Gonzalo Aranda Jimenez
Universidad de Granada, Prehistoria y Arqueología, Faculty Member
- Archaeology, Ancient History, Prehistoric Archaeology, Archaeological Method & Theory, Funerary Archaeology, Neolithic Archaeology, and 28 moreArchaeological Theory, Mediterranean prehistory, Prehistory, Technology And Culture, Pottery (Archaeology), Landscapes in prehistory, Religion and ritual in prehistory, Prehistoric Settlement, Iberian Prehistory (Archaeology), Visualization Fashions--cultures, biases, disguises, ads, intents in what gets visualized how, Iberian archaeology, Eur, Antequera (Archaeology), Bronze Age Europe (Archaeology), Megalithic Monuments, Early Bronze Age (Archaeology), Bronze Age (Archaeology), Chronology, Ritual Practices, Development of complex societies, Edad Del Bronce, Ceramic Analysis (Archaeology), Megaliths (Archaeology), Neolithic Europe, Archaeology of the Iberian Peninsula, Social Archaeology, El Argar, and Neolithic & Chalcolithic Archaeologyedit
El Argar es la cultura arqueológica más importante de la Prehistoria española. Su descubrimiento a finales del siglo xix rápidamente despertó el interés internacional. Se trataba de unos restos arqueológicos pertenecientes a una sociedad... more
El Argar es la cultura arqueológica más importante de la Prehistoria española. Su descubrimiento a finales del siglo xix rápidamente despertó el interés internacional. Se trataba de unos restos arqueológicos pertenecientes a una sociedad «muy avanzada para su tiempo» que no tenían referente en la Europa occidental. Tras casi 140 años de
investigaciones, decenas de yacimientos excavados y más de 800 publicaciones científicas, El Argar mantiene plenamente su vigencia internacional y su capacidad de liderazgo e influencia en la arqueología española. El presente libro supone una síntesis actualizada del conocimiento sobre las sociedades argáricas, de forma que se puedan
entender los diferentes aspectos que han sido objeto de estudio, la información generada y los debates científicos actuales. En este sentido, se aborda el origen de estas comunidades, su marco territorial y temporal, sus prácticas agrícolas y ganaderas o las características del medioambiente al que tuvieron que enfrentarse. Varias innovaciones
culturales son objeto de especial atención. Los nuevos poblados argáricos situados en escarpados cerros es una de ellas. Sus cimas y laderas fueron ocupadas por un denso caserío de viviendas y edificios monumentales que evidencian una nueva concepción social y urbanística. Los enterramientos dejaron de ser colectivos y pasaron a ser individuales
y a localizarse en el interior de los poblados, habitualmente bajo el suelo de las viviendas. Por primera vez, la producción de objetos metálicos especialmente adornos, herramientas y en menor medida armas adquirió un desarrollo previamente desconocido. A través de los diferentes capítulos, se podrá conocer a unos grupos sociales que vivieron en el sureste peninsular hace 4000 años y que desarrollaron unas formas de
vida originales e innovadoras que invitan a la reflexión sobre la variabilidad cultural humana y sus complejas manifestaciones.
investigaciones, decenas de yacimientos excavados y más de 800 publicaciones científicas, El Argar mantiene plenamente su vigencia internacional y su capacidad de liderazgo e influencia en la arqueología española. El presente libro supone una síntesis actualizada del conocimiento sobre las sociedades argáricas, de forma que se puedan
entender los diferentes aspectos que han sido objeto de estudio, la información generada y los debates científicos actuales. En este sentido, se aborda el origen de estas comunidades, su marco territorial y temporal, sus prácticas agrícolas y ganaderas o las características del medioambiente al que tuvieron que enfrentarse. Varias innovaciones
culturales son objeto de especial atención. Los nuevos poblados argáricos situados en escarpados cerros es una de ellas. Sus cimas y laderas fueron ocupadas por un denso caserío de viviendas y edificios monumentales que evidencian una nueva concepción social y urbanística. Los enterramientos dejaron de ser colectivos y pasaron a ser individuales
y a localizarse en el interior de los poblados, habitualmente bajo el suelo de las viviendas. Por primera vez, la producción de objetos metálicos especialmente adornos, herramientas y en menor medida armas adquirió un desarrollo previamente desconocido. A través de los diferentes capítulos, se podrá conocer a unos grupos sociales que vivieron en el sureste peninsular hace 4000 años y que desarrollaron unas formas de
vida originales e innovadoras que invitan a la reflexión sobre la variabilidad cultural humana y sus complejas manifestaciones.
After more than a century of research, an enormous body of scientific literature in the field of El Argar studies has been generated, comprising some 700 bibliographic items. No fully-updated synthesis of the literature is available at... more
After more than a century of research, an enormous body of scientific literature in the field of El Argar studies has been generated, comprising some 700 bibliographic items. No fully-updated synthesis of the literature is available at the moment; recent works deal only with specific characteristics of Argaric societies or some of the regions where their influence spread. The Archaeology of Bronze Age Iberia offers a much-needed, comprehensive overview of Argaric Bronze Age societies, based on state-of-the-art research.
In addition to expounding on recent insights in such areas as Argaric origin and expansion, social practices, and socio-politics, the book offers reflections on current issues in the field, from questions concerning the genealogy of discourses on the subject, to matters related to professional practices. The book discusses the values and interests guiding the evolution of El Argar studies, while critically reexamining its history. Scholars and researchers in the fields of Prehistory and Archaeology will find this volume highly useful.
In addition to expounding on recent insights in such areas as Argaric origin and expansion, social practices, and socio-politics, the book offers reflections on current issues in the field, from questions concerning the genealogy of discourses on the subject, to matters related to professional practices. The book discusses the values and interests guiding the evolution of El Argar studies, while critically reexamining its history. Scholars and researchers in the fields of Prehistory and Archaeology will find this volume highly useful.
Research Interests:
Guess Who's Coming to Dinner examines how specific types of food were prepared and eaten during feasting rituals in prehistoric Europe and the Near East. Such rituals allowed people to build and maintain their power and prestige and to... more
Guess Who's Coming to Dinner examines how specific types of food were prepared and eaten during feasting rituals in prehistoric Europe and the Near East. Such rituals allowed people to build and maintain their power and prestige and to maintain or contest the status quo. At the same time, they also contributed to the inner cohesion and sense of community of a group. When eating and drinking together, people share thoughts and beliefs and perceive the world and human relationships in a certain way. The twelve contributions to this book reflect the main theoretical and methodological issues related to the study of food and feasting in prehistoric Europe and the Near East.
Research Interests:
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Megalithic Art in the Iberian Southeast began to be known with the first works at the Millares site published by Siret. Since then, there has been no systematic studies of these decorations, except for some works on singular stelae.... more
Megalithic Art in the Iberian Southeast began to
be known with the first works at the Millares site
published by Siret. Since then, there has been no
systematic studies of these decorations, except for
some works on singular stelae.
Panoria 17 is the first documented decorated
megalith in the Southeast. It also includes a
closing piece directly in front of a stele placed an
altar or podium. This changes the functionality of
the tomb, transforming it into a memorial sector
or sorts within the context of the necropolis.
Both contributions are unique in the context of
southeastern Iberian Megalitism.
This data supports the extension of the appropriation
of ancestral stones for the construction of burials
that, until now, had only been documented along
the Atlantic façade. Its novelty opens relevant
expectations for studies oriented to the analysis of
decorations of uprigths and statuary pieces, as a
neaded strategy to obtain data on the role of these
elements in funeral settings.
be known with the first works at the Millares site
published by Siret. Since then, there has been no
systematic studies of these decorations, except for
some works on singular stelae.
Panoria 17 is the first documented decorated
megalith in the Southeast. It also includes a
closing piece directly in front of a stele placed an
altar or podium. This changes the functionality of
the tomb, transforming it into a memorial sector
or sorts within the context of the necropolis.
Both contributions are unique in the context of
southeastern Iberian Megalitism.
This data supports the extension of the appropriation
of ancestral stones for the construction of burials
that, until now, had only been documented along
the Atlantic façade. Its novelty opens relevant
expectations for studies oriented to the analysis of
decorations of uprigths and statuary pieces, as a
neaded strategy to obtain data on the role of these
elements in funeral settings.
Research Interests:
The human and animal remains found at the megalithic necropolis of Panoría (Darro, Granada) are discussed in this paper. The results stress different conclusions related to the funerary ritual and the features of the buried population.... more
The human and animal remains found at the
megalithic necropolis of Panoría
(Darro, Granada) are discussed in this paper. The
results stress different conclusions related to
the funerary ritual and the features of the buried
population. The anthropological characterization
shows a population without biases of sex and
age, although with a clear under-representation
of subadult individuals as result of probably
taphonomic processes. The health conditions
are dominated by degenerative joint diseases,
followed by infectious disease and trauma. The
oral pathologies are consistent with a diet low in
carbohydrates. Particularly noteworthy are the
marks such as grooves and notches found in three
teeth probably related to thread and cordages
preparation. Marine shells, sometimes modified to
be used as necklace beads, and animal phalanges
also were found as grave goods.
megalithic necropolis of Panoría
(Darro, Granada) are discussed in this paper. The
results stress different conclusions related to
the funerary ritual and the features of the buried
population. The anthropological characterization
shows a population without biases of sex and
age, although with a clear under-representation
of subadult individuals as result of probably
taphonomic processes. The health conditions
are dominated by degenerative joint diseases,
followed by infectious disease and trauma. The
oral pathologies are consistent with a diet low in
carbohydrates. Particularly noteworthy are the
marks such as grooves and notches found in three
teeth probably related to thread and cordages
preparation. Marine shells, sometimes modified to
be used as necklace beads, and animal phalanges
also were found as grave goods.
Research Interests:
The chronology and temporality of the different ritual and funerary practices is a key aspect in the study of megalithic societies. The cemetery of Panoría offers an excellent opportunity for exploring ritual complexity in Iberia through... more
The chronology and temporality of the different
ritual and funerary practices is a key aspect in
the study of megalithic societies. The cemetery of
Panoría offers an excellent opportunity for exploring
ritual complexity in Iberia through radiocarbon
chronology. For this purpose, seventy-three
radiocarbon dates were obtained and analysed
within a statistical framework. The resulting refined
chronology has led us to three main conclusions: i)
in all tombs, the second half of the 4th millennium
cal BC was an intensive but brief period of funerary
depositions, probably over three to six generations;
ii) after a long hiatus, most of the dolmens were
reused in the 25th and 21st centuries cal BC during
even shorter periods, spanning just a few decades
and approximately one to four generations; and
(iii) long after the funerary rituals had ended in the
21st century, the necropolis was reused in the 5th
century AD, during the Late Antiquity.
ritual and funerary practices is a key aspect in
the study of megalithic societies. The cemetery of
Panoría offers an excellent opportunity for exploring
ritual complexity in Iberia through radiocarbon
chronology. For this purpose, seventy-three
radiocarbon dates were obtained and analysed
within a statistical framework. The resulting refined
chronology has led us to three main conclusions: i)
in all tombs, the second half of the 4th millennium
cal BC was an intensive but brief period of funerary
depositions, probably over three to six generations;
ii) after a long hiatus, most of the dolmens were
reused in the 25th and 21st centuries cal BC during
even shorter periods, spanning just a few decades
and approximately one to four generations; and
(iii) long after the funerary rituals had ended in the
21st century, the necropolis was reused in the 5th
century AD, during the Late Antiquity.
Research Interests:
The transition between the Copper Age and the Argaric Bronze Age in southeastern Iberia has traditionally been understood in an evolutionary framework that would have involved the replacement of some cultural forms by others. The... more
The transition between the Copper Age and the Argaric Bronze Age in southeastern Iberia has traditionally been understood in an evolutionary framework that would have involved the replacement of some cultural forms by others. The chronology of megalithic societies has changed this assumption, revealing that the continuity of ancestral funerary practices is also a key feature of the Bronze Age. In this context, the new radiocarbon series from Los Eriales discussed in this paper can be considered a key contribution. Three main aspects stand out according to their statistical analysis: i) Los Eriales should be considered the most recent Iberian megalithic cemetery, as ritual activity began in the last centuries of the third millennium cal BC; ii) funerary activity took place during short events of intensive ritual depositions spanning a few decades, mainly in the 21st and 18th centuries; and iii) Los Eriales cemetery was mainly used during the Argaric period, which means the coexistence of two very different funerary practices: collective megalithic rituals and individual intramural inhumations. The continuity of megalithic rituals can be explained in terms of resilience to the social fragmentation that characterised Argaric societies.
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Our ability to build precise narratives regarding megalithic funerary rituals largely depends on an accurate understanding of bone assemblage formation. The cemetery of Panoría offers an excellent opportunity for exploring the ritual... more
Our ability to build precise narratives regarding megalithic funerary rituals largely depends on an accurate understanding of bone assemblage formation. The cemetery of Panoría offers an excellent opportunity for exploring the ritual variability through the study of funerary taphonomy, as four of the nine recently excavated dolmens are remarkably well-preserved. Based on a multi-proxy approach that includes the contextual archaeological features, skeletal preservation and representation indexes, taphonomic processes, and radiocarbon chronology, three main ritual practices can be outlined: (i) primary sequential inhumations followed by the differential in situ decomposition of skeletal remains; (ii) the selective removal of crania and long bones; and (iii) the curation of subadult crania and probably long bones. The use-life of tombs, the intensity of mortuary depositions, and the intentional protection of specific bones appear as key aspects for understanding the variability in bone assemblage formation.
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En el año 2012, iniciamos un programa de dataciones radiocarbónicas con el objetivo de estudiar la cronología y temporalidad del megalitismo en el sureste peninsular. Como parte de este programa se han estudiado diferentes necrópolis... more
En el año 2012, iniciamos un programa de dataciones radiocarbónicas con el objetivo de estudiar
la cronología y temporalidad del megalitismo en el sureste peninsular. Como parte de este programa se han
estudiado diferentes necrópolis almerienses como El Barranquete en Níjar, Las Churuletas, Llanos del Jautón
y La Atalaya, todas ellas en Purchena, o Loma Belmonte y Loma del Campo en Mojácar. En este contexto, en
el año 2018 centramos nuestra atención en la necrópolis de Los Millares consiguiendo una amplia serie de
dataciones que ha permitido establecer dos conclusiones principales: i) la actividad funeraria se inició en los
últimos siglos del IV milenio cal a.C., aproximadamente unos 200 años antes que la fundación del poblado; y ii)
la importante innovación que supuso la aparición de un nuevo tipo de monumento megalítico como los tholoi
se produjo por primera vez en Los Millares desde donde se extendieron de forma progresiva a otras comarcas
peninsulares hasta alcanzar la península de Lisboa.
la cronología y temporalidad del megalitismo en el sureste peninsular. Como parte de este programa se han
estudiado diferentes necrópolis almerienses como El Barranquete en Níjar, Las Churuletas, Llanos del Jautón
y La Atalaya, todas ellas en Purchena, o Loma Belmonte y Loma del Campo en Mojácar. En este contexto, en
el año 2018 centramos nuestra atención en la necrópolis de Los Millares consiguiendo una amplia serie de
dataciones que ha permitido establecer dos conclusiones principales: i) la actividad funeraria se inició en los
últimos siglos del IV milenio cal a.C., aproximadamente unos 200 años antes que la fundación del poblado; y ii)
la importante innovación que supuso la aparición de un nuevo tipo de monumento megalítico como los tholoi
se produjo por primera vez en Los Millares desde donde se extendieron de forma progresiva a otras comarcas
peninsulares hasta alcanzar la península de Lisboa.
Cultural diversity does not only occur in the longterm but also among social groups that coexisted chronologically and spatially. This is the case of the megalithic societies that coexisted from approximately 2200 calBC onwards with the... more
Cultural diversity does not only occur in the longterm but also among social groups that coexisted chronologically and spatially. This is the case of the megalithic societies that coexisted from approximately
2200 calBC onwards with the Argaric Bronze Age communities in southeastern Iberia. These groups differ markedly in their mortuary
rituals. In addition to the continuity and reuse of earlier collective megalithic cemeteries, there were individual inhumations inside settlements. Palaeodietary analyses offer an excellent opportunity for
a better understanding of this cultural diversity. The carbon (δ13C) and nitrogen (δ15N) composition of a sample of 194 individuals belonging to three megalithic cemeteries (Los Millares, El Barranquete and Panoría) and to four Argaric settlements (Cerro de la Virgen and Cuesta del Negro, Gatas and La Bastida) are analysed and compared. The
results led to four main conclusions:
(i) subsistence strategies in both megalithic and Argaric populations were based on a mixed economy of herding and farming without any
relevant consumption of aquatic resources (marine and freshwater);
(ii) megalithic societies evidence a rather homogeneous dietary pattern in contrast to the greater inter-individual variability found among
Argaric peoples;
(iii) the consumption of domesticated animals and dairy products has increased during the El Argar period, although access to such
high-quality foodstuffs would have been rather asymmetrical;
(iv) in contrast to the Argaric societies, the contemporary megalithic Bronze Age communities had a more conservative dietary pattern,
emphasising the continuity of traditional consumption habits.
2200 calBC onwards with the Argaric Bronze Age communities in southeastern Iberia. These groups differ markedly in their mortuary
rituals. In addition to the continuity and reuse of earlier collective megalithic cemeteries, there were individual inhumations inside settlements. Palaeodietary analyses offer an excellent opportunity for
a better understanding of this cultural diversity. The carbon (δ13C) and nitrogen (δ15N) composition of a sample of 194 individuals belonging to three megalithic cemeteries (Los Millares, El Barranquete and Panoría) and to four Argaric settlements (Cerro de la Virgen and Cuesta del Negro, Gatas and La Bastida) are analysed and compared. The
results led to four main conclusions:
(i) subsistence strategies in both megalithic and Argaric populations were based on a mixed economy of herding and farming without any
relevant consumption of aquatic resources (marine and freshwater);
(ii) megalithic societies evidence a rather homogeneous dietary pattern in contrast to the greater inter-individual variability found among
Argaric peoples;
(iii) the consumption of domesticated animals and dairy products has increased during the El Argar period, although access to such
high-quality foodstuffs would have been rather asymmetrical;
(iv) in contrast to the Argaric societies, the contemporary megalithic Bronze Age communities had a more conservative dietary pattern,
emphasising the continuity of traditional consumption habits.
Research Interests:
Our ability to build precise narratives regarding megalithic societies largely depends on the chronology of the multi-ritual events that usually shaped these complex sites. The cemetery of Panoría offers an excellent opportunity for... more
Our ability to build precise narratives regarding megalithic societies largely depends on the chronology of the multi-ritual events that usually shaped these complex sites. The cemetery of Panoría offers an excellent opportunity for exploring ritual complexity in Iberia through radiocarbon chronology, as four of the nine recently excavated dolmens are remarkably well preserved. For this purpose, seventy-three radiocarbon dates were obtained and analysed within a Bayesian framework. The resulting refined chronology has led us to three main conclusions: i) in all tombs, the second half of the 4th millennium cal BC was an intensive but brief period of funerary depositions, probably over three to six generations; ii) after a long hiatus, most of the dolmens were reused in the 25th and 21st centuries cal BC during even shorter periods, spanning just a few decades and approximately one to four generations; and (iii) long after the funerary rituals had ended in the 21st century, the memory of the cemetery was revived in Late Antiquity. These short, punctuated periods of use are highly consistent with those seen in a growing number of European megalithic monuments. From Britain to Iberia, a pattern of short spans of use is dramatically changing our perception of the social and political roles of these complex monuments.
Research Interests:
Our ability to build precise narratives regarding megalithic societies largely depends on the chronology of the multi-ritual events that usually shaped these complex sites. The cemetery of Panoría offers an excellent opportunity for... more
Our ability to build precise narratives regarding megalithic societies largely depends on the chronology of the multi-ritual events that usually shaped these complex sites. The cemetery of Panoría offers an excellent opportunity for exploring ritual complexity in Iberia through radiocarbon chronology, as four of the nine recently excavated dolmens are remarkably well preserved. For this purpose, seventy-three radiocarbon dates were obtained and analysed within a Bayesian framework. The resulting refined chronology has led us to three main conclusions: i) in all tombs, the second half of the 4th millennium cal BC was an intensive but brief period of funerary depositions, probably over three to six generations; ii) after a long hiatus, most of the dolmens were reused in the 25th and 21st centuries cal BC during even shorter periods, spanning just a few decades and approximately one to four generations; and (iii) long after the funerary rituals had ended in the 21st century, the memory of the cemetery was revived in Late Antiquity. These short, punctuated periods of use are highly consistent with those seen in a growing number of European megalithic monuments. From Britain to Iberia, a pattern of short spans of use is dramatically changing our perception of the social and political roles of these complex monuments.
Research Interests:
Thanks to recent radiocarbon dating developments, there is now a robust and reliable radiocarbon series for exploring one of the most characteristic kinds of megalithic monument in Iberia, the tholos-type tomb. The new series of 193 dates... more
Thanks to recent radiocarbon dating developments, there is now a robust and reliable radiocarbon series for exploring one of the most characteristic kinds of megalithic monument in Iberia, the tholos-type tomb. The new series of 193 dates has been taken from 42 monuments spread across the south of Spain and central and southern Portugal. This chronological series has been analysed using statistical models and spatial analytical tools. The results have led us to four main conclusions: i) the tholos-type tombs appeared for the first time in southeastern Iberia around the 32 nd century cal BC as an independent development; ii) from that region they progressively spread out to reach their maximum expansion in the 29 th century cal BC; iii) Tholoi also differ regionally in their periods of use: long periods of mortuary activity in the southeast versus short periods in the southwest; and iv) from 2200 cal BC onwards funerary rituals were restricted to occasional reuse practices except in the southeast where two pulses of mortuary activity can be found in the 19 th and 14 th centuries cal BC. This regional variability indicates that there were different social trajectories in the two main focuses of tholos-type tombs, southeastern and southwestern Iberia.
Research Interests:
In traditional narratives the continuity and reuse of megalithic monuments during the Argaric Bronze Age were considered typical of marginal communities in process of "acculturation". However, recent developments have shown that... more
In traditional narratives the continuity and reuse of megalithic monuments during the Argaric Bronze Age were considered typical of marginal communities in process of "acculturation". However,
recent developments have shown that megalithic cemeteries were intensively used during the Argaric period, which means that mortuary
practices in collective monuments coexisted with individual burials inside settlements. These opposing ways of understanding ritual practices can be explained in terms of cultural resistance to the
process of social fragmentation that characterised Argaric communities. Social groups involved in these ritual practices found in megalithic landscapes the perfect setting for fostering a sense of collective identity in opposition to the new and more individual Argaric identities.
recent developments have shown that megalithic cemeteries were intensively used during the Argaric period, which means that mortuary
practices in collective monuments coexisted with individual burials inside settlements. These opposing ways of understanding ritual practices can be explained in terms of cultural resistance to the
process of social fragmentation that characterised Argaric communities. Social groups involved in these ritual practices found in megalithic landscapes the perfect setting for fostering a sense of collective identity in opposition to the new and more individual Argaric identities.
Research Interests:
Las prácticas funerarias de la Edad del Bronce en Málaga se caracterizan por la continuidad y reutilización de sepulturas colectivas y por la innovación que supuso la aparición de las necrópolis de cistas asociadas a enterramientos... more
Las prácticas funerarias de la Edad del Bronce en Málaga se caracterizan por la continuidad y reutilización de sepulturas colectivas y por la innovación que supuso la aparición de las necrópolis de cistas asociadas a enterramientos individua-les. La persistencia en el uso de tumbas megalíticas y cuevas artificiales no solo quedaría atestiguada por ajuares funerarios y dataciones radiocarbónicas de la Edad del Bronce, sino también por la continuidad en la construcción de nuevos espacios de enterramiento colectivo, especialmente hipogeos. Frente a la relevancia de este fenómeno, la aparición de las sepulturas en cistas habría tenido una trascendencia social muy limitada, o al menos así parece desprenderse del exiguo consumo de objetos de alto valor social como los adornos realizados en plata. Esto indicaría que las prácticas sociales colectivas tuvieron una mayor pervivencia frente a las tendencias de individualización propias de la Edad del Bronce.
Research Interests:
En este trabajo se da a conocer el recinto de fosos prehistórico del Cerro de los Vientos, localizado en la población de Puente del Obispo (Jaén, España). Se presentan su planta completa, las estructuras que lo componen, la... more
En este trabajo se da a conocer el recinto de fosos prehistórico del Cerro de los Vientos, localizado en la población de Puente del Obispo (Jaén, España). Se presentan su planta completa, las estructuras que lo componen, la caracterización de los conjuntos cerámicos y líticos hallados en sus rellenos, dos dataciones inéditas y el análisis polínico realizado en el yacimiento. Estos estudios han permitido reconocer la construcción de dos fosos concéntricos y más de noventa fosas circulares realizadas durante la Edad del Cobre. Un espacio de ocupación que, además, experimentará la construcción de nuevas estructuras en negativo, algunas construcciones en mampostería y la completa amortización de su foso central durante la Edad del Bronce.
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
In 2012, the authors undertook a radiocarbon dating programme to explore the chronology of southern Iberian megalithic societies. Thirty new radiocarbon dates were obtained for two tholos-type tombs, Loma de Belmonte and Loma del Campo 2,... more
In 2012, the authors undertook a radiocarbon dating programme to explore the chronology of southern Iberian megalithic societies. Thirty new radiocarbon dates were obtained for two tholos-type tombs, Loma de Belmonte and Loma del Campo 2, and analysed within a Bayesian framework. Results are discussed in the context of the prehistoric societies of the region and four main conclusions were reached: i) in both tombs, mortuary activity started in the last century of the fourth millennium although with significant differences in their timespan; ii) funerary rituals ended in Loma de Belmonte at least five centuries later than in Loma del Campo 2; iii) the tholoi can be considered the most recent type of tomb compared to other megalithic monuments with mortuary activity beginning in the first centuries of the fourth millennium; iv) the largest and most prominent settlement of the region, Las Pilas, was closely associated with this funerary and sacred landscape.
Research Interests:
The formation of commingled human bone assemblages is a key aspect for better understanding funerary rituals. The megalithic cemetery of Panoría (Spain) provides an excellent opportunity to explore bone assemblage formation thanks to the... more
The formation of commingled human bone assemblages is a key aspect for better understanding funerary rituals. The megalithic cemetery of Panoría (Spain) provides an excellent opportunity to explore bone assemblage formation thanks to the recent excavation of an undisturbed burial. For this purpose, we have approached the differential skeletal representation found between bone and teeth at the site through radiocarbon (14 C) dating and Bayesian modeling. The comparison between the series of 14 C dates on bone (n=12) and teeth (n=14) stress three main aspects: (1) the dates of teeth show a long period of funerary use before the deposition of the human bone remains; (2) both kinds of samples appear to be chronologically sequenced; the end of the teeth 14 C series matches with the beginning of human bone deposition; and (3) bone remains span a short period, not more than a few decades, which probably represents the last episode of intense mortuary activity. These differences suggest that teeth could be the evidence of skeletal depositions subsequently removed from the tomb. The deposition and removal of bone remains emerge as key aspects in the formation of the bone assemblage.
Research Interests:
In 2012, a radiocarbon dating programme was undertaken to explore the chronology and temporality of megalithic monuments in south-eastern Iberia. After obtaining a new radiocarbon series of 90 dates that have changed many of our current... more
In 2012, a radiocarbon dating programme was undertaken to explore the chronology and temporality of megalithic monuments in
south-eastern Iberia. After obtaining a new radiocarbon series of 90 dates that have changed many of our current approaches to
this phenomenon, we have expanded the radiocarbon programme to one of the most iconic megalithic necropolises in Iberia, the
cemetery of Los Millares. The new radiocarbon series modelled in a Bayesian framework was analysed in the context of the site
including the settlement and the surrounding “forts”. The results led us to four main conclusions: (i) that mortuary activity began
in last centuries of the 4th millennium cal BC (3219–3124 cal BC, 68%probability), preceding the settlement foundation by up to
230 years; (ii) that the tombs appear to have been used at different times and with different intensities; (iii) that “forts” were built
when most of the settlement was abandoned and only the inner enclosure would remain inhabited; and (iv) that the end of the
funerary and housing activities occurred in similar chronological intervals, before ca. 2200 cal BC.
south-eastern Iberia. After obtaining a new radiocarbon series of 90 dates that have changed many of our current approaches to
this phenomenon, we have expanded the radiocarbon programme to one of the most iconic megalithic necropolises in Iberia, the
cemetery of Los Millares. The new radiocarbon series modelled in a Bayesian framework was analysed in the context of the site
including the settlement and the surrounding “forts”. The results led us to four main conclusions: (i) that mortuary activity began
in last centuries of the 4th millennium cal BC (3219–3124 cal BC, 68%probability), preceding the settlement foundation by up to
230 years; (ii) that the tombs appear to have been used at different times and with different intensities; (iii) that “forts” were built
when most of the settlement was abandoned and only the inner enclosure would remain inhabited; and (iv) that the end of the
funerary and housing activities occurred in similar chronological intervals, before ca. 2200 cal BC.
Research Interests:
In the last few decades, the discovery of large ditched enclosures in Iberia has revealed the diversity and complexity of deposition and manipulation of human bone remains. Alongside traditional ritual burials (mainly megalithic tombs and... more
In the last few decades, the discovery of large ditched enclosures in Iberia has revealed the diversity and complexity of deposition and manipulation of human bone remains. Alongside traditional ritual burials (mainly megalithic tombs and hypogea), fragmented and scattered human bones mixed with other kinds of material culture began to appear in many features. This is the case for Ditch 5 at Marroquíes, which offers an excellent opportunity to explore this ritual behaviour. Based on a multi-proxy approach, three main conclusions can be drawn: 1) the skeletal elements present show deliberate selection of particular categories of bones; 2) depositional episodes included the remains of people who died at different points in time and were subject to different taphonomic processes, and 3) mobility patterns indicate that all individuals, with one possible exception, were local. The movement and manipulations of body parts may reflect the active role of people after death as social and symbolic elements that retain agency and capacity for action.
Research Interests:
Es wird ein dokumentarischer Bestand mit 46 Zeichnungen von archäologischen Fundstücken, die Hermanfrid Schubart zwischen 1963 und 1980 dokumentiert hat, analysiert. Bei den dargestellten Artefakten handelt es sich hauptsächlich um... more
Es wird ein dokumentarischer Bestand mit 46 Zeichnungen von archäologischen Fundstücken, die Hermanfrid Schubart zwischen 1963 und 1980 dokumentiert hat, analysiert. Bei den dargestellten Artefakten handelt es sich hauptsächlich um Grabbeigaben, die überwiegend aus der Provinz Granada stammen und der El-Argar-Kultur zugeschrieben werden können.
This chapter provides an alternative interpretation of interpersonal and intergroup violence in Argaric society from southeast Iberia. As with many other cultures of the European Bronze Age, Argaric society has traditionally been... more
This chapter provides an alternative interpretation of interpersonal and intergroup violence in Argaric society from southeast Iberia. As with many other cultures of the European Bronze Age, Argaric society has traditionally been considered violent and war-like. According to this narrative, the emergence of complex polities in the Argaric Early Bronze Age would go hand in hand with the rise of new, individualistic, and self-interested warrior elites competing for political power. As argued in the chapter, however, a critical analysis of the archaeological evidence does not corroborate this reading. Defensive structures do not provide conclusive evidence for widespread conflict, for very few settlements comprise fortifications enclosing large portions of the inhabited area. Specialised weapons such as swords and halberds are ambiguous to interpret due to their limited numbers, unusual presence of use-wears, heterogeneous shapes and dimensions, and varying technological features. As for the skeletal trauma from the Argaric Bronze Age, this can clearly be ascribed to interpersonal violence. However, the prevalent blunt force cranial trauma caused by bludgeoning weapons such as maces and clubs, and the absence of postcranial sharp injuries caused by metallic blades, argue against established interpretations of widespread warfare waged by elite warriors armed with metal weapons. Based on alternative personhood models, Argaric violence is reinterpreted here as a social strategy aimed at regulating conflict with few or no fatalities.
Research Interests:
A B S T R A C T Thanks to the radiocarbon dating programme undertaken in the last five years, it is now possible to explore the chronology and temporality of the megalithic phenomenon of southeastern Iberia. Ninety new dates have been... more
A B S T R A C T Thanks to the radiocarbon dating programme undertaken in the last five years, it is now possible to explore the chronology and temporality of the megalithic phenomenon of southeastern Iberia. Ninety new dates have been obtained based on human bone samples selected according to the minimum number of individuals identified in each tomb. Four main conclusions can be drawn from this radiocarbon series modelled in a Bayesian framework: i) the funerary rituals span a very long period that began in 3810–3635 cal BC and ended in 425–690 cal AD, although the mortuary activity was far less intense from the end of the second millennium; ii) the tombs were built at different times and used on different temporal scales, ranging from a few decades to several centuries; iii) although there is a clear chronological sequence between the tholoi and the other types of tomb, all were con-temporaneous during the 3rd millennium, coinciding with their peak mortuary activity; and iv) the continuity of mortuary practices reached an unexpected importance during the Bronze Age, mainly in the tholos-type tombs.
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El estudio de los restos óseos humanos y animales documentados en la excavación de las tumbas 6, 7, 8, 10 y 18 de la necrópolis megalítica de Panoría (Darro, Granada) permite establecer varias conclusiones sobre el ritual funerario y las... more
El estudio de los restos óseos humanos y animales documentados en la excavación de las tumbas 6, 7, 8, 10 y 18 de la necrópolis megalítica de Panoría (Darro, Granada) permite establecer varias conclusiones sobre el ritual funerario y las características de la población enterrada. La convivencia de restos óseos mezclados y superpuestos junto a partes anatómicas que mantienen sus conexiones sugiere un ritual consistente en enterramientos en posición primaria cuyos restos fueron posteriormente transformados y desplazados por sucesivas deposiciones mortuorias. Por su parte, la caracterización antropológica muestra a una población sin sesgos de sexo o edad más allá de una clara infrarrepresentación de individuos infantiles, resultado posiblemente de procesos tafonómicos. Las patologías degenerativas son las más habituales seguidas de
traumatismos, procesos infecciosos, alteraciones metabólicas y estados carenciales. El estado de salud buco-dental es consistente con una dieta baja en carbohidratos.
traumatismos, procesos infecciosos, alteraciones metabólicas y estados carenciales. El estado de salud buco-dental es consistente con una dieta baja en carbohidratos.
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Funerary practices normally appear to archaeologists as intricate palimpsests. The frequent use of funerary spaces, in many cases during long periods, produces a mass of human bones together with other kind of ritual depositions that were... more
Funerary practices normally appear to archaeologists as intricate palimpsests. The frequent use of funerary spaces, in many cases during long periods, produces a mass of human bones together with other kind of ritual depositions that were found piled on top of each other, overlapping in many occasions. Primary depositions were typically disturbed by later activities, mainly subsequent burials, but also by horizontal and vertical displacements as a result of factors such as gravity and voids created by the decomposition of soft tissue. Approaching the study of these archaeological contexts is as much as trying to understand the different practices that involve the accumulation and transformation of successive and partially preserved ritual activities. As Gavin Lucas (2005) has pointed out, palimpsests " refer to the traces of multiple, overlapping activities over variable periods of time and the variable erasing of earlier traces ". Temporality appears in such archaeological contexts as a key feature to untangle their complex biographies. The stratigraphic sequence is an obvious criterion but its degree of resolution is low when we confront with layers of multiple events formed during an uncertain chronological period. High-resolution chronological methods and the statistical modelling of large series of dates emerge as the best way to understand not only the general temporality of palimpsests, but also to identify different episodes of deposition, their time span, intensity and chronological hiatuses. The aim of this session is to discuss the particular nature of this kind of contexts and how we can explore their temporality with different high-resolution chronological methods. We invite to submit your abstracts before February 15 th at https://www.e-a-a.org/EAA2018/
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Por primera vez en el estudio del fenómeno megalítico del sureste de la Península Ibérica se ha obtenido una serie radiocarbónica para el análisis de sus manifestaciones más antiguas. Se han datado 30 restos antropológicos de sepulturas... more
Por primera vez en el estudio del fenómeno megalítico
del sureste de la Península Ibérica se ha obtenido una serie
radiocarbónica para el análisis de sus manifestaciones
más antiguas. Se han datado 30 restos antropológicos de
sepulturas tipo rundgräber y de tumbas de cámara y corredor
pertenecientes a las necrópolis de Las Churuletas,
La Atalaya y Llano de El Jautón. El análisis estadístico
de esta serie radiocarbónica ha permitido establecer las
siguientes conclusiones: i) el inicio de la actividad funeraria
ocurriría entre el 3730-3650 cal BC y el final entre el
2395-2270 cal BC; ii) las sepulturas tipo rundgräber son
las que poseen una duración más corta, finalizando entre
el 2650-2505 cal BC; iii) la datación de diferentes sepulturas
y necrópolis muestra una importante heterogeneidad
en sus periodos de uso; y iv) a partir de principios del III
milenio se produciría una significativa intensificación de
la actividad funeraria paralela al incremento demográfico
y desarrollo del poblamiento.
del sureste de la Península Ibérica se ha obtenido una serie
radiocarbónica para el análisis de sus manifestaciones
más antiguas. Se han datado 30 restos antropológicos de
sepulturas tipo rundgräber y de tumbas de cámara y corredor
pertenecientes a las necrópolis de Las Churuletas,
La Atalaya y Llano de El Jautón. El análisis estadístico
de esta serie radiocarbónica ha permitido establecer las
siguientes conclusiones: i) el inicio de la actividad funeraria
ocurriría entre el 3730-3650 cal BC y el final entre el
2395-2270 cal BC; ii) las sepulturas tipo rundgräber son
las que poseen una duración más corta, finalizando entre
el 2650-2505 cal BC; iii) la datación de diferentes sepulturas
y necrópolis muestra una importante heterogeneidad
en sus periodos de uso; y iv) a partir de principios del III
milenio se produciría una significativa intensificación de
la actividad funeraria paralela al incremento demográfico
y desarrollo del poblamiento.
Inspired by the biographical approach to the study of material culture, a radiocarbon dating programme was undertaken to explore the chronology and temporality of the megalithic monuments in southeastern Iberia. Instead of one or two... more
Inspired by the biographical approach to the study of material culture, a radiocarbon dating programme was undertaken to explore the chronology and temporality of the megalithic monuments in southeastern Iberia. Instead of one or two dates per tomb, the normal way of approaching this complex issue, we carried out a complete radiocarbon dating series of single tombs based on human remains. We focused our attention on four tholos-type tombs in the cemetery of El Barranquete (Almería, Spain). According to the new radiocarbon series modelled in a Bayesian framework, four main conclusions can be drawn: that the cemetery shows a very long period of funerary activity, which began in the late fourth millennium and ended in the last centuries of the second millennium cal BC; that continuity of ritual practices attained an unexpected importance during the Bronze Age; that interments, which fall into cultural periods that would be unthinkable if only the typological properties of the grave goods were considered, occurred; and that each tomb had a complex and very different biography.
Research Interests:
An excavation carried out at the megalithic necropolis of Panoria in 2015 offered an excellent opportunity for dating a widespread variety of polygonal, rectangular, and trapezoidal-shaped tombs with short passages for which,... more
An excavation carried out at the megalithic necropolis of Panoria in 2015 offered an excellent opportunity for dating a widespread variety of polygonal, rectangular, and trapezoidal-shaped tombs with short passages for which, surprisingly, there were previously no known radiocarbon (14 C) measurements available. Based on the anthropological remains, a series of 19 14 C dates was obtained and modeled in a Bayesian statistical framework. The results stress a long period of use that began in the Late Neolithic (3525–3195 cal BC), reaching the most intensive ritual activity during the Copper Age and ending in the Early Bronze Age (2125–1980 cal BC). Throughout this period, tombs were built at different times and used at different temporal scales and intensities, ranging from a few decades to centuries.
Research Interests:
The characterization of materials used in the construction of megalithic monuments can be considered a key aspect for a better understanding of the social behavior of past societies. The excavation of four dolmens and one small cist in... more
The characterization of materials used in the construction of megalithic monuments can be considered a key aspect for a better understanding of the social behavior of past societies. The excavation of four dolmens and one small cist in 2015 at the megalithic necropolis of Panoria (Granada, Spain) offered an excellent opportunity to explore the geological properties and potential source area(s) of the uprights used in their construction. All the stone slabs came from the same raw material: fine-grained, beige to pink limestones that occasionally show red and black chert nodules, with wavy stratifications and a packstone texture. Comparison with the geological properties of the surrounding outcrops matches a lithostratigraphy known as the Ammonitico Rosso Formation. Thus, it seems safe to say that the quarry area was located next to the necropolis. Explanations other than the traditional practical reasons have been put forward to understand why the stone slabs were quarried from the same mountain in which the tombs were located.
Research Interests:
Inspired by the biographical approach to the study of material culture, a radiocarbon dating programme was undertaken to explore the chronology and temporality of the megalithic monuments in southeastern Iberia. Instead of one or two... more
Inspired by the biographical approach to the study of material culture, a radiocarbon dating programme was undertaken to explore the chronology and temporality of the megalithic monuments in southeastern Iberia. Instead of one or two dates per tomb, the normal way of approaching this complex issue, we carried out a complete radiocarbon dating series of single tombs based on human remains. We focused our attention on four tholos-type tombs in the cemetery of El Barranquete (Almería, Spain). According to the new radiocarbon series modelled in a Bayesian framework, four main conclusions can be drawn: that the cemetery shows a very long period of funerary activity, which began in the late fourth millennium and ended in the last centuries of the second millennium cal BC; that continuity of ritual practices attained an unexpected importance during the Bronze Age; that interments, which fall into cultural periods that would be unthinkable if only the typological properties of the grave goods were considered, occurred; and that each tomb had a complex and very different biography.
Research Interests: Funerary Archaeology, Bronze Age Europe (Archaeology), Megalithic Monuments, Death and Burial (Archaeology), Iberian Prehistory (Archaeology), and 9 moreBurial Practices (Archaeology), Megaliths (Archaeology), Bayesian Radiocarbon Dating, Bayesian statistics & modelling, Chronology, Late Bronze Age, Copper age, Argar Culture, and Radiocarbon Dating (Archaeology)
Resumen: El reciente incremento del número de dataciones ra-diocarbónicas de sepulturas tipo tholos permite establecer dife-rentes consideraciones sobre la temporalidad de este fenómeno megalítico. El modelado bayesiano de la nueva serie... more
Resumen: El reciente incremento del número de dataciones ra-diocarbónicas de sepulturas tipo tholos permite establecer dife-rentes consideraciones sobre la temporalidad de este fenómeno megalítico. El modelado bayesiano de la nueva serie radiomé-trica de 41 dataciones sitúa el inicio de este nuevo tipo de ar-quitectura megalítica en la transición entre el IV y III milenios (3070-2900 cal BC al 68% de probabilidad) y su final entre los siglos IX-VIII cal BC (890-710 cal BC al 68% de probabili-dad) coincidiendo con el final de la Edad del Bronce. Durante este extenso periodo (2000-2213 años al 68% de probabilidad) solo se documenta un posible hiatus en torno al c. 1550 cal BC coincidiendo con la crisis de las sociedades del Bronce Pleno. La intensidad en el uso ritual de los tholoi durante la Edad del Bronce es sin duda una de las más importantes aportaciones de la nueva serie radiocarbónica. Además, la distribución territorial de las dataciones descarta cualquier tipo de diferenciación temporal entre las diferentes comarcas analizadas. Abstract: According to new radiocarbon dates of tholos-type tombs new insights in the temporality of this megalithic phenomenon in southern Iberia can be explored. The Bayesian modelling of 41 dates sets the appearance of this megalithic architecture in the transition among the fourth and third millennia (3070-2900 cal BC at 68% probability) and its end in the IX-VIII centuries cal BC (890-710 cal BC at 68% probability), matching with the end of the Bronze Age. During this very long period (2000-2213 years at 68% probability), a short hiatus is documented around c. 1550 cal BC when dramatic cultural changes occurred in Bronze Age societies. Two main contributions of the new radiocarbon series can be highlighted: the intensity in ritual use of tholoi tombs during the Bronze Age and the lack of any temporal differences between the different regions of southern Iberia. Palabras clave: Megalitismo, sepultura de falsa cúpula, da-tación radiocarbónica, estadística Bayesiana, Edad del Cobre, Edad del Bronce, Península ibérica.
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Research Interests:
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La temporalidad de los denominados recintos de fosos es un aspecto clave para la correcta compresión de un tipo de yacimiento caracterizado por auténticos palimpsestos de complicada secuenciación. La serie de 16 dataciones radiocarbónicas... more
La temporalidad de los denominados recintos de fosos es un aspecto clave para la correcta compresión de un tipo de yacimiento caracterizado por auténticos palimpsestos de complicada secuenciación. La serie de 16 dataciones radiocarbónicas obtenidas en el Foso 4 de Marroquíes Bajos ha permitido establecer varias
conclusiones. Según la modelización bayesiana el inicio del proceso de colmatación se sitúa entre el 2510-2310 cal BC a 2 σ y su final entre el 2115-1795 cal BC a 2 σ, convirtiéndose en el más reciente de los
recintos de fosos peninsulares. La comparación con las dataciones existentes para otros tramos del Foso 4 invalida la pretensión de fechar la construcción de los fosos a partir de las dataciones obtenidas en los
depósitos asociados a su base. Las secuencias temporalmente
diferenciadas en la colmatación de diferentes tramos de un mismo foso sugiere que su configuración es más el resultado de agregados de segmentos que construcciones unitarias.
conclusiones. Según la modelización bayesiana el inicio del proceso de colmatación se sitúa entre el 2510-2310 cal BC a 2 σ y su final entre el 2115-1795 cal BC a 2 σ, convirtiéndose en el más reciente de los
recintos de fosos peninsulares. La comparación con las dataciones existentes para otros tramos del Foso 4 invalida la pretensión de fechar la construcción de los fosos a partir de las dataciones obtenidas en los
depósitos asociados a su base. Las secuencias temporalmente
diferenciadas en la colmatación de diferentes tramos de un mismo foso sugiere que su configuración es más el resultado de agregados de segmentos que construcciones unitarias.
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Se describe y estudia un conjunto de 23 proyectiles disparados de 9 mm encontrados en el atrio del dolmen de Menga en el transcurso de las excavaciones llevadas a cabo por la Universidad de Málaga en 1991. Estos proyectiles son primero... more
Se describe y estudia un conjunto de 23 proyectiles disparados de 9 mm encontrados en el atrio del dolmen de Menga en el transcurso de las excavaciones llevadas a cabo por la Universidad de Málaga en 1991. Estos proyectiles son primero descritos desde un punto de vista morfológico y balístico, luego son analizados desde una perspectiva arqueometalúrgica mediante Micro-Fluorescencia de Rayos X y análisis de isótopos de plomo y, finalmente, son valorados en un posible contexto histórico de la Guerra Civil Española a partir de los datos orales y archivísticos publicados. Como conclusión, se sugiere que estas balas podrían ser vestigio material de ejecuciones sumarias llevadas a cabo en Antequera en las semanas posteriores a la rebelión militar de julio de 1936, lo que convertiría a Menga en testigo inesperado de algunos de los sucesos más trágicos de la historia local durante el siglo XX.
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En 2005 se descubrió en el dolmen de Menga un pozo de 19,4 m de profundidad completamente colmatado, lo que causó una enorme sorpresa en la comunidad científica, pues no se tenía ninguna constancia de la existencia de esta estructura, que... more
En 2005 se descubrió en el dolmen de Menga un pozo de 19,4 m de profundidad completamente colmatado, lo que causó una enorme sorpresa en la comunidad científica, pues no se tenía ninguna constancia de la existencia de esta estructura, que de hecho carece de paralelos. En este artículo se investiga la cronología del relleno de este pozo. En primer lugar se describen los primeros pasos en la investigación de este megalito durante el siglo XIX, en los que se hicieron referencias al pozo luego olvidadas durante todo el siglo XX. A continuación se describen su estratigrafía y los hallazgos asociados y se presentan los resultados del modelado bayesiano de 14 fechas radiocarbónicas obtenidas sobre muestras de vida corta (huesos de animales
recuperados de su relleno). Estos datos permiten plantear una hipótesis bastante robusta en relación con la temporalidad del proceso de colmatación del pozo, que tuvo lugar en el siglo XVIII DNE, así como ciertas especulaciones informadas respecto de las circunstancias que pudieron conducir a su colmatación.
recuperados de su relleno). Estos datos permiten plantear una hipótesis bastante robusta en relación con la temporalidad del proceso de colmatación del pozo, que tuvo lugar en el siglo XVIII DNE, así como ciertas especulaciones informadas respecto de las circunstancias que pudieron conducir a su colmatación.
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Se presenta el estudio de los restos óseos humanos y animales documentados en las tumbas 8, 9 y 10 de la necrópolis megalítica de El Barranquete (Níjar, Almería). La caracterización antropológica muestra a una población en la que destacan... more
Se presenta el estudio de los restos óseos humanos y animales documentados en las tumbas 8, 9 y 10 de la necrópolis megalítica de El Barranquete (Níjar, Almería). La caracterización antropológica muestra a una población en la que destacan las patologías degenerativas, unas buenas condiciones bucodentales y una clara infrarrepresentación de individuos infantiles resultado posiblemente de procesos tafonómicos. En cuanto a los restos faunísticos destacan especies como los bóvidos, ovicaprinos y suidos además de malacofauna de origen marino. Todas estas evidencias antropológicas y faunísticas aparecen entremezcladas en los diferentes espacios funerarios de cada tumba generando auténticos palimpsestos de enorme complejidad y difícil interpretación.
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Meat consumption in ritual feasting could be considered as key aspect in the construction of social identities since meat is endowed with deep symbolical and ideological meaning and a high degree of social conductivity. The slaughter and... more
Meat consumption in ritual feasting could be considered as key aspect in the construction of social identities since meat is endowed with deep symbolical and ideological meaning and a high degree of social conductivity. The slaughter and consumption of meat in Iberian Early Bronze Age funerary rituals would involve different purposes due to its polysemic nature. These rituals would have expressed and fostered a feeling of social cohesion and of belonging to the community. But at the same time, they would also have reproduced and legitimized asymmetrical social relationships to the advantage of the ruling groups. Meat feasting would suppose the embodiment of a “poisoned gift” that involve reciprocal obligations between the host and guest that would be transformed into different duties, debts, affinities,
and social requirements.
and social requirements.
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Archaeology is benefiting from fresh technological developments that are introducing new recording systems based mainly on 3D modelling. Innovative digital recordings are improving key aspects of archaeological practice, including... more
Archaeology is benefiting from fresh technological developments that are introducing new recording systems based mainly on 3D modelling. Innovative digital recordings are improving key aspects of archaeological practice, including accuracy and efficiency. This is the case of a novel procedure that uses Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) for data acquisition and software such as Structure from Motion (SfM) to produce volumetric models from photographs. These photorealistic 3D models can be processed further using Building Information Modelling (BIM) to create plans, sections, digital elevation models, orthophotographs and other types of images useful for analysis and publication. The study of the architectural features of the megalithic necropolis of Panoría (Granada, Spain) has benefited from these innovative technologies.
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La excavación arqueológica realizada en 1988 por el Área de Prehistoria de la Universidad de Málaga en el entorno del dolmen de Viera documentó importantes evidencias de poblamiento y prácticas funerarias de época antigua. En el marco del... more
La excavación arqueológica realizada en 1988 por el Área de Prehistoria de la Universidad de Málaga en el entorno del dolmen de Viera documentó importantes evidencias de poblamiento y prácticas funerarias de época antigua. En el marco del Proyecto General de Investigación “Sociedades, Territorios y Paisajes en la Prehistoria de las Tierras de Antequera (Málaga)” (2013-2018) se ha procedido al estudio sistemático del conjunto de materiales asociados a esta intervención. El análisis tecnológico y tipológico, principalmente de vasijas cerámicas y objetos metálicos, junto a la caracterización de los restos antropológicos y faunísticos
y su datación radiocarbónica muestran una intensa actividad funeraria entre los siglos II-IV DNE y una fase principal de asentamiento en los siglos V-VII DNE. Especialmente, la actividad funeraria evidenciaría la continuidad del significado social, ideológico y religioso de Menga y Viera durante la Antigüedad.
y su datación radiocarbónica muestran una intensa actividad funeraria entre los siglos II-IV DNE y una fase principal de asentamiento en los siglos V-VII DNE. Especialmente, la actividad funeraria evidenciaría la continuidad del significado social, ideológico y religioso de Menga y Viera durante la Antigüedad.
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Las comunidades argáricas han sido consideradas como la culminación de un largo proceso de creciente complejidad que condujo hacia formas sociales cada vez más asimétricas e identidades más individualizadas. El presente trabajo explora no... more
Las comunidades argáricas han sido consideradas como la culminación de un largo proceso de creciente complejidad que condujo hacia formas sociales cada vez más asimétricas e identidades más individualizadas. El presente trabajo explora no tanto las causas que desencadenaron este proceso como los fenómenos de resistencia a estas dinámicas sociales y económicas. Si tenemos en cuenta los cambios y continuidades que se produjeron a lo largo de la Edad del Bronce, estos fenómenos deben ser considerados como exitosos. En este sentido, la desaparición de los enterramientos individuales y la generalización de los colectivos, la continuidad en la reutilización de sepulturas megalíticas, la escasa división de funciones y especialización artesanal que caracterizaría al Bronce Tardío y Final o la vuelta a una arquitectura dominada por formas circulares y ovaladas, son algunos de los aspectos que marcarían el cambio hacia formas sociales menos complejas donde primarían la colectividad y las identidades relacionales.
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
For the first time on the southern Iberian Peninsula it is possible to determine the timescale and funerary span of a single megalithic grave, as all the Minimum Number of Individuals identified by anthropological study have been dated.... more
For the first time on the southern Iberian Peninsula it is possible to determine the timescale and funerary span of a single megalithic grave, as all the Minimum Number of Individuals identified by anthropological study have been dated. Thirteen radiocarbon measurements are now available from Grave 11 at El
Barranquete necropolis. Two Bayesian models have been built on the basis of archaeological interpretations of the mortuary depositions. The results stress the late construction of the monument, probably in 2452e2316 cal BC, and the short, but intensive ritual use during the Chalcolithic period of between three and nine generations. The funerary reuse of the monument is one the most remarkable features of this tomb. According to the Bayesian models, these ritual practices began in 2154e2022 cal BC and spans a long period of at least half a millennium. The results are also discussed in the context of the megalithic phenomenon on the southern Iberian Peninsula.
Barranquete necropolis. Two Bayesian models have been built on the basis of archaeological interpretations of the mortuary depositions. The results stress the late construction of the monument, probably in 2452e2316 cal BC, and the short, but intensive ritual use during the Chalcolithic period of between three and nine generations. The funerary reuse of the monument is one the most remarkable features of this tomb. According to the Bayesian models, these ritual practices began in 2154e2022 cal BC and spans a long period of at least half a millennium. The results are also discussed in the context of the megalithic phenomenon on the southern Iberian Peninsula.
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La envergadura que durante época argárica adquiere el fenómeno de continuidad y reutilización de espacios rituales característicos de las sociedades del IV y III milenio rompe con la pretendida uniformidad cultural transmitida en las... more
La envergadura que durante época argárica adquiere el fenómeno de continuidad y reutilización de espacios
rituales característicos de las sociedades del IV y III milenio rompe con la pretendida uniformidad cultural
transmitida en las narrativas actuales. El análisis de los ajuares depositados en sepulturas megalíticas, cuevas
naturales y cuevas artificiales junto con nuevas dataciones radiocarbónicas permite plantear la fuerte permanencia
de prácticas sociales ajenas a la “norma argárica” pero, sin embargo, intensamente conectadas con la memoria,
la colectividad y los ancestros. Este nuevo panorama es analizado en términos de resistencia cultural e ideológica
ante el rápido proceso de jerarquización social que caracteriza a las comunidades argáricas.
rituales característicos de las sociedades del IV y III milenio rompe con la pretendida uniformidad cultural
transmitida en las narrativas actuales. El análisis de los ajuares depositados en sepulturas megalíticas, cuevas
naturales y cuevas artificiales junto con nuevas dataciones radiocarbónicas permite plantear la fuerte permanencia
de prácticas sociales ajenas a la “norma argárica” pero, sin embargo, intensamente conectadas con la memoria,
la colectividad y los ancestros. Este nuevo panorama es analizado en términos de resistencia cultural e ideológica
ante el rápido proceso de jerarquización social que caracteriza a las comunidades argáricas.
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Tradicionalmente se ha asumido, desde una perspectiva evolucionista, que la adopción del bronce se debía a unas cualidades físicas y mecánicas superiores a las del cobre arsenicado. Sin embargo, recientes investigaciones permiten... more
Tradicionalmente se ha asumido, desde una perspectiva evolucionista, que la adopción del bronce se debía a
unas cualidades físicas y mecánicas superiores a las del cobre arsenicado. Sin embargo, recientes investigaciones
permiten cuestionar que la aleación de bronce supusiera inicialmente una mejora funcional. Así, análisis metalográficos
y de microdureza realizados en los ajuares metálicos del Cerro de San Cristóbal (Ogíjares, Granada) y Cerro
de la Encina (Monachil, Granada) demuestran que ambas aleaciones presentan similares propiedades físicas y mecánicas.
La mayor o menor dureza de los metales se relaciona con las etapas finales del proceso de manufactura
y no con el tipo de aleación.
Además, los análisis de composición de más de 200 piezas argáricas muestran una clara correlación entre
la aleación de bronce y la elaboración de elementos de “adorno” y el uso del cobre arsenicado preferentemente en
objetos “funcionales”, lo que cuestionaría, igualmente, que el bronce fuera asumido por su eficacia en los procesos
de trabajo. Deben buscarse por tanto otras interpretaciones alternativas para explicar la adopción del bronce.
unas cualidades físicas y mecánicas superiores a las del cobre arsenicado. Sin embargo, recientes investigaciones
permiten cuestionar que la aleación de bronce supusiera inicialmente una mejora funcional. Así, análisis metalográficos
y de microdureza realizados en los ajuares metálicos del Cerro de San Cristóbal (Ogíjares, Granada) y Cerro
de la Encina (Monachil, Granada) demuestran que ambas aleaciones presentan similares propiedades físicas y mecánicas.
La mayor o menor dureza de los metales se relaciona con las etapas finales del proceso de manufactura
y no con el tipo de aleación.
Además, los análisis de composición de más de 200 piezas argáricas muestran una clara correlación entre
la aleación de bronce y la elaboración de elementos de “adorno” y el uso del cobre arsenicado preferentemente en
objetos “funcionales”, lo que cuestionaría, igualmente, que el bronce fuera asumido por su eficacia en los procesos
de trabajo. Deben buscarse por tanto otras interpretaciones alternativas para explicar la adopción del bronce.
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The study of the technological choices and the technical variability observed in the argaric pottery is essential to deepen in the social dynamics existing in southeast Iberia during the Bronze Age. From this perspective, this paper is... more
The study of the technological choices and the technical variability observed in the argaric pottery is essential to deepen
in the social dynamics existing in southeast Iberia during the Bronze Age. From this perspective, this paper is focused
on the archaeometric characterisation of a ceramic assemblage from the funerary contexts of Cerro San Cristóbal
(Ogíjares, Granada) with the aim to approach the patterns of production, the interaction between the potters and the
way in which the pottery production could be organised. To this end, we carried out the petrographic and mineralogical
analysis of the vessels by means of petrographic microscope and X-ray diffraction as well as the study of the matrix
microstructure through scanning electron microscopy. The results show significant technological homogeneity between
most of the vessels and types produced, except for some ceramics which differ from the argaric typological standards
whose technological choices and depositional patterns seem to be related to other social dynamics. The technological
choices documented show a complex picture in which several aspects such as the technological habitus, the learning
strategies, the social interaction and how the vessels were conceptualised are closely interconnected.
in the social dynamics existing in southeast Iberia during the Bronze Age. From this perspective, this paper is focused
on the archaeometric characterisation of a ceramic assemblage from the funerary contexts of Cerro San Cristóbal
(Ogíjares, Granada) with the aim to approach the patterns of production, the interaction between the potters and the
way in which the pottery production could be organised. To this end, we carried out the petrographic and mineralogical
analysis of the vessels by means of petrographic microscope and X-ray diffraction as well as the study of the matrix
microstructure through scanning electron microscopy. The results show significant technological homogeneity between
most of the vessels and types produced, except for some ceramics which differ from the argaric typological standards
whose technological choices and depositional patterns seem to be related to other social dynamics. The technological
choices documented show a complex picture in which several aspects such as the technological habitus, the learning
strategies, the social interaction and how the vessels were conceptualised are closely interconnected.
Research Interests:
Two new radiocarbon dates from samples of animal bones elonging to the megalithic tomb of Viera are presented in this paper. The bones are part of the Gómez-Moreno Collection, currently curated in the Museum of Malaga. The new dates... more
Two new radiocarbon dates from samples of animal bones elonging to the megalithic tomb of Viera are presented in this paper. The bones are part of the Gómez-Moreno Collection, currently curated in the Museum of Malaga. The new dates situate the ritual use of Viera in the first part of the 3rd millennium cal BC with at least a reuse episode during the Early Bronze Age. These results are discussed within the framework of the Lands of Antequera’s Late Prehistory.
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Present day lead pollution is an environmental hazard of global proportions. A correct determination of natural lead levels is very important in order to evaluate anthropogenic lead contributions. In this paper, the anthropogenic... more
Present day lead pollution is an environmental hazard of global proportions. A correct determination of natural
lead levels is very important in order to evaluate anthropogenic lead contributions. In this paper, the anthropogenic
signature of early metallurgy in Southern Iberia during the Holocene, more specifically during the Late
Prehistory, was assessed by mean of a multiproxy approach: comparison of atmospheric lead pollution, fire
regimes, deforestation, mass sediment transport, and archeological data. Although the onset of metallurgy in
Southern Iberia is a matter of controversy, here we show the oldest lead pollution record from Western Europe
in a continuous paleoenvironmental sequence,which suggests clear lead pollution caused by metallurgical activities
since ~3900 cal BP (Early Bronze Age). This lead pollution was especially important during Late Bronze and
Early Iron ages. At the same time, since ~4000 cal BP, an increase in fire activity is observed in this area, which is
also coupled with deforestation and increased erosion rates. This study also shows that the lead pollution record
locally reached near present-day values many times in the past, suggesting intensive use and manipulation of
lead during those periods in this area.
lead levels is very important in order to evaluate anthropogenic lead contributions. In this paper, the anthropogenic
signature of early metallurgy in Southern Iberia during the Holocene, more specifically during the Late
Prehistory, was assessed by mean of a multiproxy approach: comparison of atmospheric lead pollution, fire
regimes, deforestation, mass sediment transport, and archeological data. Although the onset of metallurgy in
Southern Iberia is a matter of controversy, here we show the oldest lead pollution record from Western Europe
in a continuous paleoenvironmental sequence,which suggests clear lead pollution caused by metallurgical activities
since ~3900 cal BP (Early Bronze Age). This lead pollution was especially important during Late Bronze and
Early Iron ages. At the same time, since ~4000 cal BP, an increase in fire activity is observed in this area, which is
also coupled with deforestation and increased erosion rates. This study also shows that the lead pollution record
locally reached near present-day values many times in the past, suggesting intensive use and manipulation of
lead during those periods in this area.
Research Interests:
Recent narratives about Bronze Age societies of the south-eastern Iberia have created a culturally unified image characterised by the lack of cultural diversity and permeability to any kind of influence. Nevertheless, the scale and... more
Recent narratives about Bronze Age societies of the south-eastern Iberia have created a culturally unified image characterised by the lack of cultural diversity and permeability to any kind of influence. Nevertheless, the scale and intensity reached by the reuse of different funerary and ceremonial spaces characteristic of 4th and 3rd millennia brings us face to face with a phenomenon that shatters the supposed this cultural uniformity. The southeast of Iberia thus becomes a space for contact and meeting among social groups with differentiated, heterogeneous and changing characteristics. The societies we know as Argaric (local name of Bronze Age societies) doubtless enjoy a relevant position in this complex scenario, but they were not alone: they lived together with other groups with different social practices that even had opposite meanings that could be read in terms of cultural and ideological resistance against the rapid process of social stratification that characterises Argaric communities.
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Research Interests: Pottery (Archaeology), Petrology, Metamorphic Petrology, Ceramic Technology, Funerary Archaeology, and 10 moreBronze Age Europe (Archaeology), Archaeometry, Ceramic Analysis (Archaeology), Traditional Crafts, Craft Knowledge, Ceramics (Archaeology), Craft production (Archaeology), Craft Specialization, Argar Culture, and Paste Analysis
La excavación arqueológica realizada en 1988 por el Área de Prehistoria de la Universidad de Málaga en el entorno del dolmen de Viera documentó importantes evidencias de poblamiento y prácticas funerarias de época antigua. En el marco del... more
La excavación arqueológica realizada en 1988 por el Área de Prehistoria de la Universidad de Málaga en el entorno del dolmen de Viera documentó importantes evidencias de poblamiento y prácticas funerarias de época antigua. En el marco del Proyecto General de Investigación “Sociedades, Territorios y Paisajes en la Prehistoria de las Tierras de ntequera (Málaga)” (2013-2018) se ha procedido al estudio sistemático del conjunto de materiales asociados a esta intervención. El análisis tecnológico y tipológico, principalmente de
vasijas cerámicas y objetos metálicos, junto a la caracterización de los restos antropológicos y faunísticos y su datación radiocarbónica muestran una intensa actividad funeraria entre los siglos II-IV DNE y una fase principal de asentamiento en los siglos V-VII DNE. Especialmente, la actividad funeraria evidenciaría la continuidad del significado social, ideológico y religioso de Menga y Viera durante la Antigüedad.
vasijas cerámicas y objetos metálicos, junto a la caracterización de los restos antropológicos y faunísticos y su datación radiocarbónica muestran una intensa actividad funeraria entre los siglos II-IV DNE y una fase principal de asentamiento en los siglos V-VII DNE. Especialmente, la actividad funeraria evidenciaría la continuidad del significado social, ideológico y religioso de Menga y Viera durante la Antigüedad.
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Abstract This paper focuses on the recent research carried out at the Argaric site of Cerro de San Cristóbal, a small settlement situated in the Vega de Granada. From an habitational point of view, this site stands out as a... more
Abstract
This paper focuses on the recent research carried out at the Argaric site of Cerro de San Cristóbal, a small
settlement situated in the Vega de Granada. From an habitational point of view, this site stands out as a
culturally hybrid context in which different pottery vessels typologically characteristic of the Chalcolithic and
Argaric periods coexisted. Associated with living areas, 14 burials were located with at least 17 inhumations
and grave goods in which materials traditionally considered as indicators of high social status were absent.
The technological properties of the metallic grave offerings were specifically studied. The combination of
metallographic, microhardness and compositional analyses questions the adoption of tin-bronze alloy due to
its functional improvements.
Resumen
Se presentan los resultados de las investigaciones realizadas en el yacimiento argárico del cerro de San
Cristóbal, un asentamiento de pequeñas dimensiones situado en plena vega de Granada. Entre las evidencias
de hábitat destaca, especialmente, un contexto híbrido donde conviven elementos materiales tanto de época
calcolítica como argárica. Asociado al poblado se documentaron 14 sepulturas de inhumación con un número
mínimo de 17 individuos y ajuares funerarios donde están ausentes los materiales tradicionalmente
considerados como indicadores de alto estatus social. Los ajuares metálicos han sido objeto de un estudio
específico sobre su tecnología de manufactura. La combinación de análisis de composición, metalografías y
microdureza cuestiona que la adopción de la aleación de cobre y estaño suponga una mejora en las
propiedades físicas o mecánicas de los objetos.
This paper focuses on the recent research carried out at the Argaric site of Cerro de San Cristóbal, a small
settlement situated in the Vega de Granada. From an habitational point of view, this site stands out as a
culturally hybrid context in which different pottery vessels typologically characteristic of the Chalcolithic and
Argaric periods coexisted. Associated with living areas, 14 burials were located with at least 17 inhumations
and grave goods in which materials traditionally considered as indicators of high social status were absent.
The technological properties of the metallic grave offerings were specifically studied. The combination of
metallographic, microhardness and compositional analyses questions the adoption of tin-bronze alloy due to
its functional improvements.
Resumen
Se presentan los resultados de las investigaciones realizadas en el yacimiento argárico del cerro de San
Cristóbal, un asentamiento de pequeñas dimensiones situado en plena vega de Granada. Entre las evidencias
de hábitat destaca, especialmente, un contexto híbrido donde conviven elementos materiales tanto de época
calcolítica como argárica. Asociado al poblado se documentaron 14 sepulturas de inhumación con un número
mínimo de 17 individuos y ajuares funerarios donde están ausentes los materiales tradicionalmente
considerados como indicadores de alto estatus social. Los ajuares metálicos han sido objeto de un estudio
específico sobre su tecnología de manufactura. La combinación de análisis de composición, metalografías y
microdureza cuestiona que la adopción de la aleación de cobre y estaño suponga una mejora en las
propiedades físicas o mecánicas de los objetos.