruso (Igollo, Camargo, Cantabria) contiene un importante yacimiento arqueológico con niveles que abarcan desde el Musteriense hasta el Solutrense. En este artículo ofrecemos un estudio zooarqueológico y tafonómico de esta cavidad que permite completar y efectuar una comparación con los datos procedentes de yacimientos cercanos y tan emblemáticos como el Juyo (con niveles magdalenienses) y El Pendo (palimpsesto de diversas ocupaciones). Los resultados obtenidos reflejan novedosos datos sobre las estrategias de subsistencia de los cazadores-recolectores de la Región Cantábrica, matizando, además, las conclusiones obtenidas por estudios previos efectuados en esta zona. Abstract. The Ruso Cave (Igollo, Camargo, Cantabria) has an important archaeological assemblage with Mousterian to Solutrean levels. In this paper we show a zooarchaeological and taphonomic study of this cave. This analysis allows us to complete and make a comparison with the information from important Paleolithic sites near to the Ruso Cave like El Juyo (with Magdalenian levels) and El Pendo (with mixed Mousterian and Upper Paleolithic levels). The results reflect newest data about the subsistence strategies of the hunters and gatherers of the North of Spain clarifying the conclusions from previous works made in this area.

Research paper thumbnail of ¿QUIÉN SE COMIÓ MI HUESO? La tafonomía y el registro arqueológico

Sólo una pequeña parte de lo que existió alguna vez quedó enterrado; sólo una parte de lo que se ... more Sólo una pequeña parte de lo que existió alguna vez quedó enterrado; sólo una parte de lo que se enterró sobrevivió al paso del tiempo; apenas una parte ha vuelto a salir a la luz; y todos sabemos muy bien que una mínima parte será de interés para la ciencia" Montelius

Research paper thumbnail of El Paleolítico Superior en el Interior de la Península Ibérica. Revisión crítica y perspectivas de futuro El Paleolítico superior peninsular. Novedades del siglo XXI. Barcelona. 2010. Pag: 115-136.

El presente trabajo ofrece una revisión crítica del Paleolítico superior en la Meseta a la luz de... more El presente trabajo ofrece una revisión crítica del Paleolítico superior en la Meseta a la luz de los nuevos
hallazgos producidos en los últimos años con una síntesis de las evidencias disponibles y su marco cronológico.
Se interpreta en detalle el asentamiento segoviano de la Peña de Estebanvela. La riqueza de su
registro arqueológico, la amplia secuencia cronoestratigráfica que presenta, así como la aplicación en su
estudio de una metodología pluridisciplinar, hacen de este yacimiento un referente para el estudio del
Magdaleniense en la Meseta. Por último, se muestra una breve revisión de las estaciones con arte rupestre
del interior peninsular.
Palabras clave: Paleolítico superior, Meseta, poblamiento, dataciones, industria, arte, Peña de Estebanvela.
ABSTRACT
The present work is a critical review of the Upper Palaeolithic of the Iberian Meseta in light of findings
made in recent years, including a synthesis of the evidence regarding the area’s settlement and its chrono -
logy. A detailed interpretation of the Segovian site of Peña de Estebanvela is provided. The richness of its
archaeological record, its ample chronostratigraphic sequences and the multidisciplinary approach to its
study have made Peña de Estebanvela a reference for research into the Magdalenian of the Meseta. This
work also provides a brief review of the sites of the Iberian interior where rock art is found.
Key words: Upper Palaeolithic, Meseta, settlement, dating, industry, art, Peña de Estebanvela.

Research paper thumbnail of Las herramientas de piedra más antiguas en África. Una visión general y algunas reflexiones. Sautuola XV. 11-33.

Sautuola, 2010

El objetivo de este texto es resumir el conocimiento actual en relación con la industria de piedr... more El objetivo de este texto es resumir el conocimiento actual en relación con la industria de piedra más antigua de la humanidad (Olduvayense).
Se reflexiona sobre las causas de su aparición en el continente africano, qué tipo de homínido habría estado implicado en su factura
y cuáles son las características básicas de su sistema de producción. Del mismo modo, se valora finalmente la sustitución en África de este primer
tecnocomplejo de la humanidad por otro cognitiva y técnicamente más avanzado (Achelense).
ABSTRACT
The aim of this text is to summarise current knowledge on the Oldowan, Humanity´s earliest stone technology. We reflect on the causes
for its beginning in the African continent, and we consider what kind of hominid could be responsible for its manufacture. We also explain
what the main characteristics of its production scheme are. In the same way, we would like to reflect on the substitution in Africa of this first
human industrial complex by the Acheulian, a more developed one from both a cognitive and a technical point of view.
PALABRAS CLAVE: Achelense. Género Homo. Homínidos. Innovación. Olduvayense.
KEY WORDS: Acheulean. Genus Homo. Hominids. Innovation. Oldowan.

Research paper thumbnail of Las herramientas de piedra más antiguas en África. Una visión general y algunas reflexiones. Sautuola XV. 11-33.

Sautuola, 2010

El objetivo de este texto es resumir el conocimiento actual en relación con la industria de piedr... more El objetivo de este texto es resumir el conocimiento actual en relación con la industria de piedra más antigua de la humanidad (Olduvayense).
Se reflexiona sobre las causas de su aparición en el continente africano, qué tipo de homínido habría estado implicado en su factura
y cuáles son las características básicas de su sistema de producción. Del mismo modo, se valora finalmente la sustitución en África de este primer
tecnocomplejo de la humanidad por otro cognitiva y técnicamente más avanzado (Achelense).
ABSTRACT
The aim of this text is to summarise current knowledge on the Oldowan, Humanity´s earliest stone technology. We reflect on the causes
for its beginning in the African continent, and we consider what kind of hominid could be responsible for its manufacture. We also explain
what the main characteristics of its production scheme are. In the same way, we would like to reflect on the substitution in Africa of this first
human industrial complex by the Acheulian, a more developed one from both a cognitive and a technical point of view.
PALABRAS CLAVE: Achelense. Género Homo. Homínidos. Innovación. Olduvayense.
KEY WORDS: Acheulean. Genus Homo. Hominids. Innovation. Oldowan.

Research paper thumbnail of Nuevas aportaciones tafonómicas y zooarqueológicas del yacimiento de Hornos de la Peña (San Felices de Buelna, Cantabria). Complutum 21. 1  Pag 69-89.

Complutum, 2010

Estudio zooarqueológico y tafonómico de los macrovertebrados del yacimiento paleolítico de Hornos... more Estudio zooarqueológico y tafonómico de los macrovertebrados del yacimiento paleolítico de Hornos de
la Peña (San Felices de Buelna, Torrelavega, Cantabria), cuya muestra ósea se analizó en el año 2006 y
proviene de los materiales depositados en el Museo Arqueológico Nacional de las colecciones del Institut
de Paléontologie Humaine de Paris. Aunque procede de excavaciones realizadas a principios del siglo XX,
con un sesgo osteológico motivado por la preselección de los elementos fácilmente determinables, este
interesante conjunto óseo abre nuevos interrogantes sobre las estrategias de subsistencia de los cazadores
paleolíticos desde el Musteriense al Magdaleniense de la Cornisa Cantábrica. Entre ellos destacan el tratamiento
diferencial durante el Paleolítico medio de los animales de menor talla (cabra y rebeco) frente a
otros mayores (caballo, uro-bisonte y ciervo), así como la abundancia del caballo en el Solutrense y Magdaleniense,
en contra de lo observado en la mayor parte de los yacimientos cantábricos de esta época en
los que el ciervo y la cabra son los animales predominantes.
PALABRAS CLAVE: Tafonomía, Zooarqueología, Transición Paleolítico Medio-Superior, Marcas de corte.
ABSTRACT
New zooarchaological and taphonomical data from the Palaeolithic site of Hornos de la Peña (Cantabria)
are presented. A bone assemblage from the Institut de Paléontologie Humaine of Paris which is now kept
in the National Archaeological Museum of Madrid has been analyzed. The paper discusses some of the
problems of dealing with archaeological excavations from the beginning of the 20th century when, as in
other early archaeological interventions, only the easily identified remains were selected. The faunal
collection analysed opens new questions about the hunting behaviour from the Mousterian to the Magdalenian
periods in Northern Spain, namely the different strategies used for small animals (Capra and Rupicapra)
versus larger animals (Equus, Cervus and Bos-Bison) in the Middle Palaeolithic, and the high presence
of horse in the Solutrean and Magdalenian levels of Hornos de la Peña that differs from the prevalence
of red deer and goat in other sites from those periods.
KEY WORDS: Taphonomy, Zooarchaeology, Middle-Upper Palaeolithic Transition, Cut Marks.

Research paper thumbnail of . Síntesis: interpretación general del yacimiento de TAFESA (Madrid). En Las huellas de nuestro pasado. Estudio del Yacimiento del pleistoceno madrileño de Tafesa (Antigua Transfesa). Zona Arqueológica 14. 189-202.

Research paper thumbnail of  Las estrategias de subsistencia en la región central de la cornisa cantábrica. ¿Continuidad o ruptura? Nivel Cero. 12. 35-51

Nivel CEro, 2010

El editor no se responsabiliza de las opiniones vertidas por los autores en los trabajos recogido... more El editor no se responsabiliza de las opiniones vertidas por los autores en los trabajos recogidos en la revista EDITORIAL A comienzos de la década de 1990, un grupo de alumnos de la extinta Licenciatura en Geografía e Historia de la Universidad de Cantabria aunaron esfuerzos e ilusiones para crear el Grupo Arqueológico ATTICA. En aquellos momentos el fenómeno del asociacionismo universitario gozaba de una muy buena salud, al menos en lo que a la UC se refiere, y ATTICA fue uno más de los frutos de aquel estado de cosas. Un fruto del ansia juvenil de reunirse, de compartir ideas y aficiones, de desarrollar proyectos. En definitiva, de acercar la Arqueología a la sociedad, a los universitarios y también a la gente de la calle; en Cantabria y fuera de ella.

Research paper thumbnail of  Estudio tafonómico y zooarqueológico de los macromamíferos del yacimiento arqueológico de Tafesa (Villaverde Bajo, Mabrid). En Las huellas de nuestro pasado. Estudio del Yacimiento del pleistoceno madrileño de Tafesa (Antigua Transfesa). Zona Arqueológica 14. 155-176

Research paper thumbnail of Implicaciones de la tafonomía en la interpretación de los yacimientos arqueológicos. Aplicación al nivel VI de la cueva de Amalda. XAMA 19-23. Pag 63-82

Research paper thumbnail of  Tafonomía en la Cueva de  Amalda: La intervención de carnívoros. Zona Arqueolçogica 13. 174-184

Zona Arqueologica, 2010

El yacimiento de la Cueva de Amalda (Guipúzcoa) ha proporcionado una acumulación ósea caracteriz... more El yacimiento de la Cueva de Amalda (Guipúzcoa) ha proporcionado una acumulación ósea
caracterizada por el predominio de Rupicapra rupicapra en varios niveles paleolíticos. Junto a
este animal han aparecido otros taxones como ciervo, caballo o gran bóvido. Los estudios tafonómicos
realizados en los últimos años han planteado que el rebeco fue principalmente aportado
por carnívoros, concretamente por félidos, a diferencia de los ungulados de mayor talla que
tendrían un aporte antrópico. Con esta interpretación se completaba el estudio de Altuna (1990)
aportando un estudio tafonómico que permitía reinterpretar el origen de la acumulación osteológica
de Amalda (2004 a, b, 2005, 2006 a, b, 2007). En este trabajo presentamos nuevos argumentos,
con el fin de profundizar en interpretaciones previas sobre Amalda. Se concluye reiterando
la ausencia de argumentos tafonómicos que justifiquen que la acumulación de los rebecos
de Amalda se deben a un aporte antrópico y que por el contrario se aporta evidencias tafonómicas
de la autoría en la acumulación por parte de carnívoros.
Palabras clave: Tafonomía, Paleolítico, Rupicapra rupicapra, Carnívoros, Marcas de Corte.

Research paper thumbnail of Cut marks on the Middle Pleistocene elephant carcass of Áridos 2 (Madrid, Spain)

Journal of Archaeological Science 37 (2010) 2469e2476, 2010

Áridos 1 and Áridos 2 (Madrid, Spain) are two Middle Pleistocene sites belonging to the isotopic ... more Áridos 1 and Áridos 2 (Madrid, Spain) are two Middle Pleistocene sites belonging to the isotopic stages
9e11. Both places contain partial carcasses of Elephas (Paleoxodon) antiquus associated to Acheulian stone
tools. In this work, the taphonomic study of the elephant remains of Áridos 2 is presented. This study has
documented several cut marks on different bones, which indicate bulk flesh and viscerae extraction by
Middle Pleistocene hominins. Several arguments are provided to support that at least some of the cut
marks were made with handaxes, further suggesting that some of these artifacts were butchering tools in
this stage of human evolution. Although cut marks on elephant carcasses have been documented at some
Middle Pleistocene sites, very few have been published in detail to allow consideration of their status as
hominin-imparted marks. By doing so, the present study provides more evidence of large carcass
exploitation by hominins during this period.

Research paper thumbnail of Estrategias de Subsistencia en el Yacimiento Paleolítico del Ruso (Igollo De Camargo, Cantabria, España). Espacio, Tiempo y Forma. Serie I, Nueva época. Prehistoria y Arqueología, t. 3, 2010. pp. 39-58

Espacio Tiempo y Forma, 2011

La Cueva del Ruso (Igollo, Camargo, Cantabria) contiene un importante yacimiento arqueológico co... more La Cueva del Ruso (Igollo, Camargo, Cantabria) contiene un importante yacimiento arqueológico
con niveles que abarcan desde elMusteriense hasta el Solutrense. En este artículo ofrecemos un estudio
zooarqueológico y tafonómico de esta cavidad que permite completar y efectuar una comparación con
los datos procedentes de yacimientos cercanos y tan emblemáticos como el Juyo (con niveles magdalenienses)
y El Pendo (palimpsesto de diversas ocupaciones). Los resultados obtenidos reflejan novedosos
datos sobre las estrategias de subsistencia de los cazadores-recolectores de la Región Cantábrica,matizando,
además, las conclusiones obtenidas por estudios previos efectuados en esta zona.
Palabras clave: Musteriense, Paleolítico Superior, Continuidad, Estacionalidad, Zooarqueología, Tafonomía.
Abstract. The Ruso Cave (Igollo, Camargo, Cantabria) has an important archaeological assemblagewithMousterian
to Solutrean levels. In this paperwe showa zooarchaeological and taphonomic study of this cave. This
analysis allows us to complete andmake a comparisonwith the information fromimportant Paleolithic sites
near to the Ruso Cave like El Juyo (with Magdalenian levels) and El Pendo (with mixed Mousterian and
Upper Paleolithic levels). The results reflect newest data about the subsistence strategies of the hunters and
gatherers of the North of Spain clarifying the conclusions fromprevious worksmade in this area.
Key Words: Mousterian, Upper Paleolithic, Continuity, Seasonality, Zooarchaeology, Taphonomy.

Research paper thumbnail of Estudio Zooarqueológico y Tafonómico del Yacimiento del Otero (Secadura, Voto, Cantabria). Espacio, Tiempo y Forma. Serie I, Nueva época. Prehistoria y Arqueología, t. 3, 2010. pp. 21-38

Espacio tiempo y forma, 2010

In the last years the Taphonomy is growing up as a key science to the interpretation of the archa... more In the last years the Taphonomy is growing up as a key science to the interpretation of the archaeological
record. Its results allow us to understand better the both, physical and biological processes which take
part in the formation of the archaeological and paleontological settlements. Traditionally this kind of
research in the Cantabrian region hasn´t been employed in many places but day by day is more usual. In
this paperwe report both the zooarchaeological and taphonomic study of the El Otero cave adding newinformation
on these topics to the Cantabrian region.
Key Words: Zooarchaeology, Taphonomy, Aurignacian,

Research paper thumbnail of Was FLK North levels 1–2 a classic “living floor” of Oldowan hominins or a taphonomically complex palimpsest dominated by large carnivore feeding behavior?

Quaternary Research, Volume 74, Issue 3, November 2010, Pages 355-362, 2010

From excavation at FLK North levels 1–2 in 1960–1962, Mary Leakey reported approximately 1200 Old... more From excavation at FLK North levels 1–2 in 1960–1962, Mary Leakey reported approximately 1200 Oldowan artifacts and 3300 large mammal fossils as a hominin “living floor”. Preliminary taphonomic analysis by Bunn seemed supportive, based on the presence of some cut-marked bones, the concentration of several dozen bovid individuals, and the relative abundance of limbs and mandibles over other axial elements. Recent taphonomic analysis of Leakey's entire fossil assemblage by Domínguez-Rodrigo and Barba, however, documents a minor hominin role at the site, contrasted to the dominant role of carnivores. Felids brought prey animals; hyenas scavenged from abandoned felid meals. At different times, hominins butchered several bovids and discarded artifacts at this dynamic location. Since 2006, renewed excavations at FLK North and other sites by the Olduvai Paleoanthropology and Paleoecology Project (TOPPP) have expanded artifact and fossil samples and implemented new analytical approaches to clarify taphonomic histories of the Olduvai paleolandscape. At FLK North, > 1000 new large mammal fossils from levels 1 to 2 show minimal butchery evidence amid abundant evidence of carnivore gnawing/fracture, rodent gnawing, and sediment abrasion. To help guide future excavation and analyses, we have developed several alternative working hypotheses of site formation.

Research paper thumbnail of Cut marks on the Middle Pleistocene elephant carcass of Áridos 2 (Madrid, Spain)

Journal of Archaeological Science Volume 37, Issue 10, October 2010, Pages 2469–2476, 2010

Áridos 1 and Áridos 2 (Madrid, Spain) are two Middle Pleistocene sites belonging to the isotopic ... more Áridos 1 and Áridos 2 (Madrid, Spain) are two Middle Pleistocene sites belonging to the isotopic stages 9–11. Both places contain partial carcasses of Elephas (Paleoxodon) antiquus associated to Acheulian stone tools. In this work, the taphonomic study of the elephant remains of Áridos 2 is presented. This study has documented several cut marks on different bones, which indicate bulk flesh and viscerae extraction by Middle Pleistocene hominins. Several arguments are provided to support that at least some of the cut marks were made with handaxes, further suggesting that some of these artifacts were butchering tools in this stage of human evolution. Although cut marks on elephant carcasses have been documented at some Middle Pleistocene sites, very few have been published in detail to allow consideration of their status as hominin-imparted marks. By doing so, the present study provides more evidence of large carcass exploitation by hominins during this period.

Research paper thumbnail of New excavations at the FLK Zinjanthropus site and its surrounding landscape and their behavioral implications

Quaternary Research Volume 74, Issue 3, November 2010, 315-332, 2010

Renewed excavations at FLK Zinj and its surrounding landscape have yielded valuable information r... more Renewed excavations at FLK Zinj and its surrounding landscape have yielded valuable information regarding its paleoecological situation and the prehistoric behavioral function of the site. The density of materials at the main cluster of the site excavated by Leakey contrasts with the bone and lithic scatters surrounding the site. The location of FLK Zinj, situated a few hundred meters away from a freshwater spring, would have enabled hominins access to water, plants and game. The appeal of the spot for hominins (also explained by the presence of a wooded habitat) is confirmed by inferences of its redundant use prior and during the formation of the FLK Zinj paleosol, as witnessed by materials accumulated both under and on the waxy clay deposit that constitutes the FLK Zinj stratum. The single-cluster nature of the site indicates central-place behavior and evidence is provided that hominins occupied the site at a time of very low predation hazards in the area.

Research paper thumbnail of Disentangling hominin and carnivore activities near a spring at FLK North (Olduvai Gorge, Tanzania)

Quaternary Research Volume 74, Issue 3, November 2010, Pages 363–375, 2010

FLK North is one of the densest concentrations of fossils found in Olduvai Gorge. A recent taphon... more FLK North is one of the densest concentrations of fossils found in Olduvai Gorge. A recent taphonomic re-evaluation of the collection excavated by Leakey at the site suggests that it was a palimpsest in which most of the animals were accumulated and modified by carnivores. The lithic tools therefore seem to have an independent depositional history from most of the fauna. The present study, based on new excavations, expands the evidence supporting this interpretation and demonstrates a thicker deposit than was reported by Leakey, including new archaeological levels. It also shows that in the few instances where hominins butchered carcasses, meat, not marrow, was their main target. This argues against passive scavenging hypotheses, which emphasize the dietary role of marrow, and instead underscores the importance of meat in the diet of early Pleistocene hominins.

Research paper thumbnail of La Cueva de Coimbre (Peñamellera Alta, Asturias, España): su yacimiento arqueológico y su santuario rupestre. Un estado de la cuestión en 2008

Munibe 60 , 2009

"This article presents a historiographical update on Coímbre Cave, known up to the present for it... more "This article presents a historiographical update on Coímbre Cave, known up to the present for its important cave art collection, together with the
information available to date from the digs conducted in 2008, en"

Research paper thumbnail of ZOOARQUEOLOGÍA. LA FAUNA EN LA PRIMERA EDAD DEL HIERRO

En este trabajo se presenta un breve estado de la cuestión sobre la zooarqueología de la primera ... more En este trabajo se presenta un breve estado de la cuestión sobre la zooarqueología de la primera y segunda edad del Hierro
del interior de la Península Ibérica. Después presentamos un breve resumen del estudio realizado en el yacimiento de
las Camas y finalmente mostramos los datos más significativos del análisis zooarqueológico del yacimiento de la Guirnalda
de Quer.

Research paper thumbnail of Castillo de Olmos

Research paper thumbnail of A TAPHONOMIC PERSPECTIVE IN THE UPPER PLEISTOCENE OF THE IBERIAN PENINSULA

The arguments for the reconstruction of the hominids’ economic behaviour have been discussed by m... more The arguments for the reconstruction of the hominids’ economic behaviour have been discussed by many
researchers in the last years. The taxonomic variability, age and mortality patterns or skeletal part profiles are ambiguous
tools used in zooarchaeology. It is very usual to find them support or reject hunting or scavenging behaviours. Here we show
that the use of taxonomic patterns, ages or skeletal part profiles is not the proper diagnosis for the identification of different
economic strategies. On the other hand, several experiments and archaeological evidence reveal that bone surface alteration
is the most efficient tool we can use in the interpretation of faunal remains and bone accumulations.

Research paper thumbnail of Estudio de los macromamíferos del Castillo de Olmos (Toledo)

En esta comunicación se presenta el estudio Arqueozoológico y tafonómico de los materiales faunís... more En esta comunicación se presenta el estudio Arqueozoológico y tafonómico de los materiales faunísticos provenientes de los silos del exterior del recinto amurallado del castillo de Walmus, Olmos (Viso de San Juan, Toledo).

Research paper thumbnail of EL PALEOLÍTICO MEDIO EN EL CÁUCASO MERIDIONAL: LA CUEVA DOBLE (VALLE DE TSUTSKHVATI, REPÚBLICA DE GEORGIA)

El presente trabajo recoge los principales resultados derivados de la intervención arqueológica a... more El presente trabajo recoge los principales resultados derivados de la intervención arqueológica
acometida entre los años 2002 y 2003 en el Valle de Tsutskhvati (República de Georgia), principalmente
centrados en una nueva ronda de excavaciones en la Cueva Doble. Los estudios estratigráficos, tecnológicos, tafonómicos
y polínicos permiten arrojar nuevos datos, complementarios a los obtenidos en la cercana cueva de
Ortvale Klde, sobre las comunidades neandertales que habitaron la región del Cáucaso meridional, uno de los
entornos geográficos en los que sobrevivieron los últimos representantes de esta especie. Mientras que los completos
trabajos arqueológicos abordados en la cueva de Ortvale Klde han permitido contar con un amplio programa
de datación para la presencia neandertal en dicha cavidad, el resto de los yacimientos del mismo periodo
siguen presentando una cierta indefinición contextual. A pesar de ello, se acepta que la presencia neandertal en
el valle de Tsutskhvati debió situarse en el mismo marco temporal que en Ortvale Klde. Aunque tanto la
Cueva Doble, motivo de esta publicación, como la famosa Cueva del Bronce carecen hoy en día de contextos
cronológicos fiables, es necesario señalar que estos yacimientos del valle de Tsutskhvati vienen siendo recurrentemente
citados en el debate sobre el fin de los neandertales y la llegada de las primeras comunidades
sapiens a la región caucásica. Es por ello por lo que la información novedosa aquí presentada (los últimos
trabajos en Tsutskhvati se llevaron a cabo en la década de 1970) posee un indudable interés, a pesar de las limitaciones
cronológicas, para ampliar nuestro conocimiento sobre este importante capítulo de la Prehistoria
europea.
Palabras

Research paper thumbnail of La Cueva de Coimbre (Peñamellera Alta, Asturias, España): su yacimiento arqueológico y su santuario rupestre. Un estado de la cuestión en 2008

RESUMEN En este trabajo presentamos una actualización historiográfica de la cueva de Coimbre, con... more RESUMEN
En este trabajo presentamos una actualización historiográfica de la cueva de Coimbre, conocida hasta el momento por su importante conjunto
rupestre, así como un primer avance de las excavaciones realizadas en 2008, que han dado como fruto la documentación de un rico yacimiento
magdaleniense, el cual se encuentra en curso de excavación y cuyos primeros resultados presentamos en este artículo.

Research paper thumbnail of La gestión arqueológica y paleontológica en grandes proyectos urbanísticos: el caso de la urbanización U.Z.P. 1.05 Villaverde-Barrio de Butarque

Resumen La presente comunicación se refiere a los trabajos arqueológicos y paleontológicos realiz... more Resumen
La presente comunicación se refiere a los trabajos arqueológicos y paleontológicos realizados
durante los años 2003 a 2006 correspondientes a los estudios previos y de control de los
movimientos de tierras de las obras de urbanización del sector U.Z.P. 1.05. Villaverde-Barrio
de Butarque, situadas entre la urbanización “Los Rosales”, las instalaciones de Renfe en Villaverde,
el parque lineal del Manzanares, los terrenos reservados para la M-45 y la carretera
M-301 en Madrid.
El yacimiento de Las Camas es un enclave arqueológico localizado en una elevación entre
el antiguo camino de Villaverde a Perales del Río y la Vereda de Ganados del Solozábal del
Mundillo. Durante los trabajos arqueológicos previos se pudo delimitar un yacimiento con una
superficie de ocupación en torno a los 25.000 metros cuadrados, en el cual, una vez iniciada
la fase de excavación en extensión del mismo se ha documentado una serie de estructuras
excavadas en el terreno, entre las que destacan dos cabañas de gran tamaño delimitadas por
agujeros de poste, con materiales adscribibles a un momento de transición entre el Bronce
Final (Cogotas I) y la primera Edad del Hierro.
Posteriormente, con motivo del seguimiento arqueológico y paleontológico de los movimientos
de tierras se documentaron niveles fluviales de la denominada Terraza Compleja del
Manzanares, en las proximidades de la desembocadura del arroyo del Butarque en dicho río.
Se han realizado excavaciones arqueológicas detectando restos faunísticos y líticos en depósitos
del Pleistoceno Superior

Research paper thumbnail of The shaft-based methodological approach to the quantification of long limb bones and its relevance to understanding hominid  subsistence in the Pleistocene: application to four Palaeolithic sites

JOURNAL OF QUATERNARY SCIENCE, 2009

The present work contributes to the debate of skeletal part use in archaeology to reconstruct ho... more The present work contributes to the debate of skeletal part use in archaeology to
reconstruct hominid economic behaviour during the Pleistocene. It doubles the sample of sites where
comparison of long limb bone element quantification is made by using alternative identification
techniques based on epiphyses and epiphyses plus shafts. A refined method of long limb element
quantification using shafts is discussed and applied to four sites representing different time periods from
the end of the Middle Pleistocene to the end of the Upper Pleistocene. It is shown that when long limb
elements are properly quantified a hypothesis of early access to carcasses at these sites can be
supported. The data thus drawn are also used to compare skeletal part evenness across the time periods
represented by the four sites selected. The results indicate low-cost transport decisions by hominids at
these sites. Copyright # 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Research paper thumbnail of Why are cut mark frequencies in archaeofaunal assemblages so variable? A multivariate analysis

Journal of Archaeological Science, Volume 36, Issue 3, March 2009, Pages 884-894, 2009

Cut mark frequencies in archaeological faunal assemblages are so variable that their use has rece... more Cut mark frequencies in archaeological faunal assemblages are so variable that their use has recently created some skepticism. The present study analyses this variability using multivariate statistics on a set of 14 variables that involve differential skeletal element representation, fragmentation processes, carnivore ravaging impact, carcass size and tool type. All these variables affect the resulting cut mark frequencies reported in archaeological sites. A large sample of archaeofaunal assemblages has been used for this study. It was concluded that the best estimator of cut mark frequency in any given assemblage is the percentage of cut-marked long bone specimens (probably due to its better preservation than other anatomical areas), which is determined by fragmentation and carnivore ravaging. Carcass size and tool type also play a major role in differences in cut mark frequencies. Fragmentation is also a key variable determining the abundance of cut-marked specimens. It is argued that general cut mark percentages are of limited value, given the number of variables that determine them, and that a more heuristic approach involves quantifying cut marks in a qualitative manner.

Research paper thumbnail of Unraveling hominin behavior at another anthropogenic site from Olduvai Gorge (Tanzania): new archaeological and taphonomic research at BK, Upper Bed II

Journal of Human Evolution, Volume 57, Issue 3, September 2009, Pages 260-283, 2009

New archaeological excavations and research at BK, Upper Bed II (Olduvai Gorge, Tanzania) have yi... more New archaeological excavations and research at BK, Upper Bed II (Olduvai Gorge, Tanzania) have yielded a rich and unbiased collection of fossil bones. These new excavations show that BK is a stratified deposit formed in a riverine setting close to an alluvial plain. The present taphonomic study reveals the second-largest collection of hominin-modified bones from Olduvai, with abundant cut marks found on most of the anatomical areas preserved. Meat and marrow exploitation is reconstructed using the taphonomic signatures left on the bones by hominins. Highly cut-marked long limb shafts, especially those of upper limb bones, suggest that hominins at BK were actively engaged in acquiring small and middle-sized animals using strategies other than passive scavenging. The exploitation of large-sized game (Pelorovis) by Lower Pleistocene hominins, as suggested by previous researchers, is supported by the present study.

Research paper thumbnail of Datos geoarqueológicos de la Terraza Compleja del Manzanares entre el sector del 12 de Octubre y la desembocadura del arroyo Butarque (Villaverde, Madrid)

Abstract The archaeological excavations carried out during the years 2005 and 2006 in the 12 de ... more Abstract

The archaeological excavations carried out during the years 2005 and 2006 in the 12 de Octubre Hospital and the Butarque creek outlet (South of Madrid City), offer new geological, archaeological an faunal data in order to characterize the evolution and dynamics of the Manzanares river valley during the Middle to Late Pleistocene transit. Both archaeological sites are located in the so called Complex Terrace of the Manzanares River (TCMZ), a complex and anomalously thickened fluvial terrace located at +22-16 m over the river thalweg. This fluvial level has been traditionally considered as Middle Pleistocene on the basis to the acheulean industry and faunal assemblages typically associated to their basal deposits. However this work indicates that the upper fluvial sequences of the TCMZ hold Mousterian industry belonging to the Late Pleistocene. The obtained data also indicate that the typically considered Late Pleistocene terrace levels (Mx) located at +12-15m and +11-9m along the river valley may display complex relationships of offlapping and overlapping with the TCMZ surface triggered by the occurrence of enhanced karstic subsidence, tectonics and relevant headward erosion steps in the riverbed. OSL dates (12 de Octubre) reported in this work can be interpreted as belonging to younger Mx deposits offlaped to the TCMZ with ages ranging between ca 33 and 40 ka BP. Data from the Butarque outlet refers to the basal fluvial levels of the TCMZ displaying a more ancient acheulean industry associated to fossil macrofauna assemblages typical of the Middle-Late Pleistocene in the Madrid Area. Finally, comparing the geomorphological, paleolithic an chrnological (OSL) records of the Manzanares valley with other ones within the Tajo drainage basin, the TCMZ will develop, at least, until the end of the Last Interglacial (OIS 5) about ca 85-100 ka BP.

Keywords: Palaeolithic, geomorphology, fluvial terraces, Manzanares river

Research paper thumbnail of EL MAGDALENIENSE EN LA MESETA NORTE. LA PEÑA DE ESTEBANVELA (SEGOVIA)

The picture that was until a few years ago about the peopling of the plateau in the Upper Paleoli... more The picture that was until a few years ago about the peopling of the plateau in the Upper Paleolithic
has been substantially changed through the latest research. This communication presents the cronoestratigrafía
magdaleniense This deposit, registration archaeological and paleoenvironmental implications.

Research paper thumbnail of  Geoarqueología del Yacimiento Paleolítico del Estanque de Tormentas de Butarque (Villaverde, Madrid).

Research paper thumbnail of TORCA L’ARROYU: A NEW HOLOCENE SITE IN THE CENTRE OF ASTURIAS (NORTH OF SPAIN)

Abstract: The archaeological site of Torca L’Arroyu was discovered in 2002 during the works of co... more Abstract: The archaeological site of Torca L’Arroyu was discovered in 2002 during the works of construction of the new net of sewer
of Llanera’s municipality (province of Asturias, N of Spain). The archaeological deposit is placed inside a small cave and it has
provided some ceramic fragments very rolled, two polished lithic pieces, abundant bones of animals consumed by man and
charcoals. The archaeological materials and the 14C dates of the bones associated with the ceramics (UBAR-803 4930 ± 70 BP y
UBAR-804 4240 ± 60 BP) indicate the existence of an settlement of certain duration that would correspond to the chronological
frame of the regional Neolithic. Sites of this chronology are very scanty in the Cantabrian area, therefore, this new deposit will
contribute to a better knowledge of the Neolithic in this zone of the Iberian Peninsula.
Key words: geoarchaelogy, radiocarbon, taphonomy, pottery, polish stone, Neolithic, Holocene,

Research paper thumbnail of UN ASENTAMIENTO NEOLÍTICO DE SUPERFICIE EN EL INTERIOR DE UNA CUEVA: TORCA L’ARROYU (LLANERA, ASTURIAS, ESPAÑA)

El yacimiento de la Torca L’Arroyu fue descubierto durante las obras de realización de la red de ... more El yacimiento de la Torca L’Arroyu fue descubierto durante las obras de realización de la red de saneamiento del municipio de Llanera
(Asturias, N de España). Es una pequeña cueva desarrollada en las calizas y margas del Cretácico superior rellena por sedimentos cuyo techo presenta
una abertura tipo torca. El depósito tiene forma de cono cuyo vértice se encuentra bajo la torca y está formado por capas inclinadas depositadas a partir
de los arrastres producidos en la ladera exterior, donde existió un asentamiento holoceno. En estos niveles se recogieron materiales cerámicos muy rodados,
dos piezas líticas pulimentadas, abundantes restos óseos de animales consumidos y fragmentos carbonosos. Para situar los depósitos en el tiempo
con precisión se dataron mediante radiocarbono dos muestras signifi cativas de los restos óseos asociados a las cerámicas y piezas pulimentadas y varios
fragmentos de carbones de ese mismo nivel, así como carbones de un nivel superior. Las fechas ofrecidas por las muestras óseas del nivel inferior son:
UBAR-803 4930+70 BP y UBAR-804 4240+60 BP. Las fechas proporcionadas por los carbones son: nivel inferior, UBAR-745 3190+150 BP, y nivel
superior UBAR-746 2050+120 BP. Las dataciones de los huesos asociados a cerámicas nos indican la existencia en la ladera exterior de un asentamiento
neolítico que pudo tener continuidad en el Calcolítico, cuyos materiales fueron arrastrados por la ladera y depositados en la cueva en una fecha muy
posterior, como consecuencia del desarrollo de un incendio, proceso este que se repitió años después como atestigua la fecha más reciente. Las fechas
obtenidas fueron sometidas a calibración dendrocronológica y se han comparado con las de otros yacimientos cantábricos de similar cronología.
Palabras clave: geoarqueología, karst, radiocarbono, tafonomía, Neolítico, Holoceno, Asturias

Research paper thumbnail of PROCESOS SEDIMENTARIOS Y DIAGENÉTICOS EN EL REGISTRO ARQUEOLÓGICO DEL YACIMIENTO PLEISTOCENO DE LA CUEVA DE EL ESQUILLEU (PICOS DE EUROPA, NORTE DE ESPAÑA)

La cueva de El Esquilleu (Cillórigo de Liébana, Cantabria, N de España) es un gran abrigo rocoso ... more La cueva de El Esquilleu (Cillórigo de Liébana, Cantabria, N de España) es un gran abrigo rocoso situado
en la región de Picos de Europa (Cordillera Cantábrica) que contiene un importante registro sedimentario, arqueológico
y paleontológico del Pleistoceno superior, con abundantes evidencias de industrias líticas musterienses y restos
óseos de mamíferos y otros vertebrados. La secuencia estratigráfica se compone de 41 niveles agrupados en cuatro unidades
litoestratigráficas con diferente significado sedimentario, que han sido estudiadas con metodología geoarqueológica
y tafonómica. En la unidad inferior hemos detectado una acumulación de hidroxilapatito de origen diagenético,
que hemos estudiado mediante difracción de rayos X (DRX), microscopía electronica de barrido ambiental (MEBA)
y termoluminiscencia (TL). Las dataciones radiocarbónicas existentes y su calibración permiten situar este interesante
registro durante el OIS 3 en una horquilla temporal comprendida aproximadamente entre 60000 y 37000 BP.

Research paper thumbnail of Gravera d'eugeni

Research paper thumbnail of DATOS GEOARQUEOLÓGICOS DE LA TERRAZA COMPLEJA DEL MANZANARES ENTRE EL SECTOR DEL 12 DE OCTUBRE Y LA DESEMBOCADURA DEL ARROYO BUTARQUE (VILLAVERDE, MADRID)

Las intervenciones arqueológicas llevadas a cabo durante los años 2005 y 2006 en el Hospital 12 d... more Las intervenciones arqueológicas llevadas a cabo durante los años 2005 y 2006 en el Hospital 12 de
Octubre (ampliación de la línea 3 del Metro de Madrid) y en la desembocadura del Arroyo Butarque (proyecto de edificación)
en el Sur de la Ciudad de Madrid, han arrojado nuevos datos geológicos, arqueológicos y faunísticos que permiten
caracterizar la evolución y dinámica del Valle del Río Manzanares durante el tránsito Pleistoceno Medio y
Superior. Ambos yacimientos arqueológicos se encuentran localizados sobre la denominada “Terraza Compleja del
Manzanares” (TCMZ), la cual constituye un nivel anómalamente engrosado (20-15m de potencia) situado a +22-16m
sobre el cauce actual del río. Esta terraza ha sido tradicionalmente considerada de edad Pleistoceno Medio en base a
la industria achelense y complejos faunísticos que comúnmente han librado sus niveles inferiores. Los datos obtenidos
en este estudio indican, sin embargo, que los niveles superiores de esta terraza se encuentran asociados a industria musteriense
perteneciente al Pleistoceno Superior en el sector del 12 de Octubre. Estos mismo datos, también indican que
los tradicionalmente considerados niveles del Pleistoceno Superior (Mx) situados a +12-15m y +9-11m en el Valle
inferior del Manzanares pueden presentar complicados ensamblajes de solapamiento, yuxtaposición y superposición
respecto a la TCMZ en respuesta tanto a procesos de subsidencia kárstica retroalimentada por procesos tectónicos,
como a la presencia de importantes escalones de erosión remontante a lo largo del cauce actual del río. Las determi-

Research paper thumbnail of Seasonality and specialization in the Upper Palaeolithic. The Ambrosio Cave as reference of the South-West of the Iberian Peninsula

A través de los análisis taxonómicos que se han venido realizando en los últimos años dentro de l... more A través de los análisis taxonómicos que se han venido realizando en los últimos años dentro de los
estudios arqueozoológicos, se han generalizado ciertas opiniones acerca de las estrategias cinegéticas del
final del Paleolítico Superior. De manera que gran cantidad de autores coinciden en afirmar que desde el
Solutrense y hasta el Magdaleniense se produjeron ciertos hábitos especializados sobre un número muy
reducido de especies. De esta forma conejos en elmediterráneo, y ciervos y cabras en el cantábrico se consideran
las especies más frecuentemente cazadas durante este periodo.
Aunque coincidimos en parte de estas propuestas, creemos que muchas de las interpretaciones realizadas
en torno a la especialización cinegética deben ser revisadas, ya que muchas de ellas se fundamentan
en criterios estrictamente taxonómicos, obviando la información de otro tipo de analíticas como
las procedentes de la tafonomía o la estacionalidad. En este caso hemos analizado el yacimiento solutrense
de Cueva de Ambrosio (Almería, España) y hemos visto como la interpretación sobre este lugar cambia
según se utilicen o no, alguno de estos métodos.
Palabras clave: Solutrense. Especialización. Diversificación. Estacionalidad.

Research paper thumbnail of TAPHONOMIC IMPLICATIONS ON HUNTING AND SCAVENGING IN THE PALEOLITHIC OF THE IBERIAN PENINSULA

In the last times, there are a discussion about the arguments used for assessing hunting or scave... more In the last times, there are a discussion about the arguments used for assessing hunting or scavenging
behaviors in the first hominids. The taxonomic variability, the patterns of ages or the skeletal profiles
are not decisive. Nevertheless, it is common to hear opinions, for or against hunting or scavenging using
these arguments. In this article I show that the use of taxonomic patterns, ages or skeletal representation are
not proper diagnoses for the identification of different economic strategies. On the contrary, different experiments
and the archaeological evidence reveal that taphonomy is the most efficient tool that we can use in
the interpretation of the zooarchaeologic evidence.

Research paper thumbnail of IMPLICACIONES DE LA TAFONOMÍA EN LA INTERPRETACIÓN DE LOS YACIMIENTOS ARQUEOLÓGICOS. APLICACIÓN AL NIVEL VI DE LA CUEVA DE AMALDA (GUIPUZCOA, ESPAÑA)

En la investigación de los yacimientos arqueológicos colaboran de manera multidisciplinar numeros... more En la investigación de los yacimientos arqueológicos colaboran de manera multidisciplinar
numerosas ciencias cuya fi nalidad principal es comprenderlos e interpretarlos lo mejor posible.
Una de estas disciplinas, y a la que nos referiremos a continuación, es la tafonomía. En este
trabajo, tras defi nirla, presentamos algunas de sus principales características con el objeto de
mostrar qué trascendencia interpretativa puede tener en la interpretación de los yacimientos
arqueológicos. Para mostrar esto con un ejemplo práctico, hemos escogido los materiales del
nivel VI de la Cueva de Amalda correspondiente al Paleolítico Superior.

Research paper thumbnail of LOS LAGOMORFOS COMO RECURSOS ALIMENTICIOS EN CUEVA AMBROSIO (ALMERÍA, ESPAÑA)

Entre los yacimientos del Paleolítico Superior mediterráneos de la Península Ibérica es frecuente... more Entre los yacimientos del Paleolítico Superior mediterráneos de la Península Ibérica es frecuente
que predominen los lagomorfos entre los perfiles taxonómicos, superando en muchas ocasiones más del
90% de los restos. Sin embargo, el aporte de estos animales en yacimientos paleolíticos de la Península Ibérica
muchas veces puede responder a orígenes diversos. Así, además de los lepóridos aportados por el ser humano,
también pueden serlo por otros predadores, ya que son presas potenciales de linces, zorros, mustélidos y
aves como búhos, cárabos y águilas. Junto a los aportes de estos animales podemos añadir otros factores de
aporte, como los ocasionados por procesos naturales de mortalidad en el interior de sus madrigueras. Por este
motivo es importante conocer bien las características que genera cada agente en sus acumulaciones para distinguirlas
entre sí, y poder así interpretarlas adecuadamente. En los últimos años se han desarrollo una gran
cantidad de estudios tafonómicos destinados a verificar el origen de estos animales, y las características que
deja cada agente. El análisis de los patrones de fracturación, la morfología de las fracturas, las trazas que presentan
los huesos, los patrones de edad, la distribución de cuartos delanteros contra traseros y los perfiles
esqueléticos son los medios que podemos utilizar para discriminar el origen de estos lepóridos. En este artículo
analizamos los lagomorfos de la Cueva de Ambrosio (Almería) bajo esa premisa, y concluimos que en sus
niveles correspondientes al Solutrense Medio, el Solutrense Superior y el Solutrense Superior Evolucionado
se deben principalmente a la intervención humana. A pesar de esto, la evidencia de algunas trazas concretas,
como marcas de diente y de pico, reflejan que en ciertas ocasiones algunos animales introdujeron presas al
yacimiento. De modo que la cueva, aunque fue ocupada por el ser humano durante todas las estaciones, en
realidad su habitación no fue constante ni permanente, permitiendo a otros predadores morar en la cavidad
en momentos de desocupación.
Palabras clave: Solutrense. Conejos.

Research paper thumbnail of Un poblado del Bronce Medio en el valle del Tajo. El yacimiento de Velilla (Mocejón, Toledo)

Promontoria Mongoráfica 09. Actas del IV Congresso de Arqueología Peninsular. Faro, 14 a 19 setembro de 2004. As Idade do Bronze e do Ferro na Península Ibérica, 2007

La intervención arqueológica en el yacimiento de Velilla (Mocejón, Toledo) fue realizada con moti... more La intervención arqueológica en el yacimiento de Velilla (Mocejón, Toledo) fue realizada con motivo de las obras de construcción del nuevo acceso ferroviario de Alta Velocidad a Toledo. Esta excavación ha puesto al descubierto un pequeño poblado de la Edad del Bronce situado en la vega del Tajo en el que sobresalen las características estructuras del tipo “fondos de Cabaña”. El análisis de las mismas y el estudio arqueozoológico realizado nos revelan su base económica agropecuaria mientras que el material recuperado nos precisa su marco cronológico que se sitúa a mediados del II milenio cal BC. Las formas y decoraciones cerámicas nos remiten a un momento inicial de Cogotas I en la Meseta (denominada fase Protocogotas), un periodo hasta el momento poco conocido en el Valle del Tajo por lo que los datos de la excavación del yacimiento de Velilla suponen una interesante aportación.

Research paper thumbnail of El Paleolítico superior en el interior de la Península Ibérica. Revisión crítica y perspectivas de futuro

El presente trabajo ofrece una revisión crítica del Paleolítico superior en la Meseta a la luz de... more El presente trabajo ofrece una revisión crítica del Paleolítico superior en la Meseta a la luz de los nuevos hallazgos producidos en los últimos años con una síntesis de las evidencias disponibles y su marco cronológico. Se interpreta en detalle el asentamiento segoviano de la Peña de Estebanvela. La riqueza de su registro arqueológico, la amplia secuencia cronoestratigráfica que presenta, así como la aplicación en su estudio de una metodología pluridisciplinar, hacen de este yacimiento un referente para el estudio del Magdaleniense en la Meseta. Por último, se muestra una breve revisión de las estaciones con arte rupestre del interior peninsular.

Research paper thumbnail of El yacimiento de la primera Edad del Hierro de Las Camas (Villaverde, Madrid). Los complejos habitacionales y productivos

El yacimiento de Las Camas es un enclave arqueológico localizado en una elevación entre el antigu... more El yacimiento de Las Camas es un enclave arqueológico localizado en una elevación entre el antiguo camino de Villaverde a Perales del Río y la Vereda de Ganados del Solozabal del Mundillo. Su descubrimiento vino motivado por las obras necesarias para la ejecución de las obras de urbanización del sector U.Z.P. 1.05. Villaverde-Barrio de "Butarque", entre la urbanización "Los Rosales", las instalaciones de Renfe en Villaverde, el parque lineal del Manzanares, los terrenos reservados para la M-45 y la carretera M-301, en Madrid capital. Durante los trabajos arqueológicos previos, se pudo delimitar un yacimiento con una superficie de ocupación en torno a los 25.000 metros cuadrados, en el cual, una vez iniciada la fase de excavación en extensión del mismo, se han documentado hasta la fecha una serie de estructuras excavadas en el terreno, entre las que destacan dos cabañas de gran tamaño delimitadas por agujeros de poste, con materiales adscribibles a un momento de transición entre el Bronce Final (Cogotas I) y la primera Edad del Hierro.

Research paper thumbnail of El yacimiento de Las Camas. Nuevos datos para el conocimiento del Bronce Final y el Hierro I en el curso bajo del río Manzanares (Madrid)

El yacimiento de Las Camas es un enclave arqueológico localizado en una elevación entre el antigu... more El yacimiento de Las Camas es un enclave arqueológico localizado en una elevación entre el antiguo camino de Villaverde a Perales del Río
y la Vereda de Ganados de Solozabal del Mundillo. Su descubrimiento vino motivado por las obras necesarias para la ejecución de las obras
de urbanización del sector U.Z.P. 1.05. Villaverde – Barrio de Butarque, entre la urbanización “Los Rosales”, las instalaciones de Renfe en
Villaverde, el parque lineal del Manzanares, los terrenos reservados para la M-45 y la carretera M-301, en Madrid capital. Durante los trabajos
arqueológicos previos, se pudo delimitar un yacimiento con una superficie de ocupación en torno a los 25.000 metros cuadrados, en el cual,
una vez iniciada la fase de excavación en extensión del mismo, se han documentado hasta la fecha una serie de estructuras excavadas en el
terreno natural, de los denominados “fondos de cabaña”, fosas, silos, etc., con materiales adscribibles a un momento de transición entre el
Bronce Final (Cogotas I) y la primera Edad del Hierro.
PALABRAS CLAVE
Las Camas; Bronce Final; Hierro I; Madrid
ABSTRACT
The archaeological settlement has been located in an elevation between the ancient Camino de Villaverde a Perales del Río, and Vereda de
Ganados at Solozábal del Mundillo. It’s discovery came from the necessary works for the execution of sector U.Z.P. 1.05. Villaverde-Barrio de
Butarque housing development, between Los Rosales urbanization, Renfe’s installations in Villaverde, Manzanares’s linear park, reserved lands
for M-45 and M-301 road, in Madrid capital. During the archaeological previous works, it could be delimited a deposit fixed by three sectors in
which was located an occupation surface of about 25.000 square meters. Once begun the phase of excavation in open area, they’ve found
meanwhile several structures excavated in the natural ground, which are named “cabin bottoms” (Fondos de cabaña), hovels, pits, silos, etc.,
with materials attributed to a transitional moment among the Final Bronze (Cogotas I) and the first Iron Age.
KEYS WORDS
Las Camas; Final Bronze;

Research paper thumbnail of Estudios arqueozoológicos en  EXCAVACIONES ARQUEOLÓGICAS EN AZUTÁN (TOLEDO) Un modelo de evolución en el poblamiento entre los períodos visigodo y emiral

Research paper thumbnail of Un poblado del Bronce Medio en el Valle del Tajo. El yacimiento de Velilla (Mocejón, Toledo)

La intervención arqueológica en el yacimiento de Velilla (Mocejón, Toledo) fue realizada con moti... more La intervención arqueológica en el yacimiento de Velilla (Mocejón, Toledo) fue realizada con motivo de las obras de construcción del nuevo
acceso ferroviario de Alta Velocidad a Toledo. Esta excavación ha puesto al descubierto un pequeño poblado de la Edad del Bronce situado en
la vega del Tajo en el que sobresalen las características estructuras del tipo “fondos de Cabaña”. El análisis de las mismas y el estudio
arqueozoológico realizado nos revelan su base económica agropecuaria mientras que el material recuperado nos precisa su marco cronológico
que se sitúa a mediados del II milenio cal BC. Las formas y decoraciones cerámicas nos remiten a un momento inicial de Cogotas I en la
Meseta (denominada fase Protocogotas), un periodo hasta el momento poco conocido en el Valle del Tajo por lo que los datos de la excavación
del yacimiento de Velilla suponen una interesante aportación.
PALABRAS CLAVE
Velilla; Bronce Medio; Vale medio Tajo
ABSTRACT
The archaeological works at Velilla’s site (Mocejón, Toledo, Spain) was made due to the construction of the new railway High Velocity Access
to Toledo. Through this excavation it has discover a small Bronze Age settlement located in the Tagus fertile lowland with the characteristic
structures so-called “fondos de cabaña”. The analysis of these pits and the arqueozoological study made, show us an economy based on the
agriculture and stockbreading while the archaeological material recovered determine his chronological frame that can be placed at the middle
of the second millenium cal BC. Ceramics forms and decorations can be dated in an early phase of Cogotas I in the meseta (Protocogotas), a
period almost unknown in the Tajus Valley so Velilla excavation means an interesting contribution.

Research paper thumbnail of Geoarchaeology of the Holocene slope processes in the cave of Torca l’Arroyu (Llanera, Asturias, Spain)

Torca l’Arroyu fue descubierta durante la construcción de la nueva red de saneamiento de Llanera ... more Torca l’Arroyu fue descubierta durante la construcción de la nueva red de saneamiento de Llanera (Asturias,
España). Es una pequeña cueva desarrollada en las calizas y margas del Cretácico superior rellena por
sedimentos cuyo techo presenta una abertura tipo torca. El depósito tiene forma de cono cuyo vértice se
encuentra bajo la torca y está formado por capas inclinadas depositadas a partir de los arrastres producidos
en la ladera exterior. En estos niveles se recogieron materiales arqueológicos, restos óseos y fragmentos
carbonosos. Para situar los depósitos en el tiempo se dataron mediante 14C dos muestras óseas y varios
carbones. Las fechas ofrecidas por las muestras óseas del nivel inferior son: UBAR-803 4.930±70 BP y
UBAR-804 4.240±60 BP; las obtenidas de los carbones son: nivel inferior, UBAR-745 3.190±150 BP, y
nivel superior UBAR-746 2.050±120 BP. Las dataciones de los huesos asociados a materiales arqueológicos
nos indican la existencia en la ladera exterior de un asentamiento humano holoceno, cuyos materiales
fueron arrastrados por la ladera y depositados en la cueva en una fecha posterior, como consecuencia del
desarrollo de un incendio, proceso este que se repitió años después como atestigua la fecha más reciente.
Las fechas 14C fueron sometidas a calibración dendrocronológica y comparadas con las de otros yacimientos
cantábricos de similar cronología.

Research paper thumbnail of El lugar de habitación prehistórico del Barranco del Herrero (San Martín de la Vega, Madrid)

Esta comunicación muestra los resultados de la intervención arqueológica (excavación sistemática)... more Esta comunicación muestra los resultados de la intervención arqueológica (excavación sistemática) llevada a cabo en las obras de zanjeo
para una conducción de agua potable al Parque de Ocio de San Martín de la Vega (Madrid). El paraje conocido como Barranco del Herrero
presenta diferentes aterrazamientos para el cultivo agrícola de las terrazas fluviales del río Jarama, sobre las cuales se disponía el poblado
prehistórico, en una posición dominante sobre el valle de dicho río. Los trabajos de excavación permitieron descubrir un lugar de hábitat perteneciente
a una fase calcolítica precampaniforme compuesto por dos cabañas ovales de las cuales se documentaron los suelos de ocupación
y varios agujeros de poste. Sobre esta primera fase encontramos también estructuras del tipo de fondos de cabaña pertenecientes a una
ocupación de transición Bronce Final-Hierro I, así como una postrera fase hispanovisigoda.
PALABRAS CLAVE
Calcolítico; Edad del Bronce; Hispanovisigodo; Fondos; cabaña; Barranco del Herrero; Jarama; Tajo
ABSTRACT
This paper shows the outcomes of the archaeological works maked due to the plan of a potable water pipe to “Parque de Ocio de San Martín
de la Vega, Madrid”. The excavation in the site, located in Jarama’s River terrace, could discover the rests of two oval cabins belonging to a
calcolithic habitat place. Over this structures, others of the so called “fondos de cabaña” was found as well as a late visigotic phase.
KEYWORDS
Chalcolithic; Bronze Age; Hispanicvisigothic; huts; Barranco del Herrero; Jarama; Tagus

Research paper thumbnail of Merinas II: un asentamiento del Final de la Edad del Bronce en el valle del río Guatén (Tajo Central, Toledo)

En este trabajo se presentan los resultados de la intervención arqueológica llevada a cabo en el ... more En este trabajo se presentan los resultados de la intervención arqueológica llevada a cabo en el yacimiento de Merinas II, dentro del término
municipal de Alameda de la Sagra (Toledo) motivada por las obras de construcción, en una zona de préstamo de la plataforma del nuevo
acceso de alta velocidad a Toledo. Se excavaron un total de 10 estructuras subterráneas, en tres de las cuales se pudo comprobar la preparación
de las paredes y la base con un revestimiento de arcilla de cara a utilizarlas como depósitos de almacenaje. Una vez perdido su función
original se amortizaron con los desechos de la comunidad que ocupó el asentamiento. El estudio de los restos materiales contenidos en las
estructuras excavadas permite encuadrar cronológicamente el yacimiento en el Bronce Final.
PALABRAS CLAVE
Merinas II; Udade del Bronce; Cuenca Tajo
ABSTRACT
In this paper the results of the archaeological works carried out in Merinas site (Alameda de la Sagra, Toledo, Spain) are presented. This excavation
was made due to the construction of the new railway High Velocity Access to Toledo. It was excavated 10 subterranean structures, in
tree of that it was comprobated the wall and base preparation by a clay cover in order to use them as storage deposits. Once lost its original
function, this structures was used to contain the rubbish of the human comunity that lived in the settlement. The study of the material rests
contained in this excavated structures allow us to fit chronologicaly the site in the end of Bronce Age.

Research paper thumbnail of Nuevos datos para el estudio de la Edad del Bronce en el Caserío de Perales del Río (Getafe, Madrid)

Se presentan los resultados de la intervención arqueológica llevada a cabo en el yacimiento del C... more Se presentan los resultados de la intervención arqueológica llevada a cabo en el yacimiento del Caserío de Perales, dentro del término municipal
de Getafe (Madrid), para la obra LAV Madrid-F. Francesa conexión LAV Madrid-Sevilla. En total se han localizado 7 “fondos de cabaña”.
En ningún lugar del área excavada se identificaron restos de construcciones en duro ni zanjas de cimentación o de cualquier otro tipo. Entre
los resultados preliminares pueden señalarse en primer lugar y de forma general, los que se deducen de la documentación de la morfología y
el contenido de los espacios interiores; en buena parte de los casos, debieron destinarse, originariamente, al almacenamiento de productos
diversos, aunque se desconoce de qué tipo, puesto que casi siempre se amortizaron una vez perdida su función original; la propia excavación
demuestra que fueron rellenándose con aportes de composición, potencia, morfología, disposición y número variables. Por último, señalar que
uno de los fondos fue reutilizado como lugar de enterramiento.
PALABRAS CLAVE
Caserío de Perales; Edad del Bronce; Manzanares
ABSTRACT
We present the results of the archaeological works carried out in the deposit of Caserío de Perales, placed in Getafe (Madrid), for the project
L.A.V. Madrid-French F. connection L.A.V. Madrid-Seville. Altogether we located 7 “pits of cabin” in the area. There were not founded either any
rest of construction or ditches of laying of foundations or of any other type in the area of the archaeological excavations. Between the preliminary
results we can emphasize those infered from the documentation of the morphology and the content of the internal spaces. In many cases,
they were set aside, originally, for the storage of assorted products. But as it is common to happen also, in general, it is not possible for us to
know what kind of products they stored, since the spaces were amortized once lost his original function. The excavation has showed that they
were filling up with dumps of composition, thickness, morphology, disposition and number variable. Finally, we must indicate that one of the pits
was reused like a burial place.

Research paper thumbnail of Nuevas contribuciones en el comportamiento cinegético de la Cueva de Amalda

LABURPENA Sarritan, aztarnategi arkeologikoetan hondakin litikoekin zerikusia duen fauna azaltzen... more LABURPENA
Sarritan, aztarnategi arkeologikoetan hondakin litikoekin zerikusia duen fauna azaltzen denean, esaten da fauna hori jarduera antropikoaren eraginaren
ondorioz sortu dela. Hala ere, kronologiaren arabera, interpretazio horiei buruzko balio-judizioak aldatu egiten dira. Ondorioz, Behe
Pleistozenorako eta Erdi Pleistozenorako, agente haragijaleak lehenetsi dituzte eta horiek izan dezaketen parte-hartzearen mailari buruz eztabaidatu
da; bigarren mailara mugatu dute gizakia, sarraskijale gisa. Goi Pleistozenoan, alderantziz gertatzen da, eta, zehazki, Goi Paleolitikoan, ohikoa da
osteologia-metaketak giza ekintzarekin lotzea, ikerketa tafonomikoak egin edo ez. Hori dela eta, tafonomia ezinbesteko zientzia bilakatu da hezurkontzentrazioak
zuzen ulertzeko. Horregatik, aztarnategi guztiak ikuspuntu horretatik, hots, tafonomiaren ikuspuntutik, aztertu behar dira.
Lan honetan, Amaldako Haitzuloko makroornodunen berrikuspen tafonomikoa planteatzen da. Ematen dituzten ebidentziak ALTUNAren (1999)
hasierako interpretazioetatik desberdinak dira nabarmen; halaber, aztarnategi hori mendiko baliabideak ehizatzeko lekutzat jotzen zuten interpretazioetatik
ere desberdinak dira ebidentzia horiek.

Research paper thumbnail of solutrense del suroeste de la Península Íbérica: La Cueva Ambrosio

Uno de los yacimientos solutrenses más emblemáticos del suroeste de la Península Ibérica es la Cu... more Uno de los yacimientos solutrenses más emblemáticos del suroeste de la Península Ibérica es la Cueva de Ambrosio, sin embargo hasta
hace poco el estudio de sus faunas sólo se había hecho de manera muy parcial. La zooarquología y la tafonomía que presentamos en este
trabajo, nos muestra que ciervos, caballos, cabras y conejos fueron explotados predominantemente por el ser humano, pero además, otros
análisis han permitido distinguir que estrategias espacio temporales siguieron los cazadores de Cueva Ambrosio.
Palabras clave: Solutrense, Caza, Tafonomía, Marcas de Cortes.
The Ambrosio Cave is a emblematic solutrean site of the southwest of the Iberian Peninsule, but the zooarchaeological analitics have not
been made just the moment. Only the Fernadez Jalvo and Sanchez Chillón studies in Ripoll (1988) have made something. In this paper the
zooarchaeoogy and taphonomic study is present. The data present a hunting human behavior of horses, red deers, goats and rabits, and
other analisys have proved the differents subsistence strategies that the hunters of Ambrosio Cave have made in the space and the time.
Key Words: Solutrean, Hunting, Taphonomy, Cut Marks,

Research paper thumbnail of CHASING CARNIVORES

The photograph shows a small canid tibia, probably from a fox, found at the Middle Pleistocene si... more The photograph shows a small canid tibia, probably from a fox, found at the Middle
Pleistocene site of Valdocarros (Madrid, Spain). The presence of these type of hominidimparted
marks on carnivore remains is unusual in the archaeological record prior to the
Upper Pleistocene. The location of some of the cut marks is suggestive of skinning. This is
indicative of early (and, at least, sporadic) use of carnivores in the subsistence of pre-sapiens
hominids.

Research paper thumbnail of Aportes naturales y antrópicos en la Cueva del Esquilleu (Cantabria, España)

Resumen La cueva del Esquilleu (Castro Cillorigo de Liébana, Cantabria) es un yacimiento Musterie... more Resumen
La cueva del Esquilleu (Castro Cillorigo de Liébana, Cantabria) es un yacimiento Musteriense
con una fauna caracterizada por la abundancia de cabra y rebeco. Sin embargo, no todos
los animales introducidos en la cueva responden a un aporte humano. De esta forma, las unidades
III y IV parecen ser el resultado de una acumulación hecha por carnívoros. En este trabajo
se presenta una comparación de estos niveles con aquellos que sí son de origen antrópico,
con la finalidad de ver que diferencias se producen en las acumulaciones osteológicas
de ambos agentes.
Palabras clave: Musteriense, Tafonomía, Carnívoros, Marcas de Diente, Marcas de Corte.
Sumary
The Esquilleu’s Cave (Castro Cillorigo de Liébana, Cantabria) is a Mousterian site with many
archaeological levels characteristic by goat and chamois in the faunal. Already, some levels
are not a human consequence action. So, the III and IV units have a carnivore’s origin. In this
paper, we made a comparison of these levels with other

Research paper thumbnail of Anexo 6 en Excavaciones arqueológicas en Azután, Toledo

Research paper thumbnail of Arqueozoología y Tafonomía del Yacimiento Calcolítico del Barranco del Herrero (San Martín de la Vega, Madrid)

The systematic excavations practiced during the summer of the year 2002 in the site Barranco del ... more The systematic excavations practiced during the
summer of the year 2002 in the site Barranco del
Herrero (San Marín de la Vega, Madrid). they presented
the existence of a prehistoric town, composed
by some occupation structures belonging to a
calcolithuc phase. Next to the materials of this stage
others of a transitional stage appeared among the
End Bronce-Iron I and a last one with less remains
visigotic. In this paper we presented the zooarcheology
and taphonomic study of this site.
Key Words: Zooarchaeology, Calcolithic, Bronce

Research paper thumbnail of MACROMAMÍFEROS DELYACIMIENTO DE LA PRIMERA EDAD DEL HIERRO DE LAS CAMAS (VILLAVERDE, MADRID)

Research paper thumbnail of Edad del Bronce en Perales del Río

Research paper thumbnail of APROXIMACIONES TAFONÓMICAS A LOS CAZADORES DE LA SEGUNDA MITAD DEL PLEISTOCENO SUPERIOR DE LA MITAD NORTE DEL INTERIOR DE LA PENÍNSULA IBÉRICA

Resumen: Los análisis zooarqueológicos de la Península Ibérica en los últimos 35 años, han tenido... more Resumen: Los análisis zooarqueológicos de la Península Ibérica en los últimos 35 años, han tenido un
desarrollo bastante desigual tanto cronológicamente como geográficamente. El Paleolítico es el periodo
que más cantidad de estudios ha proporcionado, pero dentro de este momento, no todas las zonas han
sido igualmente tratadas. En este trabajo, analizaremos el estado de la cuestión de los estudios
zooarqueológicos de una de estas regiones, con el fin de valorar como es la información disponible para
este periodo, y que aspectos son interesantes de reseñar en investigaciones futuras.
Abstract: The development of zooarchaeology is many different by regions and chronology in the
Iberian Peninsule. The Palaeolithic is the moment with more zooarcaheology studies but, for this
moment also there are differences. In this paper it is discused the zooarchaeology information of ones of
this regions with the finality to ask to the future new questions.

Research paper thumbnail of ANILLOS PARA UN MINERO. INDUSTRIA ÓSEA Y FAUNA DE LA MINA DE SÍLEX NEOLÍTICA DE CASA MONTERO (MADRID)

Resumen. Las excavaciones arqueológicas en la mina de sílex neolítica de Casa Montero (Madrid) ha... more Resumen. Las excavaciones arqueológicas en la mina de sílex neolítica de Casa Montero (Madrid) han permitido recuperar un pequeño conjunto
de restos de fauna. Han sido identifi cadas tanto especies silvestres como domésticas. La principal característica de este conjunto es el elevado porcentaje
de industria ósea con respecto al total (66%) entre los que destaca la presencia de matrices en hueso y asta para la producción de los llamados anillos,
así como de dichos productos ya amortizados. El particular contexto en el que se fabricaron y amortizaron sugiere que quizás deba reconsiderarse su
asociación con elementos de adorno personal.
Palabras clave. Neolítico Antiguo. Península Ibérica. Meseta. Fauna. Industria ósea. Anillos de hueso.
Abstract. The archaeological excavations in the Neolithic fl int mine of Casa Montero (Madrid) have provided a very small assemblage of faunal
remains. Both domestic and wild taxa have been identifi ed. The main characteristic of the assemblage is the high percentage (66%) of bone and antler
shafts and rings that were produced, used and abandoned on site. All this suggests that their generalized interpretation as personal adornments should
be reconsidered.
Key words. Early

Research paper thumbnail of The Magdalenian sequence at Coímbre cave (Asturias, Northern Iberian Peninsula): Adaptive strategies of hunteregatherer groups in montane environments

The cave of Coímbre contains an important archaeological deposit divided into two different zones... more The cave of Coímbre contains an important archaeological deposit divided into two different zones, of which most of the excavations carried out to date have taken place in Zone B. Coímbre B displays a full and very interesting Magdalenian sequence (with Lower, Middle and Upper Magdalenian levels), in addition to a Gravettian layer. The excavations were performed from 2008 to 2012. The hunteregatherers who lived in Coímbre in the Upper Palaeolithic made use of several adaptation strategies allowing them to exploit all the abiotic and animal resources the environment afforded them. In this way, the faunal assemblage includes remains of ibex and chamois, associated with the mountains and crags in the immediate surroundings of the site, and also red deer, roe deer, aurochs and horses, indicating the exploitation of the animal resources living in the Besnes valley, at the foot of Sierra del Cuera. When the faunal remains in the Magdalenian levels, and those in the Gravettian layer, are analysed in greater detail, significant differences indicate a differential use of the terrain. Thus, in the Gravettian, the preferential hunting of aurochs and red deer suggests the valleys in the vicinity were exploited while steeper and more mountainous areas were visited less. In contrast, in the Magdalenian, the most common faunal remains belong to ibex, which was the most hunted species. Together with ibex, chamois is also very common, whereas bovids are found in very small numbers in the Magdalenian levels. These patterns reflect a change in the hunting behaviour of the occupants of the cave, in which the hunting of valley resources was transformed into a more intensive use of animals in more rugged areas, such as ibex and chamois. This paper presents the preliminary results of the study of Magdalenian occupations in Coímbre, following the excavations in Zone B, one of the most important places of Magdalenian human activities in Western Cantabria (northern Iberia).

Research paper thumbnail of Determinación de procesos de fractura sobre huesos frescos: un sistema de análisis de los ángulos de los planos de fracturación como discriminador de agentes  …

Trabajos de …, Jan 1, 2006

Los paños de fractura de los huesos siempre se han prestado a diversos análisis de clasificación,... more Los paños de fractura de los huesos siempre se han prestado a diversos análisis de clasificación, pero con menor éxito se ha podido averiguar el (los) agente(s) responsable(s) de su ruptura. De los diversos atributos utilizados, uno de ellos (los ángulos de los planos de fractura) se ha sometido a exhaustivo análisis, con los resultados que se ofrecen en el presente trabajo. Se concluye que dichos ángulos, en su consideración global en una muestra pueden ser resolutivos ya que los diversos agentes bióticos que rompen huesos (humanos y carnívoros) lo hacen por procesos físicos distintos (percusión y presión) que provocan diagnosis diferenciadas en el modo en que los huesos aparecen fracturados.

Research paper thumbnail of ARQUEOZOOLOGÍA Y TAFONOMÍA DE LA FORTALEZA DE WALMUS –OLMOS–. EL VISO DE SAN JUAN, TOLEDO

La abundancia de lagomorfos (especialmente conejo) en los yacimientos paleolíticos mediterráneos ... more La abundancia de lagomorfos (especialmente conejo) en los yacimientos paleolíticos
mediterráneos ha motivado la realización de diferentes trabajos tafonómicos con
la finalidad de determinar cuál ha sido la responsabilidad humana en su aporte. En
este estudio se hace un análisis tafonómico de las acumulaciones óseas realizadas por
Bubo bubo durante el año 2002, con el fin de mostrar qué patrones de fracturación y
alteración ósea producen, y diferenciarlos de los que producen otros agentes.
Palabras clave: Búho Real, Patrones de Representación Anatómica, Lagomorfos,
Tafonomía.
ABSTRACT
The abundance of lagomorphs in Mediterranean Paleolithic sites has motivated the
realization of some taphonomic analysis that evaluate the anthropic contribution of
these animals in those places. In this paper we make a taphonomic analysis of owls
assemblage during the year 2002, with the purpose of to see the fracturation and bone
alteration pattern for to distinguish of others agents.

Research paper thumbnail of IMPLICACIONES TAFONÓMICAS DEL CONSUMO DE LAGOMORFOS POR BÚHO REAL (BUBO BUBO) EN LA INTERPRETACIÓN DE LOS YACIMIENTOS ARQUEOLÓGICOS*

RESUMEN La abundancia de lagomorfos (especialmente conejo) en los yacimientos paleolíticos medite... more RESUMEN
La abundancia de lagomorfos (especialmente conejo) en los yacimientos paleolíticos
mediterráneos ha motivado la realización de diferentes trabajos tafonómicos con
la finalidad de determinar cuál ha sido la responsabilidad humana en su aporte. En
este estudio se hace un análisis tafonómico de las acumulaciones óseas realizadas por
Bubo bubo durante el año 2002, con el fin de mostrar qué patrones de fracturación y
alteración ósea producen, y diferenciarlos de los que producen otros agentes.
Palabras clave: Búho Real, Patrones de Representación Anatómica, Lagomorfos,
Tafonomía.
ABSTRACT
The abundance of lagomorphs in Mediterranean Paleolithic sites has motivated the
realization of some taphonomic analysis that evaluate the anthropic contribution of
these animals in those places. In this paper we make a taphonomic analysis of owls
assemblage during the year 2002, with the purpose of to see the fracturation and bone
alteration pattern for to distinguish of others agents.

Research paper thumbnail of ueología visigoda en el yacimiento visigodo de Barranco del Herrero

Resumen En este trabajo se presentan los datos zooarqueológicos de la fauna visigoda del Barranco... more Resumen
En este trabajo se presentan los datos zooarqueológicos de la fauna visigoda del Barranco
del Herrero y su relación con otros yacimientos visigodos de la Comunidad de Madrid, los
cuales se caracterizan por la ausencia de análisis faunísticos concernientes a esta época, al
menos publicados. A pesar de ello, intentamos comparar las evidencias existentes publicadas
hasta la fecha con las del yacimiento mencionado.
Palabras clave: Zooarqueología, Visigodos, Fauna doméstica, Bos taurus, Ovis/Capra, Sus
domesticus.
Abstract
In this paper the zooarchaeologic data of the Visigoths site of Barranco del Herrero is present
and it is compared with others Visigoths Madrid’s sites but they are characterized by the
absence of zooarchaeological studies for this moment.
Key words:

Research paper thumbnail of ACUMULACIONES BIOLÓGICAS EN YACIMIENTOS ARQUEOLÓGICOS: AMALDA VII Y ESQUILLEU III-IV

Es frecuente que las asociaciones líticas y óseas de los yacimientos paleolíticos sean asociadas ... more Es frecuente que las asociaciones líticas y óseas de los
yacimientos paleolíticos sean asociadas con episodios de
actividad antrópica, en los que es el ser humano fuera el
principal responsable de dichas acumulaciones óseas. Sin
embargo, en numerosas ocasiones tales concentraciones
obedecen a procesos diferentes ocasionados por agentes
diversos. En este caso, se dan argumentos que muestran
como los restos osteológicos de Capra pyrenaica y Rupicapra
rupicapra de los yacimientos paleolíticos del nivel
VII de la cueva Amalda (Zestoa, Guipúzcoa) y los III y IV
de la cueva del Esquilleu (Castro Cillorigo, Cantabria), responden
a un aporte biológico no humano.
Tras ver esto, se comparan las evidencias presentadas en
cada yacimiento con la información publicada sobre el comportamiento
de los diferentes carnívoros, con el fin de diferenciar
qué carnívoro es el responsable de las concentraciones
óseas de cada yacimiento, para tratar de proponer al
final del trabajo algunos rasgos diferenciales del comportamiento
de los carnívoros sobre sus acumulaciones óseas.
ABSTRACT
Lithic and bone associations from Paleolithic sites are
usually assumed to be episodes of human activity when
taphonomic studies are not carried out. Nevertheless, such
concentrations are occasionally caused by diverse agents.
Here we present the study carried out on the bone assemblage
of goat and chamois of the Palaeolithic sites of the
level VII of Amalda Cave (Zestoa, Guipuzcoa) and the III
and IV of the Esquilleu Cave (Castro Cillorigo, Cantabria)
which are the result of a biological contribution by carnivores
and not by humans. After each site is analysed and
compared we can suggest which carnivore type produced
these bone assemblages and propose some traits about
carnivore behaviour observed in these assemblages.

Research paper thumbnail of Zooarqueología Durante el Calcolítico y la Edad del Bronce en las Terrazas del Jarama y el Manzanares (Madrid)

En esta comunicación se presentan los materiales zooarqueológicos de los yacimientos calcolíticos... more En esta comunicación se presentan los materiales zooarqueológicos de los yacimientos calcolíticos del Barranco
del Herrero y los del bronce del mismo sitio y el Caserío de Perales, y se relacionarán con otros de similar cronología de las
terrazas del Jarama y el Manzanares
PALABRAS CLAVE
Jarama, Calcolítico, Edad del Bronce, Madrid
ABSTRACT
In this paper the zooarchaeological rests of the calcolitic site of the Barranco del Herrero and the bronce site of

Research paper thumbnail of Zooarqueología y Tafonomía en el Yacimiento Paleolítico de Amalda

En un trabajo anterior se insistía en la necesidad de revisar faunas paleolíticas desde una persp... more En un trabajo anterior se insistía en la necesidad de revisar faunas paleolíticas desde una perspectiva tafonómica, ya que
las interpretaciones vertidas sobre algunos lugares carecían de una completa argumentación interpretativa, al carecer de
este tipo de análisis. En esta ocasión se ha hecho una revisión de los materiales musterienses procedentes Amalda
(Zestoa, Guipúzcoa) y se ha visto como cambia la interpretación del yacimiento a la luz de los nuevos resultados.
PALABRAS CLAVE
Musteriense, tafonomía, carnívoros
ABSTRACT
In a previous work it was insisted in the necessity of revising paleolithic faunas from a taphonomic perspective, because the
interpretations of some sites lacked a complete interpretive argument, when lacking this analysis type. Here it is show a
zooarchaeologic and taphonomic revision of Amalda

Research paper thumbnail of El yacimiento hispanovisigodo del Barranco del Herrero (San Martín de la Vega, Madrid). Los campos de silos en época visigoda: ¿Continuidad o innovación?

Los trabajos realizados para la construcción de la “Conexión Exterior de Agua Potable, Fase 2ª de... more Los trabajos realizados para la construcción de la “Conexión Exterior de Agua Potable, Fase
2ª del P. P. Parque de Ocio (San Martín de la Vega, Madrid)”, permitieron documentar una
serie de restos arqueológicos ocultos bajo una capa de un metro de sedimento. Se identificaron
tres fases distintas de ocupación: Calcolítico, Bronce Final y Época Hispanovisigoda.
Esta última está representada por un silo en el que se recuperaron materiales asociables a
este periodo. Este tipo de hallazgos está directamente relacionado con los denominados
“campos de silos” de época tardoantigua. Estas formas de almacenaje se documentan en el
centro peninsular desde época prehistórica, y “resurgen” en época tardoantigua, prolongándose
hasta los momentos de la dominación andalusí.
Palabras clave: Campo de silos, hispanovisigodo, tardoantigüedad, estructuras de almacenaje.
Abstract
Works made for the construction of the “External Conection of Drinking Water” Phase 2 of the
P. P. Parque de Ocio (San Martín de la Vega, Madrid), allowed to record an archaeological site
hidden by a one metre wide sedimentary layer. Three different stages were identified:
Calcolithic, Final Bronze Age, and Hispanovisigothic Period. The last one is composed by a
silo where materials related to this period were found. This kind of finds is straightly related to
the so called “siloes yards” of the Late Antique Period. This storage structures have been
found in the center of the Iberian Peninsula since Prehistoric Age, and “reappear” in the Late
Antiquity. Its use continues until the

Research paper thumbnail of DETERMINACIÓN DE PROCESOS DE FRACTURA SOBRE HUESOS FRESCOS: UN SISTEMA DE ANÁLISIS DE LOS ÁNGULOS DE LOS PLANOS DE FRACTURACIÓN COMO DISCRIMINADOR DE AGENTES BIÓTICOS

T. P., 63, No 1, Enero-Junio 2006, pp. 37-45, ISSN: 0082-5638 DETERMINACIÓN DE PROCESOS DE FRACTU... more T. P., 63, No 1, Enero-Junio 2006, pp. 37-45, ISSN: 0082-5638
DETERMINACIÓN DE PROCESOS DE FRACTURA SOBRE HUESOS FRESCOS 37
DETERMINACIÓN DE PROCESOS DE FRACTURA SOBRE
HUESOS FRESCOS: UN SISTEMA DE ANÁLISIS DE LOS
ÁNGULOS DE LOS PLANOS DE FRACTURACIÓN COMO
DISCRIMINADOR DE AGENTES BIÓTICOS
DETERMINATION OF THE FRACTURE PROCESSES OF FRESH BONE:
AN ANALYTICAL SYSTEM OF THE ANGLES OF FRACTURE PLANES
AS AN INDICATOR OF BIOTIC AGENTS HOMINID DISPERSAL INTO EUROPE AROUND
MATUYAMA/BRUNHES BOUNDARY:
ORIGIN AND SETTING IN HUMAN EVOLUTION
ORIGIN AND SETTING IN HUMAN EVOLUTION
TRABAJOS DE PREHISTORIA
63, No 1, Enero-Junio 2006, pp. 37-45. ISSN 0082-5638
VIRGINIA ALC¡NTARA GARCÕA, REBECA BARBA EGIDO, JOS… MARÕA BARRAL
DEL PINO, ANA BEL…N CRESPO RUIZ, ARCO IRIS EIRIZ VIDAL, ¡LVARO FALQUINA
APARICIO, SILVIA HERRERO CALLEJA, ANA IBARRA JIM…NEZ, MARTA MEGÕAS
GONZ¡LEZ, MAITE P…REZ GIL, VICTORIA P…REZ TELLO, JORGE ROLLAND
CALVO, JOS… YRAVEDRA S¡INZ DE LOS TERREROS, AIXA VIDAL Y MANUEL
DOMÕNGUEZ-RODRIGO (*)
RESUMEN
Los paños de fractura de los huesos siempre se han prestado
a diversos análisis de clasificación, pero con menor
éxito se ha podido averiguar el (los) agente(s) responsable(
s) de su ruptura. De los diversos atributos utilizados,
uno de ellos (los ángulos de los planos de fractura) se ha
sometido a exhaustivo análisis, con los resultados que se
ofrecen en el presente trabajo. Se concluye que dichos ángulos,
en su consideración global en una muestra pueden ser
resolutivos ya que los diversos agentes bióticos que rompen
huesos (humanos y carnívoros) lo hacen por procesos físicos
distintos (percusión y presión) que provocan diagnosis
diferenciadas en el modo en que los huesos aparecen fracturados.
ABSTRACT

Research paper thumbnail of La subsistencia en el Paleolítico Superior inicial en la región mediterranea de la Península Ibérica

En aquest treball s&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;#39;analitzen els estudis zooarqueoldgics... more En aquest treball s&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;#39;analitzen els estudis zooarqueoldgics dels jacimenrs del paleolític superior inicial de la regió mediterrània a la península Iberica. Aquesta extensa àrea ha estat dividida en tres zones: Catalunya, País Valencia i Andalusia Oriental, les quals semblen reflectir unes diferéncies en les seues dades i en la seua interpretació. Taxonómicament, quasi no hi ha diferencies entre els nivells

Research paper thumbnail of Especialización cinegética en el Magdaleniense de la Península Ibérica

En los últimos años se ha hablado mucho de la especialización cinegética que se produjo en el Mag... more En los últimos años se ha hablado mucho de la especialización cinegética que se produjo en el Magdaleniense, así diferentes estaciones de toda el área peninsular muestran este fenómeno. En este trabajo se pretende confirmar esta hipótesis y dilucidar a que condicionantes responde. De esta forma tras analizar los estudios zooarqueológicos de un extenso conjunto de yacimientos se ha visto como además de los condicionantes que supone el medio, también impera la intencionalidad humana, que en algunos casos escoge determinadas especies frente a otras más favorables.

Research paper thumbnail of Biological accumulations in archaeological sites: Amalda VII and Esquilleu III-IV

Trabajos De Prehistoria, 2006

Es frecuente que las asociaciones líticas y óseas de los yacimientos paleolíticos sean asociadas ... more Es frecuente que las asociaciones líticas y óseas de los yacimientos paleolíticos sean asociadas con episodios de actividad antrópica, en los que es el ser humano fuera el principal responsable de dichas acumulaciones óseas. Sin embargo, en numerosas ocasiones tales concentraciones obedecen a procesos diferentes ocasionados por agentes diversos. En este caso, se dan argumentos que muestran como los restos osteológicos de Capra pyrenaica y Rupicapra rupicapra de los yacimientos paleolíticos del nivel VII de la cueva Amalda (Zestoa, Guipúzcoa) y los III y IV de la cueva del Esquilleu (Castro Cillorigo, Cantabria), responden a un aporte biológico no humano.

Research paper thumbnail of Determination of the fracture processes of fresh bone: an analytical system of the angles of fracture planes as an indicator of biotic agents

Trabajos De Prehistoria, 2006

Los paños de fractura de los huesos siempre se han prestado a diversos análisis de clasificación,... more Los paños de fractura de los huesos siempre se han prestado a diversos análisis de clasificación, pero con menor éxito se ha podido averiguar el (los) agente(s) responsable(s) de su ruptura. De los diversos atributos utilizados, uno de ellos (los ángulos de los planos de fractura) se ha sometido a exhaustivo análisis, con los resultados que se ofrecen en el presente trabajo. Se concluye que dichos ángulos, en su consideración global en una muestra pueden ser resolutivos ya que los diversos agentes bióticos que rompen huesos (humanos y carnívoros) lo hacen por procesos físicos distintos (percusión y presión) que provocan diagnosis diferenciadas en el modo en que los huesos aparecen fracturados.

Research paper thumbnail of El empleo de material óseo como combustible durante el Paleolítico Medio y Superior en el Cantábrico. Observaciones experimentales

Research paper thumbnail of ESTADO DE LA CUESTIÓN SOBRE LA SUBSISTENCIA DEL MUSTERIENSE DE LA VERTIENTE MEDITERRÁNEA DE LA PENÍNSULA IBÉRICA

Este trabajo supone un estado de la cuestión sobre la zooarqueología del Musteriense mediterráneo... more Este trabajo supone un estado de la cuestión sobre la zooarqueología del Musteriense
mediterráneo. Para ello se han analizado los datos procedentes del NR, el MNI, los perfiles
esqueléticos y los patrones de alteración ósea con el fin de dilucidar las estrategias
subsistenciales de los grupos humanos de este momento en esta región.
In this paper the Mousterian Archaeozoology of the Mediterranean during the Iberian
Palaeolithic is discussed. The data obtained from the NR, the MNI, skeletal profiles and alterations
to bone patterns have been studied in order to discover the subsistence strategies used
by human groups in this region.

Research paper thumbnail of Aprovechamiento cárnico de lince (Lynx pardina) durante el Pleistoceno Superior en el interior de la Península Ibérica

Durante el transcurso del Pleistoceno Superior en la Península Ibérica es frecuente que los yacim... more Durante el transcurso del Pleistoceno Superior en la Península Ibérica es frecuente que los yacimientos paleolíticos presenten restos de
lince. El problema es que casi siempre se refieren a muestras óseas fragmentarias que no permiten ir mas allá de la mera identificación taxonómica.
En esta ocasión presentamos los restos de Lynx pardina localizados en el yacimiento Magdaleniense de la Peña de Estebanvela
(Segovia) y, también ciertas alteraciones tafonómicas de origen antrópico que parecen indicar un aprovechamiento cárnico de este animal en
los momentos finales del Pleistoceno superior.
ABSTRACT
During the Upper Pleistocene of the Iberian Peninsula is frequent the locations of lynx remains in the Paleolithic sites. The problem is that
they almost always refer to fragmentary bony samples that don’t allow to go more there of the mere taxonomic identification. In this paper
we present the remain of Lynx pardina of the Magdalenian site La Peña de

Research paper thumbnail of La vida cotidiana

Research paper thumbnail of Essai sur la biodiversité des associations de grands mammifères à la fin du Pléistocène dans le Sud-Ouest de l’Europe

RÉSUMÉ Une analyse paléoécologique de près de 755 assemblages fossiles (Herbivores et Carnivores)... more RÉSUMÉ
Une analyse paléoécologique de près de 755 assemblages fossiles (Herbivores et Carnivores) provenant de 230 gisements de la fin du
Pléistocène (e.45-10 Ka BP) dans le Sud-Ouest de l’Europe est proposée. Elle est conduite sous un aspect combinatoire et statistique, et repose
sur un cadre chronoclimatique fondé sur les phases majeures de refroidissement du dernier glaciaire (évènements de HEINRICH). L’étude
préliminaire des associations conduit à préciser les peuplements spécifiques et à montrer la paléo-biodiversité des associations de mammifères.
ABSTRACT
Paleoecological analysis is based on 755 fossil assemblages (Herbivores and Carnivores) from 232 south-western European sites dated to
the end of upper Pleistocene (c.45-10 Ky BP). A statistical and combinative approaches of mammalian stocks is placed into a chronoclimatic
frame defined from the main cooling event, known as HEINRICH’ events. This preliminary study allows to precise some specific features, especially
about the spatio-temporal distribution and the paleo-biodiversity of taxa.
RESUMEN
Se propone un análisis paleoecológico de alrededor de 755 agrupamientos fósiles ( herbívoros y carnívoros) procedentes de 230 yacimientos
de finales del Pleistoceno (e.45-10 Ka BP) en el suroeste de Europa. Se realiza mediante un enfoque combinatorio y estadístico, y en
un marco cronoclimático basado en las fases principales de enfriamiento de la última glaciación (acontecimiento de HEINRICH). El estudio preliminar
de las asociaciones conduce a precisar los asentamientos específicos y a mostrar la paleodiversidad de las asociaciones de mamíferos.

Research paper thumbnail of Paleoecología y comportamiento humano durante el Pleistoceno Superior en la comarca de Liébana: La secuencia de la Cueva de El Esquilleu (Occidente de Cantabria, España)

Research paper thumbnail of Interacción de Humanos y Carnívoros en el Pleistoceno Superior de la Península Ibérica. Novedosas interpretaciones en la cueva de Amalda

En este trabajo se presenta una revisión tafonómica de los restos óseos de macromamíferos de la C... more En este trabajo se presenta una revisión
tafonómica de los restos óseos de
macromamíferos de la Cueva de Amalda
(Zestoa, Guipúzcoa, España), la cual
permite proponer una nueva interpretación
distinta de la planteada por Altuna (1990),
en la que frente a la idea de un
protagonismo principalmente humano se
ofrece otra en la que los carnívoros serían
los principales responsables de la
acumulación ósea.

Research paper thumbnail of ¿ Skeletal Profiles in the Iberian Peninsula Paleolithic: Theory Perspectives about its interpretation?

Tradicionalmente las interpretaciones que se han hecho de los perfiles anatómicos son explicados ... more Tradicionalmente las interpretaciones que se han hecho de los perfiles anatómicos son explicados como el
resultado del transporte preferencial de las partes mas nutritivas (Perkins & Daly, 1968), o como la consecuencia del
carroñeo practicado sobre los despojos abandonados por otros carnívoros (Binford, 1981, 1984; Stiner 1994). Aquí
no se va a discutir la influencia que pueden tener los distintos agentes en una representación anatómica diferencial,
ya que se entiende que esto ha quedado suficientemente explicado en otros trabajos (Domínguez Rodrigo, 1999;
Yravedra 2000, 2001, Yravedra et al, 2002). Lo que se pretende en este trabajo es mostrar los patrones esqueléticos
de distintos ungulados (Capra pyrenaica, Rupicapra rupicapra, Cervus elaphus, Equus caballus y Bos primigeniusbison)
del Paleolítico Medio y Superior de la Península Ibérica, con la finalidad de ver que interpretaciones pueden
desglosarse de dichos patrones y que factores condicionan una u otra representación.

Research paper thumbnail of TAFONOMÌA EN UN YACIMIENTO SOLUTRENSE

Resumen : En este trabajo se presenta una revisión tafonómica del nivel IV Solutrense de Amalda (... more Resumen : En este trabajo se presenta una revisión tafonómica del nivel IV Solutrense de Amalda (Zestoa, Guipúzcoa). Tras esta
revisión se observa que el principal agente acumulador de los restos de rebeco en el yacimiento, no es el hombre sino los carnìvoros. Lo
cual, es un cambio respecto a la interpretación tradicional. Con ello se muestra, lo importante que son la incorporación de los análisis
tafonómicos en los estudios zooarqueológicos de los yacimientos de Paleolìtico Superior.
Abstract : In this paper is made one taphonomic revision of the zooarchaeology of the Solutrean level 4 of Amalda (Zestoa, Guipuzcoa).
With this revision we can observer that the carnivores are the principal agent in the bone assemblage of chamois versus the man. This
change in the interpretation of the site, it show that the taphonomic analysis are very necessary in the zooarchaeology studies of the
Upper Palaeolithic.

Research paper thumbnail of Arqueozoología y tafonomía del despoblado de Camarma del Caño (Camarma de Esteruelas, Madrid).

Las excavaciones sistemáticas practicadas durante los meses de abril y mayo del 2002 en el yacimi... more Las excavaciones sistemáticas practicadas durante los meses de abril y mayo del 2002 en el yacimiento de Camarma del
Caño (Camarma de Esteruelas, Madrid) presentaron la existencia de un pequeño poblado ocupado desde finales del siglo
XV hasta principios del XX. En este trabajo se presenta el análisis arqueozoológico que ha ofrecido un predominio de
ovicápridos, entre los macromamíferos

Research paper thumbnail of Patrones de aprovechamiento de recursos animales en el Pleistoceno Superior de la Península Ibérica: estudio tafonómico y zooarqueológico de los yacimientos del Esquilleu, Amalda, cueva Ambrosio y la peña de Estebanvela.

Patrones de aprovechamiento de recursos animales en el Pleistoceno Superior de la Península Ibéri... more Patrones de aprovechamiento de recursos animales en el Pleistoceno Superior de la
Península Ibérica: estudio tafonómico y zooarqueológico de los yacimientos del
Esquilleu, Amalda, cueva Ambrosio y la peña de Estebanvela.

Research paper thumbnail of EL REGISTRO ARQUEOLÓGICO DEL PLEISTOCENO SUPERIOR FINAL EN EL ABRIGO DE LA PEÑA DE ESTEBANVELA (S DE LA CUENCA DEL DUERO, SEGOVIA, ESPAÑA)

Resumen Situado en el borde S de la cuenca del Duero en contacto con el Sistema Central, el abrig... more Resumen
Situado en el borde S de la cuenca del Duero en contacto con el Sistema Central, el abrigo rocoso de la Peña de
Estebanvela (Ayllón, Segovia) contiene un potente relleno sedimentario del Pleistoceno Superior Final en el que
se han detectado importantes restos arqueológicos del Magdaleniense Superior-Final, entre los que destaca la
presencia de elementos de arte mueble. Los estudios llevados a cabo en los últimos años en este yacimiento
(análisis geoarqueológicos, dataciones radiocarbónicas, estudios de las industrias, arte mueble y faunas) permiten
profundizar en el conocimiento del Magdaleniense en la Meseta Norte española y establecer un marco
geocronológico para el Pleistoceno Superior Final en la región.
Palabras clave: abrigo rocoso, dataciones radiocarbónicas, arte mueble, Magdaleniense, Pleistoceno Superior
Final, cuenca del Duero, España.
Abstract
Located on the southern side of the Duero Basin in contact with the Spanish Central Range, Peña de Estebanvela
rock shelter (Ayllón, Segovia) have a Late Pleistocene stratigraphic record with important remains of Upper and
Final Magdalenian, including elements of portable art. The latest research at this site (geaoarchaeological
analysis, radiocarbon dates, analysis of the industries, portable art and faunas) gives us a better knowledge for
the Magdalenian of northern Spanish Meseta and a chronological framework for the Late Plesitocene record of
this area.
Key words: rockshelter, radiocarbon dates, portable art, Upper and Final Magdalenian, Late Pleistocene, Duero
Basin, Spain.
Introducción

Research paper thumbnail of OCUPACIONES MAGDALENIENSES EN LA MESETA NORTE. LA PEÑA DE ESTEBANVELA (SEGOVIA)

RESUMEN: LOS trabajos de estos últimos años en la Peña de Estebanvela han permitido profundizar e... more RESUMEN: LOS trabajos de estos últimos años en la Peña de Estebanvela han permitido profundizar en
el conocimiento del Magdaleniense en la Meseta Norte y establecer un marco geocronológico para el Tardiglaciar
en la región. A partir del análisis de sus industrias, el arte mueble y varias dataciones radiocarbónicas
se propone una atribución cultural para las diferentes ocupaciones del yacimiento. Un análisis
comparativo con otros yacimientos coetáneos permite valorar la Peña de Estebanvela dentro del contexto
del Magdaleniense Superior Final de la Península Ibérica.
Palabras clave: Tardiglaciar. Magdaleniense. Meseta Norte española. Dataciones radiocarbónicas. Arte
mueble.
ABSTRACT: The latest research at Peña de Estebanvela has led to improved knowledge of the Magdalenian
of the Northern Meseta, and made it possible to establish a chronological framework for the Late
Glacial of this area. Through analysis of the lithic industries, the portable art and some tadiocarbon dates
we are able to put forward a chrono-cultural attribution for the site's various occupations. A comparative
analysis of several sites contemporaneous with Peña de Estebanvela reveals the site's importance for the
study of the Upper and Final Magdalenian of the Iberian Peninsula.
Key words: Late Glacial Magdalenian. Spanish Northern Meseta. Radiocarbon dates. Portable art.RESUMEN: LOS trabajos de estos últimos años en la Peña de Estebanvela han permitido profundizar en
el conocimiento del Magdaleniense en la Meseta Norte y establecer un marco geocronológico para el Tardiglaciar
en la región. A partir del análisis de sus industrias, el arte mueble y varias dataciones radiocarbónicas
se propone una atribución cultural para las diferentes ocupaciones del yacimiento. Un análisis
comparativo con otros yacimientos coetáneos permite valorar la Peña de Estebanvela dentro del contexto
del Magdaleniense Superior Final de la Península Ibérica.
Palabras clave: Tardiglaciar. Magdaleniense. Meseta Norte española. Dataciones radiocarbónicas. Arte
mueble.
ABSTRACT: The latest research at Peña de Estebanvela has led to improved knowledge of the Magdalenian
of the Northern Meseta, and made it possible to establish a chronological framework for the Late
Glacial of this area. Through analysis of the lithic industries, the portable art and some tadiocarbon dates
we are able to put forward a chrono-cultural attribution for the site's various occupations. A comparative
analysis of several sites contemporaneous with Peña de Estebanvela reveals the site's importance for the
study of the Upper and Final Magdalenian of the Iberian Peninsula.
Key words: Late Glacial Magdalenian. Spanish Northern Meseta. Radiocarbon dates. Portable art.

Research paper thumbnail of La Gravera de l’Eugeni (Artesa de Lleida): una cabaña de época romana

Francesa ha permitido plantear el estudio de diferentes yacimientos afectados por el trazado de l... more Francesa ha permitido plantear el estudio de diferentes
yacimientos afectados por el trazado de la
nueva línea férrea. Entre los yacimientos afectados
destaca el documentado en la Gravera de l’Eugeni.
La intervención arqueológica comenzó en julio
de 2001 y finalizó en octubre de 2001, realizándose
prospecciones, campañas de sondeos y excavaciones
en área que han documentado los restos de una cabaña
estacional. Este hábitat fue ocupado desde época
romano-republicana hasta el Alto Imperio.
Hasta la fecha la mayoría de los asentamientos
rurales de cronología altoimperial documentados
son villas (villæ), aunque es evidente que junto a
ellas debieron proliferar estas estructuras más
humildes (cabannæ, tugurium), que sin duda debieron
ser mucho más abundantes de lo que manifiesta
el registro arqueológico. El carácter perecedero de
los materiales empleados en su construcción no ha
favorecido su conservación.
Estas cabañas no llegaban a la categoría de las
dependencias agrícolas de época imperial. Más bien
parecen tratarse de lugares donde, en épocas de
siembra y recolección, el personal de una villa cercana
se desplazaba temporalmente y se protegía de
las inclemencias, al tiempo que realizaba otras actividades
domésticas comunes y almacenaba de sus
aperos. Serían, por tanto, dependencias supeditadas
a la villa, destinadas a las labores agrícolas y dependientes
de la estacionalidad de las mismas. Es una
posibilidad a tener en cuenta, aunque también se
podría pensar que el lugar conformaba un asentamiento
estable no estacional y «autónomo», en relación
con una economía de subsistencia no enfocada
a la producción de excedentes para venta y exportación.
Esto hace necesario la profundización en estudios
de este tipo de hábitats, poco monumentales en
sí mismos pero de enorme trascendencia para la
comprensión de los fenómenos de transformación
social y económica que vivieron.

Research paper thumbnail of FLK Zinj y el debate caza carroñero en los primeros seres humanos

Research paper thumbnail of la subssitencia en el paleolitico superior

RESUMEN: Este trabajo supone una síntesis de los estudios subsistenciales durante el Musteriense ... more RESUMEN: Este trabajo supone una síntesis de los estudios subsistenciales durante el Musteriense realizados
en el interior y la fachada atlántica de la Península Ibérica. Pero dado el escaso número de yacimientos
con este tipo de estudios, sólo me centraré en dos regiones, por un lado los yacimientos portugueses y
por el otro los de la mitad norte peninsular repartidos principalmente entre Burgos y Aragón. De esta
forma planteo algunas interpretaciones relacionadas con la subsistencia de este momento en esta región,
con la finalidad de establecer ciertas conclusiones, correlaciones y posibles interpretaciones, analizando los
datos procedentes del NISP, el MNI, los patrones de representación anatómica y los patrones de alteración
ósea.
Palabras clave: Musteriense. Interior. Fachada atlántica. NISP. MNI. Patrones de representación anatómica.
Marcas de diente.
ABSTRACT: This work is a synthesis of the subsistence studies the Musterian time made in the inside
and the Atlantic side of the Iberian Peninsula. For the little number of sites that had been studied, only is
analyzed two regions, the Portuguese's sites and the north middle Peninsula among the regions of Burgos
and Aragon. So I make some interpretations of the subsistence for this moment in this region with the
finality of establish some conclusions, correlation and interpretations possibly, analyzing the dates of NISP,
the MNI and the skeletal representation and the bones alteration's patrons.
Key words: Musterian. Inside. Atlantic place. NISP. MNI. Skeletal representation patrons. Cut marks.

Research paper thumbnail of ESTADO DE LA CUESTIÓN SOBRE LA SUBSISTENCIA DEL MUSTERIENSE EN EL INTERIOR Y LA FACHADA DE LA PENÍNSULA IBÉRICA

RESUMEN: Este trabajo supone una síntesis de los estudios subsistenciales durante el Musteriense ... more RESUMEN: Este trabajo supone una síntesis de los estudios subsistenciales durante el Musteriense realizados
en el interior y la fachada atlántica de la Península Ibérica. Pero dado el escaso número de yacimientos
con este tipo de estudios, sólo me centraré en dos regiones, por un lado los yacimientos portugueses y
por el otro los de la mitad norte peninsular repartidos principalmente entre Burgos y Aragón. De esta
forma planteo algunas interpretaciones relacionadas con la subsistencia de este momento en esta región,
con la finalidad de establecer ciertas conclusiones, correlaciones y posibles interpretaciones, analizando los
datos procedentes del NISP, el MNI, los patrones de representación anatómica y los patrones de alteración
ósea.
Palabras clave: Musteriense. Interior. Fachada atlántica. NISP. MNI. Patrones de representación anatómica.
Marcas de diente.
ABSTRACT: This work is a synthesis of the subsistence studies the Musterian time made in the inside
and the Atlantic side of the Iberian Peninsula. For the little number of sites that had been studied, only is
analyzed two regions, the Portuguese's sites and the north middle Peninsula among the regions of Burgos
and Aragon. So I make some interpretations of the subsistence for this moment in this region with the
finality of establish some conclusions, correlation and interpretations possibly, analyzing the dates of NISP,
the MNI and the skeletal representation and the bones alteration's patrons.
Key words: Musterian. Inside. Atlantic place. NISP. MNI. Skeletal representation patrons. Cut marks.

Research paper thumbnail of  .EL yacimiento del Baranco del herrero

En los últimos años se ha hablado mucho de la especialización cinegética que se produjo en el Mag... more En los últimos años se ha hablado mucho de la especialización cinegética que se produjo en el
Magdaleniense, así diferentes estaciones de toda el área peninsular muestran este fenómeno. En este
trabajo se pretende confirmar esta hipótesis y dilucidar a que condicionantes responde. De esta forma tras
analizar los estudios zooarqueológicos de un extenso conjunto de yacimientos se ha visto como además
de los condicionantes que supone el medio, también impera la intencionalidad humana, que en algunos
casos escoge determinadas especies frente a otras más favorables.

Research paper thumbnail of Especialización Cinegética en el Magdaleniense de la Península Ibérica

En los últimos años se ha hablado mucho de la especialización cinegética que se produjo en el Mag... more En los últimos años se ha hablado mucho de la especialización cinegética que se produjo en el
Magdaleniense, así diferentes estaciones de toda el área peninsular muestran este fenómeno. En este
trabajo se pretende confirmar esta hipótesis y dilucidar a que condicionantes responde. De esta forma tras
analizar los estudios zooarqueológicos de un extenso conjunto de yacimientos se ha visto como además
de los condicionantes que supone el medio, también impera la intencionalidad humana, que en algunos
casos escoge determinadas especies frente a otras más favorables.

Research paper thumbnail of subsistencia en el Paleolítico superior en el norte de la Península iberica

Research paper thumbnail of Especialización o Diversificación. Una nueva propuesta para el Solutrense y el Magdaleniense Cantábrico.

En el presente trabajo se observan los patrones de subsistencia existentes del Solutrense y el Ma... more En el presente trabajo se observan los patrones de subsistencia existentes del Solutrense y el
Magdaleniense de la cornisa cantábrica, para ello se ha escogido esta región por la abundancia de datos
arqueozoológicos. Con este estudio se pretende revisar los patrones de representación taxonómicos con la
finalidad de poder identificar que técnicas cinegéticas emplearon los cazadores del Pleistoceno Superior
Final. De esta manera se pueden documentar la sucesión de una serie de fases que van desde unas
estrategias cinegéticas diversificadas al comienzo del Solutrense hasta otras más especializadas en el
transcurso del Magdaleniense, en el que prima cada vez más los propios criterios de selección humana
frente a otros condicionantes externos como el clima o el entorno. Por otra parte la identificación de estas
conductas especializadas o diversificadas dependerá en parte de los criterios metodológicos empleados,
así la utilización de un método basado en el número de restos (NR) propiciará un marco más
especializado, que otro basado en el número mínimo de individuos (MNI).
Palabras clave. Solutrense, Magdaleniense, Especialización, Diversificación, Cérvidos, Capra, NR.
MNI.
Abstract
This paper estudies the subsistencie strategies in the Cantabrian solutrean and Magdalenian. We
observed that in this area is where we have more dates by his zooarchaeology tradition. With this study
it's want to analyze the taxonomic representation patrons for to identify the hunting techniques of the end
Upper Pleistocene. So we can to observe there are diferent phases since the Solutrean's diversified
hunting until the Magdalenian's specialized hunting. Finally for moment the resources selection is more
important the human protagonist than others conditions by example the environmental or the climate. In
this specialized or diversified conduct is important to differentiate between the method used, so the
interpretations to be based on remains number (NR) is more specialized than the minimal number
individuals (MNI).
Key Words. Solutrean. Magdalenian, Specialized, Diversified, Cervids, Capra, NR, MNI.

Research paper thumbnail of IMPLICACIONES TAFONÓMICAS EN EL DEBATE DE LA CAZA Y EL CARROÑEO EN EL PALEOLÍTICO DE LA PENÍNSULA IBÉRICA

Research paper thumbnail of Estrategias Cinegéticas Durante el Tardiglaciar en la Fachada Mediterránea de la Península Ibérica

En este trabajo se analizan las estrategias económicas que utilizaron los cazadores paleolíticos ... more En este trabajo se analizan las estrategias económicas que utilizaron los cazadores
paleolíticos del Solutrense y el Magdaleniense mediterráneos, para ello se han revisado
bibliográficamente los datos zooarqueológicos de una extensa área geográfica comprendida
desde Cataluña hasta Andalucía Oriental con la finalidad de poder ver que características
cinegéticas se produjeron en esta región y, que diferencias hay entre ambos periodos y entre
las distintas zonas. De esta manera se puede observar ciertas variaciones tanto a escala
geográfica como temporal que implican variedad de formas dependiendo de las circunstancias
de cada lugar. Así destaca una especialización progresiva que tiene su inicio en el Solutrense
y culmina con otra en el Magdaleniense de carácter preferencial en Cataluña y Andalucía,
frente al País Valenciano, que es aun más dependiente del medio.
Palabras Clave. Solutrense, Magdaleniense, Especialización, Subsistencia, Número de
Restos (NR)
Abstract
In this paper the economic strategies from the Mediterranean solutrean and
magdalenian hunter is discussed. It is revised the zooarchaeology dates from Cataluña to
Andalucía with the finality to evaluate the hunting characteristics in the different moments
and places. So is identified a progressive specialization since the Solutrean that culminate in
the purpose specialization's Magdalenian from Cataluña and Andalucía, opposite the
Valenciano Country more dependent from environment.
Key Words. Solutrean. Magdalenian, Specialized,Subsistence, Rest

Research paper thumbnail of SUBSISTENCIA EN LA TRANSICIÓN DEL PALEOLÍTICO MEDIO AL PALEOLÍTICO SUPERIOR DE LA PENÍNSULA IBÉRICA.

En los últimos años ha tenido lugar un intenso debate dirigido a diferenciar posibles rasgos cund... more En los últimos años ha tenido lugar un intenso debate dirigido a diferenciar posibles rasgos
cunductuales entre neandertales y primeros humanos modernos. En la mayoría de los trabajos
realizados, diversos autores han alcanzado interpretaciones contrapuestas en gran variedad de
ámbitos. En el presente estudio se hace una reflexión crítica sobre el estado de la cuestión de esta
polémica, con la finalidad de observar posibles diferencias subsistenciales entre ambos tipos de
homínidos. Para ello se ha analizado la información disponible sobre los yacimientos del Paleolítico
Medio y Superior Inicial con estudios zooarqueológicos de la Península Ibérica, prestando especial
atención a los análisis tafonómicos, al ser los más resolutivos en la interpretación del registro óseo.
Estos datos permiten concluir que durante est

Research paper thumbnail of The out dated basis of anatomical representation patterns for the interpretation of archaeological sites. En Current Topics on Taphonomy and fossilization De Renzi et al (Ed). 2002 Valencia

The limitations of skeletal representation patterns, in comparison with more resolute methods in ... more The limitations of skeletal representation patterns, in comparison with
more resolute methods in the interpretation of bone assemblages, are argued.
Some practical examples of similar anatomical representation, interpreted in
diverse ways by different scholars are given,

Research paper thumbnail of SOBRE EL MAGDALENIENSE MEDITERRÁNEO DE LA PENÍNSULA IBÉRICA

Los trabajos de estos últimos años en el Tossal de la Roca aportan un marco geocronológico de ind... more Los trabajos de estos últimos años en el Tossal de la
Roca aportan un marco geocronológico de indudable valor
para el Tardiglaciar del Mediterráneo de la Península Ibérica.
19 dataciones radiocarbónicas permiten situar las distintas
ocupaciones magdalenienses y del Epipaleolítico
inicial entre el 13.690 ± 59 y el 11.820 ± 40 BP. A partir del
análisis comparativo de sus industrias con las de otros yacimientos
se discute sobre la amplia variabilidad del Magdaleniense
en la vertiente mediterránea peninsular. Por último
el hallazgo de un arpón en el Tossal de la Roca, donde
hasta el momento no se había recuperado ninguno, y el
papel otorgado a este elemento como referente cronológico
indudable, obliga a revisar los planteamientos comúnmente
aceptados para definir este período.

Research paper thumbnail of Patrones de Alteración Ósea en el Pleistoceno Superior de la Península Ibérica.

En los últimos tiempos se han publicando varios trabajos críticos con las interpretaciones zooarq... more En los últimos tiempos se han publicando varios trabajos críticos con las interpretaciones
zooarqueológicas basadas en los patrones de representación anatómica, lo que ha motivado la
creación de una nueva metodología que permita interpretar con mas precisión el registro óseo. Esta,
se basa en los análisis tafonómicos y en los patrones de alteración ósea, los cuales son el único
método capaz de discernir que agentes han intervenido en las acumulaciones faunísticas, y que
grado de acción se ha producido. En este ensayo se hace una síntesis de los estudios tafonómicos
realizados en los yacimientos del Pleistoceno Superior de la Península Ibérica, con la finalidad de
discernir que estrategias alimenticias se utilizaron a lo largo de este periodo.
Palabras Clave: Marcas de Corte, Marcas de Diente, Patrones de Alteración Ósea, Pleistoceno
Superior, Península Ibérica.

Research paper thumbnail of La Subsistencia en el Pleistoceno Superior de la Península Ibérica: Problemas Tafonómicos y Zooarqueológicos.

Este artículo plantea una revisión bibliográfica de los estudios zooarqueológicos realzados en di... more Este artículo plantea una revisión bibliográfica de los estudios zooarqueológicos realzados en
diferentes yacimientos del Pleistoceno Superior de la Península Ibérica. En este análisis se ha
visto como las limitaciones implícitas en los métodos de investigación de aquellos yacimientos
excavados en fechas antiguas y la escasez de análisis tafonómicos adecuados sugiere la
necesidad de realizar nuevas investigaciones más meticulosas en el futuro así, como una
revisión tafonómica de aquellos lugares ya excavados. A pesar de los numerosos problemas
observados, se pueden hacer ciertas precisiones que deberán ser confirmadas en futuros
trabajos. De esta forma puede observarse como las estrategias de subsistencia de todo este
momento indican una continuidad taxonómica progresiva que culmina en la especialización
final del Magdaleniense. Es importante también a la luz de los escasos análisis tafonómicos
realizados las similitudes subsistenciales de neandertales y primeros humanos modernos.
Palabras Clave: Zooarqueología, Patrones de Representación Anatómica, Marcas de corte,
Musteriense, Paleolítico Superior, Solutrense, Magdaleniense.
Abstract. - The Upper Pleistocene zooarchaeology at the Iberian Peninsula is discussed in
this paper. Some problems how the heterogeneous methodological approach of each site
indicate a pessimistic view from our zooarchaeology. In spite of this problem, it can to made
some interpretations that it should to be confirming in futures works. This work concluding that
at the moment there are continuity in the subsistence strategies at this moment until the
Magdalenian specialization, is important the debate on the neandertale subsistence and first
modern humans, concluding that at the moment

Research paper thumbnail of La subsistencia en el Paleolítico Superior inicial en la región mediterránea de la Península Ibérica

En este trabajo se analizan los estudios zooarqueológicos de los yacimientos del Paleolítico Supe... more En este trabajo se analizan los estudios zooarqueológicos de los yacimientos del Paleolítico Superior Inicial de la región mediternínea en Ea Península
IbPrica. Pura ello esta extensa área ha sido dividida en tres zonas. Cataluña, el País Valenciano y Andalucía Oriental, las cuaies parecen reflejar
algunas diferencias tanto en sus datos como en su interpretación. Taxonómicamenre casi no hay diferencias entre los niveles Auriñacienses y las Gravetienses,
pero cronoldgicamente es observable un ligero incremento de los carnívoros y de su incidencia sobre el registro óseo en los estratos de mayor
antigüedad.
Palabras Clave: Paleolítico Superior. Región Mediterránea. Taxonomía. Cérvido. Cápridos.
En aquest treball s'analitzen els estudis zooarqueol~gicsd els jaciments del paleolític superior inicial de la regió mediterrania a la península Iberica.
Aquesta extensa drea ha estar dividida en tres zones: Catalunya, País Valencia i Andalusia Oriental, les quals semblen rejlectir algunes diferencies
en les seues dudes i en la seua interpretació. Taxondmicament, quasi no hi ha diferencies entre els nivells aurinyacians i els gravetians, pero cronoldgicament
s'hi observa un lleuger increment dels carnívors i la seua incidencia sobre registre ossi en els estrats de major

Research paper thumbnail of Implicaciones Tafonómicas y Zooarqueológicas del Paleolítico inferior de la Península Ibérica

En este trabajo se realiza un análisis de la subsistencia en el Paleolítico Inferior de la Peníns... more En este trabajo se realiza un análisis de la subsistencia en el Paleolítico Inferior de la Península Ibérica, con la
finalidad de delimitar que agentes intervinieron en las acumulaciones óseas de dicho periodo. Tras este estudio se
ha visto como sólo los yacimientos del interior muestran un número representativo, y en ellos se describen dos tipos
de yacimientos. Los primeros serían de carácter fluviolacustre con predominio de paquidermos y el trienio, cérvidos,
équidos y bóvidos, mientras que los segundos son emplazamientos sobre cuevas con predominio del trienio aludido.
Finalmente los datos tafonómicos parecen revelar un acceso cárnico importante entre los homínidos del Pleistoceno
Medio, aunque nuevos análisis tafonómicos más meticulosos deberán aportar una información más contrastada

Research paper thumbnail of Subsistencia en el Musteriense Cantábrico

Este trabajo es una síntesis de los estudios zooarqueológicos desarrollados en el Musteriense de ... more Este trabajo es una síntesis de los estudios zooarqueológicos desarrollados en el Musteriense de la cornisa
cantábrica. De esta forma con los datos existentes en la bibliografía se plantea algunas interpretaciones relacionadas
con la subsistencia de este momento para esta región, con la finalidad de intentar establecer ciertas conclusiones,
correlaciones y posibles interpretaciones, analizando los datos procedentes del NR (Número de Restos), el MNI
(Número Mínimo de Individuos), los patrones de representación anatómica así como los patrones de alteración ósea
de aquellos taxones más susceptibles de consumo humano. Al final los patrones de alteración ósea se revela como el
más eficaz en la interpretación del registro arqueológico.

Research paper thumbnail of Los Orígenes del Poblamiento Paleolítico en Europa: Una visión bioestratigráfica.

En este trabajo se revisan la representación faunística existente en diferentes yacimientos del P... more En este trabajo se revisan la representación faunística existente en diferentes yacimientos del
Paleolítico Inferior europeo, con el fin de poder dilucidar las posibles vías de paso que utilizaron los
homínidos en el poblamiento inicial de Europa. De esta manera la evidencia bioestratigráfica parece
revelar una emigración de fauna africana a través de Gibraltar en el límite del Pliopleistoceno, pero
todavía no hay ningún indicio claro que permita asegurar tal franqueamiento, ya que como se verá, esta
posible fauna es algo discutible. Por otro lado los diferentes datos existentes permiten asegurar una
ocupación de Europa en fechas anteriores al Pleistoceno Medio.

Research paper thumbnail of Patrones de Representación Anatómica; una hermenéutica equivocada.

En este trabajo pretendo realizar una crítica al uso indiscriminado de los patrones de representa... more En este trabajo pretendo realizar una crítica al uso indiscriminado de los patrones de representación anatómica, los cuales suelen ser utilizados para intentar definir qué agentes han podido intervenir en una acumulación ósea, y qué grado de manipulación han producido. Pero como ha quedado de manifiesto en diferentes estudios, esta es una herramienta equivocada debido a que son numerosos los factores que pueden influir en tal representación, por lo que el conjunto óseo que queda al final, es tan sólo el resultado de toda una serie de procesos deposicionales y posdeposicionales que influyen activamente en la configuración del registro. Por eso con este trabajo pretendo hacer hincapié en la existencia de otros métodos más resolutivos sobre ciertas cuestiones que los patrones de Representación Anatómica son inoperantes

Research paper thumbnail of LA QUEBRADA III - EL ESPLEGAR La Prehistoria reciente en la vega del arroyo Valdejudíos

y Recursos Culturales AUDITORES DE ENERGÍA Y MEDIO AMBIENTE, S.A. © de los textos: los autores © ... more y Recursos Culturales AUDITORES DE ENERGÍA Y MEDIO AMBIENTE, S.A. © de los textos: los autores © de las fotografías y de los dibujos: Departamento de Arqueología, Paleontología y Recursos Culturales AUDITORES DE ENERGÍA Y MEDIO AMBIENTE, S.A.

Research paper thumbnail of VILLAJOS (T.M. CAMPO DE CRIPTANA) Villajos en el territorio de Fahs al-luyy

Research paper thumbnail of CAMINERÍA ROMANA EN LA PROVINCIA DE TOLEDO El yacimiento de Pozos de Finisterre (Consuegra, Toledo)

Research paper thumbnail of ZOOARQUEOLOGÍA Y TAFONOMÍA EN UN YACIMIENTO MODERNO-CONTEMPORÁNEO La Real Fábrica de Paños de San Fernando de Henares (Madrid)

Research paper thumbnail of Zooarqueología de la Península Ibérica

Research paper thumbnail of Patrones de aprovechamiento de recursos animales en el Pleistoceno Superior de la Península Ibérica: estudio tafonómico y zooarqueológico de los yacimientos del Esquilleu, Amalda, cueva Ambrosio y la peña de Estebanvela.

Research paper thumbnail of descubriendo el pasado

Research paper thumbnail of Tafonomia aplicada a zooarqueologia

Research paper thumbnail of EXCAVACIONES ARQUEOLÓGICAS EN AZUTÁN (TOLEDO) Un modelo de evolución en el poblamiento entre los períodos visigodo y emiral

Research paper thumbnail of La Gravera d'Eugeni (Artesa, Lleida) Una Cavana de Època Romana

Research paper thumbnail of CAMINERÍA ROMANA EN LA PROVINCIA de Toledo, el Yacimiento de Pozos de Finisterre

Research paper thumbnail of Villajos en el territorio de Fahs al-luyy de la Madina

Research paper thumbnail of Zooarqueología y Tafonomía en los comienzos de la Edad del Hierro. El yacimiento de las Camas, Villaverde Madrid. MArq Audema 2013. MArq SZOO 1. ISBN: 978-84-616-5050-7

Research paper thumbnail of Ocupaciones magdaleniense en el interior de la Península Ibérica. La Peña de Estebanvela, Ayllón, Segovia. ISBN: 978-84-616-5992-0.

Research paper thumbnail of La Gravera de l'Eugeni (Artesa de Lleida): una cabaña de época romana.

Bolskan 20 (2003) 163-175, 2003

The construction of the high speed railway Madrid-Frontera de Francia has allowed to raise the st... more The construction of the high speed railway Madrid-Frontera de Francia has allowed to raise the study of different sites affected by the project. The excavations have made possible to document the rest of a cabin occupied from Roman-republican time to the High Empire. The rural settlements of high imperial chronology are in most cases villae, although we should not disdain these humbler structures (cabannae, tugurium), which without a doubt had to be more numerous than the archaeological registry shows us.

Research paper thumbnail of Not so deserted…paleoecology and human subsistence in Central Iberia (Guadalajara, Spain) around the Last Glacial Maximum

In contrast to the coastal areas of the Iberian Peninsula, the Upper Palaeolithic settlement of c... more In contrast to the coastal areas of the Iberian Peninsula, the Upper Palaeolithic settlement of central Iberia, dominated by the Spanish plateau, is poorly known. Traditional models assume a total or virtual depopulation of the interior of the Iberian Peninsula during the Last Glacial. In this paper we present a detailed investigation of human-environment interactions through the first zooarchaeological, tapho-nomic and isotopic study of the key site of Pe~ na Cap on, a rock shelter located in the southeastern foothills of the Central System range that contains a multi-layered deposit dated to marine isotope stage 2 (MIS 2). Analyses of the faunal assemblages of the Proto-Solutrean (3) and Middle Solutrean (2) layers show that human preferentially hunted horse, deer and iberian ibex living in the vicinity of the rock shelter. Isotope geochemistry of the animal remains of Pe~ na Cap on provides us with the first detailed intra-tooth multi-proxy analysis for this time period in southwestern Europe, providing estimates of climatic conditions, seasonal flucturation of diet, as well as patterns of seasonal mobility. Our results indicate that human presence at Pe~ na Cap on was apparently restricted to relatively warm intervals around the LGM or reflects the presence of an ecological refuge, and provide us with evidence of recurrent human presence in the Iberian interior during the Upper Paleolithic prior to the Magdalenian.

Research paper thumbnail of El yacimiento paleolítico del 12 de Octubre (Villaverde, Madrid)

Research paper thumbnail of Geometric Morphometrics and Machine Learning Models Applied to the Study of Late Iron Age Cut Marks from Central Spain

Applied Sciences

Recently the incorporation of artificial intelligence has allowed the development of valuable met... more Recently the incorporation of artificial intelligence has allowed the development of valuable methodological advances in taphonomy. Some studies have achieved great precision in identifying the carnivore that produced tooth marks. Additionally, other works focused on human activity have managed to specify what type of tool or raw material was used in the filleting processes identified at the sites. Through the use of geometric morphometrics and machine learning techniques, the present study intends to analyze the cut marks of the Ulaca oppidum (Solosancho, Ávila, Spain) in order to identify the type of tools used during carcass modification. Although the Ulaca oppidum is an Iron Age site, the results suggest that most of the cut marks were produced with flint tools.

Research paper thumbnail of The fallow deer Dama celiae sp. nov. with two-pointed antlers from the Middle Pleistocene of Madrid, a contemporary of humans with Acheulean technology

Archaeological and Anthropological Sciences

We describe fossils of a new species of fallow deer, Dama celiae. It is the end member of the lin... more We describe fossils of a new species of fallow deer, Dama celiae. It is the end member of the lineage Dama farnetensis–D. vallonnetensis–D. roberti–D. celiae, which reduced the number of points of the antler from four to two, while the parallel lineage leading to the living fallow deer evolved more complex and palmate antlers. The fossils are from localities Pedro Jaro I and Orcasitas in the + 25–30-m terrace of the Manzanares river, which is correlated to MIS9 (337–300 ka) and which also yielded fossils of Megaloceros matritensis, a recently named species, end member of a lineage that survived longer than previously believed. A younger terrace of the Manzanares yielded remains of Haploidoceros, a rare deer known from two older localities in southern France and one younger locality in Spain. So many rare deer species in this valley indicates either endemism and a very special environment or that the record of fossil deer is much less known than generally assumed. Until recently, the...

Research paper thumbnail of The interaction between large mammals and Acheulean tools during the Middle Pleistocene in the Manzanares valley (Madrid, Spain): new evidence for Santa Elena and Oxígeno sites

Archaeological and Anthropological Sciences

The fluvial deposits of the Manzanares and Jarama rivers present one of the largest concentration... more The fluvial deposits of the Manzanares and Jarama rivers present one of the largest concentrations of lithic and faunal remains of Pleistocene sites in Europe. In the Manzanares River close to the confluence of the Jarama River, the stepped terrace system disappears and gives way to the Complex Terrace of Butarque (CTB), where the sites of Santa Elena and Oxígeno are located. Different numerical dates obtained from the visible CTB’s bottom suggest that it was deposited during the MIS 6 or even MIS 7. This paper provides the first taphonomic and palaeoecological interpretation of both collections. A total of 445 fossil elements have been recorded in Oxígeno. The most represented are cranial fragments of Elephas sp. About Santa Elena, 130 fossil elements have been recorded. The best represented are fragments of Bos/Bison sp. horns and Elephas sp. tusks. The taphonomic processes identified at both sites bring to light a complex taphonomic history. The incidence of processes related to ...

Research paper thumbnail of A road to nowhere? The non-transitional sequence at El Esquilleu (Cantabria, Spain)

Comptes Rendus Palevol, 2021

El Esquilleu cave has one of the most complete Middle Paleolithic stratigraphies of northern Iber... more El Esquilleu cave has one of the most complete Middle Paleolithic stratigraphies of northern Iberia with a complete chronological framework almost continuous from the beginning of MIS3. The complete analysis of the materials including the last section of the sequence corresponding to the last chronological interval of the occupation in the region shows clear evolutionary tendencies by important changes in the composition of the lithic assemblage. Its study confirms a continuous occupation without any gaps during the Mousterian until recent dates but without any Upper Paleolithic presence. This sequence, referenced to the Mousterian settlement of the Picos de Europa mountains, testifies to the existence of a Mousterian presence in northern Iberia with no clear relation to other Cantabrian areas. Consequently, its occupation without a break until the crucial phase of the end of the Middle Paleolithic suggests a non-transitional process in the history of local Neanderthal groups.

Research paper thumbnail of Differentiating percussion pits and carnivore tooth pits using 3D reconstructions and geometric morphometrics

PloS one, 2018

During the end of the 20th century and the beginning of the 21st century the discussion on early ... more During the end of the 20th century and the beginning of the 21st century the discussion on early human behavioral patterns revolved around the hunting versus scavenging debate. The correct identification of bone modifications, including percussion, cut and tooth marks, is a key issue within this debate. While many authors have shown that carnivore and human modifications can be easily distinguished, it is true that sometimes percussion marks without associated microstriations and tooth pits overlap morphologically, causing confusion, especially when unmodified hammerstones are used. In order to solve this equifinality problem, many investigations have focused their efforts on other pieces of evidence such as the identification of notches, fragmentation patterns and frequencies, among others. These studies, however, cannot be considered as fully conclusive. Within this paper we address the problem of equifinality when identifying percussion marks produced with unmodified hammerstones...

Research paper thumbnail of Subsistencia, movilidad y adaptación al medio de los cazadores-recolectores gravetienses en el sector occidental de la región cantábrica: la cueva de Coímbre (Asturias)

Trabajos de Prehistoria, 2017

En el trabajo presentamos el nivel gravetiense de Coímbre, uno de los contados ejemplos de esta c... more En el trabajo presentamos el nivel gravetiense de Coímbre, uno de los contados ejemplos de esta cronología en el centro-occidente cantábrico. Se trata de uno de los yacimientos de mayor interés para el análisis del Gravetiense cerca de su margen occidental de expansión por el continente europeo. Mediante el análisis arqueozoológico y tafonómico de la fauna, de la industria lítica, los restos arqueobotánicos, la interpretación de la secuencia arqueológica y sedimentológica, y la obtención de dataciones AMS, se han podido analizar las ocupaciones gravetienses de Coímbre bajo una perspectiva territorial, donde las estrategias de susbsistencia desarrolladas son determinantes para interpretar el tipo de ocupación existente. En el marco de la región cantábrica, podemos interpretar la existencia de un patrón de movilidad y subsistencia determinado, desarrollado por estas poblaciones humanas, que se manifiesta como una ocupación efímera, de tipo logístico y puntual, ligada posiblemente con ...

Research paper thumbnail of Site function and lithic technology in the Acheulean technocomplex: a case study from Thiongo Korongo (TK), Bed II, Olduvai Gorge, Tanzania

Boreas, 2017

The most recent excavations carried out at the Thiongo Korongo (TK) site, in the upper part of Ol... more The most recent excavations carried out at the Thiongo Korongo (TK) site, in the upper part of Olduvai Bed II and dating from about 1.353±0.035 Ma, have made it possible to identify a hitherto unknown Acheulean floor. Between 2010 and 2015, we excavated nearly 175 m2 in several areas immediately adjacent to M. Leakey's trenches. Our findings led us to reinterpret TK's general stratigraphy and to identify a hitherto unpublished floor situated between levels TKLF and TKUF (the ones recognized by M. Leakey), which we have called TKSF. The differences we note between these two floors are very significant and concern production techniques and systems, which were aimed at obtaining different types of tools. These differences are especially marked in bifaces. In TKLF, bifacial tools consist of large, very specialized items characterized by a functional point opposite a thick basal area that makes the tool easy to grasp. In TKSF, handaxes are lighter and their cutting edges extend a...

Research paper thumbnail of Assessment of statistical agreement of three techniques for the study of cut marks: 3D digital microscope, laser scanning confocal microscopy and micro-photogrammetry

Journal of microscopy, Jan 5, 2017

In the last few years, the study of cut marks on bone surfaces has become fundamental for the int... more In the last few years, the study of cut marks on bone surfaces has become fundamental for the interpretation of prehistoric butchery practices. Due to the difficulties in the correct identification of cut marks, many criteria for their description and classification have been suggested. Different techniques, such as three-dimensional digital microscope (3D DM), laser scanning confocal microscopy (LSCM) and micro-photogrammetry (M-PG) have been recently applied to the study of cut marks. Although the 3D DM and LSCM microscopic techniques are the most commonly used for the 3D identification of cut marks, M-PG has also proved to be very efficient and a low-cost method. M-PG is a noninvasive technique that allows the study of the cortical surface without any previous preparation of the samples, and that generates high-resolution models. Despite the current application of microscopic and micro-photogrammetric techniques to taphonomy, their reliability has never been tested. In this paper...

Research paper thumbnail of Dinámicas Poblacionales En El Centro De La Península Ibérica Duranteel Pleistoceno Superior: Un Nuevo Proyecto Geoarqueológico

(Late Pleistocene population dynamics in Central Iberia: a new geoarchaeological project): We pre... more (Late Pleistocene population dynamics in Central Iberia: a new geoarchaeological project): We present a new research project aimed at investigating population dynamics and human-environment interactions during the second half of the Late Pleistocene in Central Iberia. In this communication we discuss the state-of-the-art on the Middle and Upper Palaeolithic settlement of the Iberian plateau and we propose new avenues of research for testing the validity of the currently accepted interpretations. It is our hypothesis that models on Late Pleistocene population dynamics in the Iberian interior lands are still biased by the poor quantity and quality of data available, especially for the Upper Palaeolithic. Our project is focused on the geoarchaeological study of 3 selected sites located in the Upper Tagus basin (Northern area of Guadalajara province, Spain).Our methods include micromorpholgy, high resolution sedimentology, 14C, OSL and U/Th dating, pollen, phytolith, microfaunal and ant...

Research paper thumbnail of Regreso a la Cueva de los Casares (Guadalajara). Un nuevo proyecto de investigación para el yacimiento del Seno A

A atividade arqueológica e a salvaguarda do patrimonio arqueológico em avaliação de impacte ambie... more A atividade arqueológica e a salvaguarda do patrimonio arqueológico em avaliação de impacte ambiental. Branco, Gertrudes 32-50 Los espacios divulgativos del patrimonio arqueológico de la comunidad de Madrid: el Plan de yacimientos visitables. Hernández Garcés, Carlos 51-67 Las Navas de Tolosa: Musealizando su campo de batalla. Ramírez Galán, Mario 68-89 Regreso a la cueva de Los Casares (Guadalajara). Un nuevo proyecto de investigación para el yacimiento

Research paper thumbnail of El yacimiento paleolítico del 12 de Octubre (Villaverde, Madrid)

Research paper thumbnail of La cueva de Coímbre (Asturias, España): artistas y cazadores durante el Magdaleniense en la Región Cantábrica

Research paper thumbnail of La secuencia cronoestratigráfica del Paleolítico superior de la cueva de Coímbre (Asturias, España)

This paper shows the first results of the archaeological excavation of Coímbre B, a site which un... more This paper shows the first results of the archaeological excavation of Coímbre B, a site which until this moment has provided evidences of a rich Upper Magdalenian habitat, as well as Lower Magdalenian and Gravettian occupation remains. Stratigraphical sequence identified in B zone of Coímbre cave, significantly influenced by the movement of a seasonal and frequent water current, but in a more marginal form by the end of Upper Paleolithic each time, conditioned an sporadic human presence in B zone, combined with the occupation of another areas of the cave, thus becoming in a preferential habitat area in the moment in which water flow ceases definitely. This levels succession shows, in a graphic way, how had influenced different climatic oscillations in karstic activity and in the human occupation model developed in Coímbre cave.

Research paper thumbnail of The Upper Palaeolithic record of Coímbre Cave (Asturias, northern Spain). A symbolic place, a place for living

57th Annual Meeting in Heidenheim, 7-11 April 2015. Erlangen: Hugo Obermaier-Gesellschaft für Erf... more 57th Annual Meeting in Heidenheim, 7-11 April 2015. Erlangen: Hugo Obermaier-Gesellschaft für Erforschung des Eiszeitalters und der Steinzeit e. V. = Hugo Obermaier Society for Quaternary Research and Archaeology of the Stone Age, 2015Coímbre cave (135 meters asl) is located on the southwestern slope of Mount Pendendo (532 m), in the small valley of Besnes river, tributary of Cares river, in a medium-higher mountain are in the central-western Cantabria –northern Iberian Peninsula- (Álvarez-Alonso et al., 2009; 2013b). The landscape in the surroundings of the cave –situated in an interior valley but near to the current coast in a low altitude- can be described as a mountainous environment where valleys, small hills and steep mountains with high slopes are integrated, which confer a relative variety of ecosystems to this area. Coímbre contains an important archaeological site divided in two different areas. B Area, is the farthest from the entrance, and is the place where took place the excavations carried out to date, between 2008 and 2012 (Álvarez-Alonso et al., 2009, 2011, 2013a, 2013b). Coímbre B shows a complete and very interesting Magdalenian sequence (with Lower, Middle and Upper Magdalenian levels), and a gravettian level, that converts this cave in one of the biggest habitat areas in western Cantabria. Its rich set of bone industries, mobiliar art and ornaments, provide key information that shows the connections between this area, the Pyrenees and the south-west of Aquitaine. Moreover, Coímbre cave presents an interesting set of Magdalenian engravings, located in different places of the cavity, both in open and accessible areas, and in narrower and inaccessible places, which clearly define two different symbolic spaces. All this artistic expressions belong to the Magdalenian, and it is possible to establish a division between a set of engravings framed in the first stages of this period (the most abundant and remote); and a more limited set of engravings, in which stand out a block with a engraving of a bison with a deep trace of more than one meter long, that belongs to the recent Magdalenian. This work presents the preliminary results of the analysis of Magdalenian occupations in Coímbre, after the end of the excavations in B Area, and the study of its rock art, shaping this site as one of the most important places of Magdalenian human activities in western Cantabria.Peer reviewe

Research paper thumbnail of El empleo de material óseo como combustible durante el Paleolítico Medio y Superior en el Cantábrico. Observaciones experimentales

Research paper thumbnail of Entre el Gravetiense y el Solutrense: el nivel 3 de Peña Capón (valle del Sorbe, Guadalajara)

Research paper thumbnail of Aproximaciones tafonómicas a los cazadores de la segunda mitad del Pleistoceno Superior de la mitad norte del interior de la Península Ibérica

últimos 35 años, han tenido un desarrollo bastante desigual tanto cronológicamente como geográfic... more últimos 35 años, han tenido un desarrollo bastante desigual tanto cronológicamente como geográficamente. El Paleolítico es el periodo que más cantidad de estudios ha proporcionado, pero dentro de este momento, no todas las zonas han sido igualmente tratadas. En este trabajo, analizaremos el estado de la cuestión de los estudios zooarqueológicos de una de estas regiones, con el fin de valorar como es la información disponible para este periodo, y que aspectos son interesantes de reseñar en investigaciones futuras.

Research paper thumbnail of Estrategias de subsistencia en el Yacimiento Paleolítico del Ruso (Igollo de Camargo, Cantabria, España)

Espacio Tiempo y Forma. Serie I, Prehistoria y Arqueología, 2010

Recibido el 27 de octubre de 2010. Aceptado el 18 de enero de 2011 Resumen. La Cueva del Ruso (Ig... more Recibido el 27 de octubre de 2010. Aceptado el 18 de enero de 2011 Resumen. La Cueva del Ruso (Igollo, Camargo, Cantabria) contiene un importante yacimiento arqueológico con niveles que abarcan desde el Musteriense hasta el Solutrense. En este artículo ofrecemos un estudio zooarqueológico y tafonómico de esta cavidad que permite completar y efectuar una comparación con los datos procedentes de yacimientos cercanos y tan emblemáticos como el Juyo (con niveles magdalenienses) y El Pendo (palimpsesto de diversas ocupaciones). Los resultados obtenidos reflejan novedosos datos sobre las estrategias de subsistencia de los cazadores-recolectores de la Región Cantábrica, matizando, además, las conclusiones obtenidas por estudios previos efectuados en esta zona.

Research paper thumbnail of Estudio zooarqueológico y tafonómico del Yacimiento del Otero (Secadura, Voto, Cantabria)

Espacio Tiempo y Forma. Serie I, Prehistoria y Arqueología, 2010

Zooarchaeology and taphonomy of Otero site (Secadura, Voto, Cantabria, Spain) José Yravedra Sainz... more Zooarchaeology and taphonomy of Otero site (Secadura, Voto, Cantabria, Spain) José Yravedra Sainz de los Terreros y Alberto Gómez Castanedo* Recibido el 27 de octubre de 2010. Aceptado el 18 de enero de 2011 Resumen. Los últimos años han observado como la Tafonomía se ha erigido como una disciplina científica imprescindible para la interpretación del registro arqueológico. Sus resultados han permitido comprender los procesos físicos y biológicos que operan en la formación de los yacimientos arqueológicos y paleontológicos. En la Región Cantábrica este tipo de analíticas apenas se habían aplicado pero son cada vez más frecuentes. En este trabajo presentamos el estudio zooarqueológico y tafonómico de la Cueva del Otero, contribuyendo de este modo al incremento de este tipo de estudios en esta región.

Research paper thumbnail of Specialised hunting of Iberian ibex during Neanderthal occupation at El Esquilleu Cave, northern Spain

Antiquity, 2014

Traditional views of Neanderthal hunting strategies envisage them preying on herd species such as... more Traditional views of Neanderthal hunting strategies envisage them preying on herd species such as bison and deer, rather than the sophisticated tracking of solitary animals. Analysis of faunal remains from El Esquilleu Cave in northern Spain, however, demonstrates that during certain periods of the Middle Palaeolithic occupation, Neanderthals focused on the hunting of ibex and chamois, small solitary species that inhabited the mountainous terrain around the site. These results indicate that Neanderthal hunting practices may have had more similarity to those of their Upper Palaeolithic relatives than is usually assumed.

Research paper thumbnail of La investigación y difusión arqueopaleontológica en el marco de la iniciativa privada

by Esperanza de Coig-O´Donnell, José Manuel Illán, Ernesto Agustí García, Dionisio Urbina Martinez, Jorge Morin de Pablos, Mario Lopez Recio, Jorge Gorosarri, Marta Escolá Martínez, Fernando Tapias, Audema publishing house Audema, and jose yravedra

Primer Simposio Audema (Madrid - Guadalajara, 24 y 25 de Octubre de 2007). Madrid, 2007

ARQUEOLOGÍA Y MEDIO AMBIENTE (D. Regidor Ipiña) LA INVESTIGACIÓN ARQUEOPALEONTOLÓGICA EN EL MAR... more ARQUEOLOGÍA Y MEDIO AMBIENTE
(D. Regidor Ipiña)
LA INVESTIGACIÓN ARQUEOPALEONTOLÓGICA EN EL MARCO DE LA INICIATIVA PRIVADA
(J. Morín de Pablos)
LA GESTIÓN CULTURAL EN EL MARCO DE LA INICIATIVA PRIVADA
(J. Morín de Pablos y M. Escolá Martínez)
LA GEOLOGÍA Y GEOMORFOLOGÍA EN EL SEGUIMIENTO DE LAS OBRAS DE MEJORA DE LA M-30
(F. Tapias Gómez, J. A. Dorado Pilar y J. Gorosarri Rodríguez)
NUEVOS DATOS GEOLÓGICOS DEL VALLE INFERIOR DEL MANZANARES ENTRE EL HOSPITAL 12 DE OCTUBRE Y LA DESEMBOCADURA DEL ARROYO BUTARQUE
(P. G. Silva, F. M. González Hernández, F. Tapias Gómez y M. López Recio)
LA PROBLEMÁTICA DE LA PALEONTOLOGÍA EN LOS GRANDES PROYECTOS DE OBRA CIVIL
(A. Alarcón Hernández, P. de Arcos Pérez y V. Dones García
TRATAMIENTO DE MUESTRAS MICROPALEONTOLÓGICAS A GRAN ESCALA
(A. del Estal Fernández, A B. Galán Abellán, J. Rodríguez Solórzano,
J. Gómez Moreno, M. Elorza Remón, I. Camaño Sánchez y A. Alarcón Hernandez)
ANÁLISIS PALINOLÓGICOS EN LA DETERMINACIÓN DEL PAISAJE VEGETAL DEL MIOCENO EN LA COMUNIDAD DE MADRID
(M. Casas Gallego, D. Peyrot y Y. Parra Frías)
LOS CONJUNTOS PALEOLÍTICOS DE LOS YACIMIENTOS DEL 12 DE OCTUBRE Y VILLAVERDE - Bº BUTARQUE
(M. López Recio, F. Cuartero Monteagudo, A. Lázaro Lázaro, I. Manzano Espinosa,D. Martín Puig y P. G. Silva Barroso)
EL YACIMIENTO EPIPALEOLÍTICO DE PARQUE DARWIN: UN PROYECTO DE INVESTIGACIÓN GEOARQUEOLÓGICA DE LA COMUNIDAD DE MADRID
(A. Pérez-González, J. Baena Preysler, J. Morín de Pablos, I.Rus, S. Bárez y D. Uribelarrea)
NUEVOS DATOS EN EL ESTUDIO DE LA EDAD DEL BRONCE CASTELLANO-MANCHEGO:
LOS YACIMIENTOS DE VAL DE LA VIÑA (ALOVERA, GUADALAJARA), MERINASY VELILLA (MOCEJÓN, TOLEDO) Y CIUDAD DE LAS OBRAS-EMBALSE VICARIO (C. REAL)
(G. López López, J. Morin de Pablos, F. Sanchez Hidalgo, J. Fernández del Cerro, M. Sánchez Garcia-Arista y P. J. Sanabria)
UNA PUERTA HACIA LA COMPRENSIÓN DE LA EDAD DEL HIERRO EN EL VALLE DEL MANZANARES: LOS YACIMIENTOS DE LAS CAMAS Y LA GAVIA (MADRID)
(D. Urbina Martínez, J. Morín de Pablos, E. Agustí García, M. Escolà Martínez y M. López Recio)
EL YACIMIENTO VAL DE LA VIÑA (ALOVERA, GUADALAJARA): UNA EXPLOTACIÓN AGROPECUARIAALTO IMPERIAL EN LA VEGA DEL HENARES
(J. Morín de Pablos, E. Agustí García, R. Roberto de Almeida, F. J. López Fraile)
EL LAGAR DE VAL DE LA VIÑA: UNA UNIDAD DE TRANSFORMACIÓN AGRÍCOLA
EN EL CURSO MEDIO DEL HENARES
(R. Roberto de Almeida)
NUEVAS APORTACIONES AL CONOCIMIENTO DE LA RED VIARIA ROMANA PENINSULAR: ITEM A LIMINIO TOLETUM
(Mª Hernández Martínez, M. Escolà Martínez, J. Morín de Pablos y
F. Sánchez Hidalgo)
LA NECRÓPOLIS DEL CERRO DE LAS SEPULTURAS (AZUTÁN, TOLEDO): UNA AROXIMACIÓN AL ASENTAMIENTO DE LOS VISIGODOS EN EL CENTRO PENINSULAR
(R. Barroso Cabrera, J. Morín de Pablos, L. Benito Díez, F. Sánchez Hidalgo y F J. López Fraile)
LAALQUERÍA BAJOMEDIEVAL DE GRANADOS (TOLEDO): UN CENTRO PRODUCTOR INÍCOLA EN EL ALFOZ TOLEDANO
(L Benito Díez, J. Morin de Pablos, M. Sanchez Garcia-Arista y F. Sánchez-Hidalgo)
LA REAL FÁBRICA DE PAÑOS DE SAN FERNANDO DE HENARES:
LA EXCAVACIÓN DE UN CONJUNTO FABRIL DE LOS SIGLOS XVIII–XIX
(E. Agustí García, J. Antonio Gómez Gandullo, Mª. Hernández Martínez, L. Cantallops,M. Sánchez García-Arista, J. Morín de Pablos y M. Escolá Martinez
EL REAL CANAL DEL MANZANARES: EXCAVACIÓN DE UN PROYECTO DE OBRA CiVIL DEL SIGLO XVIII
(F. Sánchez Hidalgo, L. Cantallops, J. Morín de Pablos, F. Tapias Gómez,Mª C. Gómez Camacho y M. López Recio)
LAARQUEOLOGÍA DEL AYER: EL MATADERO MUNICIPAL DE MADRID
(J. M. Illán Illán, M. López Recio y Mª L. Cantallops)
MARCAS DE FÁBRICA EN LOZAS Y PORCELANAS HALLADAS EN LOS PROGRAMAS DE VIGILANCIAARQUEOLÓGICA EN LAS OBRAS DE MADRID
(Mª C. Gómez Camacho y A. Martínez Velasco)
UTOPÍA Y REALIDAD. LAS OBRAS PÚBLICAS DE LA ILUSTRACIÓN ESPAÑOLA: REALES FÁBRICAS DE PAÑOS DE SAN FERNANDO DE HENARES Y BRIHUEGA
(Mª L. Cantallops Perelló y Mª Hernández Martínez)
MACROMAMÍFEROS DELYACIMIENTO DE LA PRIMERA EDAD DEL HIERRO DE LAS CAMAS (VILLAVERDE, MADRID)
(J. Yravedra Sainz de los Terreros)
LA INFOGRAFÍA 3D COMO SISTEMA DE DOCUMENTACIÓN Y DIVULGACIÓN
(F. José López Fraile)
GRANADOS: UN TALLER DE FALSIFICACIÓN DE MONEDA EN LAS CERCANÍAS DE TOLEDO
(L. González Carrasco)
NUEVAS TENDENCIAS EN LOS TRABAJOS DE CONSULTORÍA DE AUDEMA: PROYECCIÓN EN MATERIA DE DINAMIZACIÓN Y DIFUSIÓN CULTURAL
(J. Ignacio Rello Solano y J. Morín de Pablos)
LA CULTURA EN EL ENTORNO RURAL: PROYECTO DE DIFUSIÓN PARA LA COMARCA DE LA RIBERA BAJA DEL EBRO
(E. de Coig-O´Donnell Magro, J. I. Rello Solano y J. Morín de Pablos)
MEETING POINT O DIAS DE CAMPO
(S. Jaque Ovejero)
10 AÑOS DE INVESTIGACIÓN Y DIVULGACIÓN (1997-2007)
(Departamento de Arqueología, Paleontología y Recursos Culturales de Auditores de Energía y Medio Ambiente, S.A.)

Research paper thumbnail of IDANHA-A-VELHA. PORTUGAL. PAÇO DOS BISPOS (CAMPAÑA DE EXCAVACIÓN, 2014). 2

Idanha-a-Velha, 2. Madrid, 2015.

Resumen Se presentan los primeros resultados arqueológicos obtenidos durante la Campaña deexcava... more Resumen
Se presentan los primeros resultados arqueológicos obtenidos durante la Campaña deexcavación de 2014 realizada en el yacimiento conocido como Paço dos Bispos de Idanha-a-Velha. En este lugar emplazado intramuros junto al lienzo murario suroccidental se ubica el grupo episcopal tardoantiguo de Egitania. Esta publicación pretende dar a conocer la secuencia estratigráfica registrada durante los trabajos arqueológicos, así como
aportar algunas nuevas consideraciones interpretativas y cronológicas en relación a las construcciones eclesiásticas del episcopio egitano.

Abstract

The first archaeological results registered in 2014 during the archaeological excavation conducted at the site called as Paço dos Bispos of Idanha-a-Velha are presented. At this
intramural place nestled along the southwestern wall is located the Late Antiquity Episcopal Group of Egitania. This publication aims to show the stratigraphic sequence
recorded during the archaeological work and provide some new interpretatives and chronological considerations in relation to ecclesiastical buildings.

Research paper thumbnail of El yacimiento hispanovisigodo del Barranco del Herrero (San Martín de la Vega, Madrid). Los campos de silos en época visigoda: ¿Continuidad o innovación?

Resumen: Los trabajos realizados para la construcción de la “Conexión Exterior de Agua Potab... more Resumen:

Los trabajos realizados para la construcción de la “Conexión Exterior de Agua Potable, Fase 2ª del P. P. Parque de Ocio (San Martín de la Vega, Madrid)”, permitieron documentar una serie de restos arqueológicos ocultos bajo una capa de un metro de sedimento. Se identificaron tres fases distintas de ocupación: Calcolítico, Bronce Final y Época Hispanovisigoda. Esta última está representada por un silo en el que se recuperaron materiales asociables a este periodo. Este tipo de hallazgos está directamente relacionado con los denominados “campos de silos” de época tardoantigua. Estas formas de almacenaje se documentan en el centro peninsular desde época prehistórica, y “resurgen” en época tardoantigua, prolongándose hasta los momentos de la dominación andalusí.

Palabras clave: Campo de silos, hispanovisigodo, tardoantigüedad, estructuras de almacenaje.

Abstract

Works made for the construction of the “External Conection of Drinking Water” Phase 2 of the P. P. Parque de Ocio (San Martín de la Vega, Madrid), allowed to record an arqueological site hidden by a one metre wide sedimentary layer. Three different stages were identified: Calcolithic, Final Bronze Age, and Hispanovisigothic Period. The last one is comosed by a silo where materials related to this period were found. This kind of finds is straightly related to the so called “siloes yards” of the Late Antique Period. This storage structures have been found in the center of the Iberian Peninsula since Prehistoric Age, and “reappear” in the Late Antiquity. Its use continues until the Andalusian domination period.

Key words: Siloes yard, Hispanovisigothic, Late Antiquity, storage structures.

Research paper thumbnail of La cueva de Coimbre (Asturias, España): artistas y cazadores durante el Magdaleniense en la región cantábrica.

Desde el año 2008 se ha venido desarrollando un proyecto de investigación en la cueva de Coímbre,... more Desde el año 2008 se ha venido desarrollando un proyecto de investigación en la cueva de Coímbre, centrado en la excavación de su yacimiento arqueológico y en la documentación y estudio del arte parietal. En este trabajo se presenta una síntesis del estado actual del estudio en curso, centrada en la importante secuencia Magdaleniense que contiene la cueva de Coímbre, con una de las secuencias estratigráficas más completas para el Magdaleniense cantábrico y con una relevante representación de grabados contemporáneos a esta ocupación humana.

Research paper thumbnail of The Magdalenian sequence at Coímbre cave (Asturias, Northern Iberian Peninsula): Adaptive strategies of hunter-gatherer groups in montane environments

The cave of Coímbre contains an important archaeological deposit divided into two different zones... more The cave of Coímbre contains an important archaeological deposit divided into two different zones, of which most of the excavations carried out to date have taken place in Zone B. Coímbre B displays a full and very interesting Magdalenian sequence (with Lower, Middle and Upper Magdalenian levels), in addition to a Gravettian layer. The excavations were performed from 2008 to 2012. The hunter-gatherers
who lived in Coímbre in the Upper Palaeolithic made use of several adaptation strategies allowing them to exploit all the abiotic and animal resources the environment afforded them. In this way, the faunal assemblage includes remains of ibex and chamois, associated with the mountains and crags in the immediate surroundings of the site, and also red deer, roe deer, aurochs and horses, indicating the exploitation of the animal resources living in the Besnes valley, at the foot of Sierra del Cuera. When the faunal remains in the Magdalenian levels, and those in the Gravettian layer, are analysed in greater detail, significant differences indicate a differential use of the terrain. Thus, in the Gravettian, the
preferential hunting of aurochs and red deer suggests the valleys in the vicinity were exploited while steeper and more mountainous areas were visited less. In contrast, in the Magdalenian, the most common faunal remains belong to ibex, which was the most hunted species. Together with ibex, chamois is also very common, whereas bovids are found in very small numbers in the Magdalenian levels. These
patterns reflect a change in the hunting behaviour of the occupants of the cave, in which the hunting of valley resources was transformed into a more intensive use of animals in more rugged areas, such as ibex and chamois. This paper presents the preliminary results of the study of Magdalenian occupations in Coímbre, following the excavations in Zone B, one of the most important places of Magdalenian human activities in Western Cantabria (northern Iberia).

Research paper thumbnail of El despoblado de Camarma del Caño (Camarma de Esteruelas)

Bolskan 21 (2004) 137-144, 2004

The construction of the sewage works and outlet of Valdeavero for the Purification Plan of the Co... more The construction of the sewage works and outlet of Valdeavero for the Purification Plan of the Community of Madrid has allowed us to set out the study of the area of open land of Camarma del Caño (Camarma de Esteruelas, Madrid) and define quite clearly the urban development of it.

Research paper thumbnail of ZOOARQUEOLOGÍA Y TAFONOMIA EN LOS COMIENZOS DE LA EDAD DEL HIERRO. El yacimiento de Las Camas (Villaverde, Madrid)

Memoria de Zooarqueología de Audema. Serie Protohistoria. Madrid, 2013

Research paper thumbnail of New virtual approach to the study of metallurgy through the analysis of slice marks from the Chalcolithic site of Zanjillas (Torrejón de Velasco, Madrid, Spain)

Archaeometry, 2023

While the discovery of metal objects is not common in Chalcolithic or Bronze Age sites, the study... more While the discovery of metal objects is not common in Chalcolithic or Bronze Age sites, the study of bone surface microscopic grooves from animal butchering can yield evidence of the use of metal artefacts in these contexts. Additionally, the presence of slice marks made with metal objects in Chalcolithic and Bronze Age sites has highlighted the use of metal in common practices beyond their ornamental application, as usually expected at the early stages of metallurgy. Here we present the study of the slice marks found at the Chalcolithic site of Zanjillas, using geometric morphometrics and machine learning algorithms, with the aim of identifying the nature of the tools used for carcass processing at the site. For this purpose, we replicate previous analyses considering slice marks produced with flint knapped stone tools and metal tools to generate a referential framework that serves as comparative to the Zanjillas sample. Our results suggest that most of the domestic activities related to carcass skinning, defleshing or evisceration in Zanjillas were still performed with flint artefacts.

Research paper thumbnail of Synergies Between Geomatics and Biological Sciences for the Creation of New Virtual Materials for Teaching Taphonomy

Lecture Notes in Educational Technology , 2023

The combined application of photogrammetric and geometric morphometric tools to the study of arch... more The combined application of photogrammetric and geometric morphometric tools to the study of archaeological remains is not usually addressed in the academic programme of undergraduate degrees, which results in the consequent lack of technological knowledge of future graduates. This research proposes the inclusion of a recently developed approach based on the techniques and tools of geomatics engineering and advanced statistical analysis in bachelor’s degrees in Archaeology, that aim at providing students with advance skills in several free/open software pieces, which might ultimately be particularly useful during working or research activities. The method uses 3D model visualisation techniques and statistical analysis based on geometric morphometrics to improve zooarchaeological/taphonomic studies through the investigation of bone surface modifications. The work presents a detailed description of the methodology to be reproduced by students, as well as a specific workflow for the generation of didactic material. The activity has been designed in a way that all the necessary material can be provided through the Moodle institutional learning platform. The comprehension of geomatics and geometric morphometric techniques and their application to archaeological problems will help students address questions of the human past from a more objective quantitative perspective. On one hand, this might help students improve their critical thinking, and, on the other hand, this new knowledge could help future archaeologist face the challenges of the labour market.

Research paper thumbnail of To den or not to den. Contributions to the taphonomic history of the Early Pleistocene site of Venta Micena 4 (Orce, Guadix-Baza Basin)

Quaternary Science Reviews, 2023

Venta Micena (Orce, Guadix-Baza Basin, Spain) is an Early Pleistocene locality renowned for the r... more Venta Micena (Orce, Guadix-Baza Basin, Spain) is an Early Pleistocene locality renowned for the richness and quality of its palaeontological record. VM is spread over an area of 2.5 km2, where several exposed fossil outcrops are visible amidst its gorges and ravines. The best known of these sites, VM3, has been interpreted as a hyaena den. In addition, a new site, named VM4, has recently been the focus of fieldwork and taphonomic studies. The publication by Luzón et al. (2021) pointed out that VM4 presents a more complex history than VM3. First, two different sub-levels were identified: VM4-I and VM4-II. Secondly, the preliminary taphonomic analysis showed conspicuous differences with regard to VM3. Nevertheless, such interpretation has been challenged by Palmqvist et al. (2022) who proposed that VM3 and VM4 are both the result of a single depositional process, entailing the selective transport of skeletal parts by the giant extinct hyaena Pachycrocuta brevirostris back to its den. Using well-preserved faunal elements whose depositional context and provenance are reliable, in this paper we show that: 1) there are two clearly defined sub-levels in VM4 with some shared taphonomic characteristics as well as some notable differences; 2) VM3 and VM4 exhibit enough divergence to support differences in site formation processes; 3) The interpretation of both VM4-I and VM4-II is more consistent with their characterisation as open-air sites in which multiple agents and depositional processes contributed to its formation, rather than with hyaena dens. Nevertheless, excavations are still in progress at VM4 and therefore any results and interpretations ought to be considered as provisional.

Research paper thumbnail of Geometric Morphometrics and Machine Learning Models Applied to the Study of Late Iron Age Cut Marks from Central Spain

Appl. Sci. 2023,

Recently the incorporation of artificial intelligence has allowed the development of valuable met... more Recently the incorporation of artificial intelligence has allowed the development of valuable
methodological advances in taphonomy. Some studies have achieved great precision in identifying
the carnivore that produced tooth marks. Additionally, other works focused on human activity have
managed to specify what type of tool or raw material was used in the filleting processes identified at
the sites. Through the use of geometric morphometrics and machine learning techniques, the present
study intends to analyze the cut marks of the Ulaca oppidum (Solosancho, Ávila, Spain) in order to
identify the type of tools used during carcass modification. Although the Ulaca oppidum is an Iron
Age site, the results suggest that most of the cut marks were produced with flint tools.

Research paper thumbnail of An Evaluation of Landmark-Based Methods to Explore Tooth Score Morphology: A Case Study on Felids and Hyenids

Appl. Sci. , 2023

Taphonomic studies aim to identify the modifying agents that intervene in bone assemblages found... more Taphonomic studies aim to identify the modifying agents that intervene in bone assemblages
found at archaeopaleontological sites. Carnivores may modify, accumulate, or scavenge
skeletal parts inflicting tooth marks, including scores, on the cortical surface. Several works have
studied tooth score morphology to discern which carnivore group modified the bone assemblages,
achieving different results. In the present study, different methods based on the use of landmarks
and semilandmarks have been tested to describe and analyze the score profile cross-sections of
spotted and brown hyenas, leopards, and lions. According to our results, the already published
seven-landmark method is useful in order to differentiate between carnivore species from different
families (e.g., felids and hyenids). Meanwhile, felid species (e.g., leopards and lions) cannot be
consistently distinguished using any of the methods tested here. In contrast, hyenid species can be
morphologically differentiated. On the other hand, the use of semilandmarks does not generally
improve morphological characterization and distinction, but low numbers of landmarks and the inclusion
of the score’s deepest point might provide the best results when semi-automatic semilandmark
models are preferred to avoid sampling biases.

Research paper thumbnail of The interaction between large mammals and Acheulean tools during the Middle Pleistocene in the Manzanares valley (Madrid, Spain): new evidence for Santa Elena and Oxígeno sites

The fluvial deposits of the Manzanares and Jarama rivers present one of the largest concentration... more The fluvial deposits of the Manzanares and Jarama rivers present one of the largest concentrations of lithic and faunal remains of Pleistocene sites in Europe. In the Manzanares River close to the confluence of the Jarama River, the stepped terrace system disappears and gives way to the Complex Terrace of Butarque (CTB), where the sites of Santa Elena and Oxígeno are located. Different numerical dates obtained from the visible CTB's bottom suggest that it was deposited during the MIS 6 or even MIS 7. This paper provides the first taphonomic and palaeoecological interpretation of both collections. A total of 445 fossil elements have been recorded in Oxígeno. The most represented are cranial fragments of Elephas sp. About Santa Elena, 130 fossil elements have been recorded. The best represented are fragments of Bos/Bison sp. horns and Elephas sp. tusks. The taphonomic processes identified at both sites bring to light a complex taphonomic history. The incidence of processes related to fluvial transport is higher in Oxígeno than in Santa Elena. Besides, dismemberment cut marks have been identified exclusively on the humerus of Bos primigenius in Santa Elena. Several tooth marks from carnivores have been recorded: small pits and scores at Oxígeno as well as pits and furrowing on Bos primigenius and Megaloceros sp. bones from Santa Elena. The faunal association depict an open landscape of wet meadows with herbaceous vegetation adjacent to riparian wood habitats associated with the Manzanares alluvial plain, where hominids and predators competed to some unknown extent.

Research paper thumbnail of Deciphering carnivoran competition for animal resources at the 1.46 Ma early Pleistocene site of Barranco Leon (Orce, Granada, Spain)

Deciphering carnivoran competition for animal resources at the 1.46 Ma early Pleistocene site of Barranco Leon (Orce, Granada, Spain), 2023

south-western Europe. This site has yielded human remains in association with both fauna and lith... more south-western Europe. This site has yielded human remains in association with both fauna and lithic
artefacts, linked through the presence of anthropogenic cut and percussion marks. Nevertheless, while
this site is a clear example of early hominin access to carcasses, the accumulations have been identified
as a palimpsest, where multiple agents including carnivorans played a role in modifying and interacting
in site formation processes. From this perspective, the interpretation and study of the Barranco Leon site
is of great difficulty. Traditionally, interpretations have presented Barranco Leon as an area where
hominins as well as the giant hyena, Pachycrocuta brevirostris, competed for access to carcasses left by
machairodontine felids, such as the saber-toothed Homotherium latidens. Nevertheless, as will be presented
in this study, the complexity and trophic pressure of Barranco Leon is much more complicated
than originally hypothesized. This study presents a detailed taphonomic analysis of carnivoran activities
in the level D1 of the Barranco Leon assemblage. 3D modelling, geometric morphometrics, and
computational learning are used to provide new insights into the tooth pits observed on faunal materials.
Here we show that Canis mosbachensis plays a pivotal role in the formation of the site, followed by
Pachycrocuta, Homotherium, Ursus etruscus, and Xenocyon (Lycaon) lycaonoides. From this perspective,
it can be seen that while Pachycrocuta and Homotherium were active agents in the formation of the site,
other carnivorans are also important agents to consider when investigating the Guadix Baza region.
© 2022 Elsevier Ltd. All rights

Research paper thumbnail of The fallow deer Dama celiae sp. nov. with two-pointed antlers from the Middle Pleistocene of Madrid, a contemporary of humans with Acheulean technology

We describe fossils of a new species of fallow deer, Dama celiae. It is the end member of the lin... more We describe fossils of a new species of fallow deer, Dama celiae. It is the end member of the lineage Dama farnetensis–D. vallonnetensis–D. roberti–D. celiae, which reduced the number of points of the antler from four to two, while the parallel lineage leading to the living fallow deer evolved more complex and palmate antlers. The fossils are from localities Pedro Jaro I and Orcasitas in the + 25–30-m terrace of the Manzanares river, which is correlated to MIS9 (337–300 ka) and which also yielded fossils of Megaloceros matritensis, a recently named species, end member of a lineage that survived longer than previously believed. A younger terrace of the Manzanares yielded remains of Haploidoceros, a rare deer known from two older localities in southern France and one younger locality in Spain. So many rare deer species in this valley indicates either endemism and a very special environment or that the record of fossil deer is much less known than generally assumed. Until recently, the European Middle Pleistocene record of deer had only one middle-sized species at a time. Now, it appears that there were up to three contemporaneous species of the size of a fallow deer. Acheulean lithic assemblages have been documented from the same sites as Dama celiae. This species was contemporaneous to Neanderthals with Acheulean culture. Cut marks suggest that it was consumed by them and probably was hunted.

Research paper thumbnail of Pineda et al 2021 marcas de corte

Geometric Morphometrics (GMMs) is a useful tool for the experimental characterization of differen... more Geometric Morphometrics (GMMs) is a useful tool for the experimental characterization of different taphonomic modifications on bone surfaces, including anthropogenic cut marks. Until now, most research has been conducted evaluating experimental and non-altered cut marks, in order to obtain a better control of the studied variables. However, in archaeological contexts, bones are frequently subject to different taphonomic alterations and, in most cases, bone surfaces and the associated taphonomic signals show different grades of alteration. In this study, we present an experimental approach in which experimental cut marks were produced, mechanically altered, digitized, and analyzed using GMMs, in order to provide an in-depth characterization of how overlying taphonomic traces can alter cut marks. In the experiment, 40 cut marks were subjected to abrasion by a mixture of distilled water, sands, and gravels, using a tumbling machine in a series of cumulative cycles for a total of 4 h: cycle 1 (0.5 ′), cycle 2 (0.5 ′), cycle 3 (1 h) and cycle 4 (2 h). Cut mark cross-section profiles were then obtained using 3D digital microscopy, and a 2D 7-landmark designed for cut mark analyses were employed. Our results show a clear statistical differentiation among non-altered cut marks belonging to Cycle 0, and altered cut marks. The depth and opening angle of cut marks appear to be the features with a higher weight in the differentiation between altered and non-altered cut marks. On the other hand, there are no distinctions when differentiating between the diverse altered cycles. These results, like those previously obtained in an experimental approach using a binocular microscope, point to the limitation of the identification of cut marks and other taphonomic signals in archaeological contexts with altered bone surfaces, caused by the fast alteration and the loss of diagnostic criteria of the bone surface modifications.