Estudi espaciotemporal d’un palimpsest: anàlisi zooarqueològica i tafonòmica del nivell O de l’abric romaní (Capellades, Barcelona, Espanya)

La present Tesi Doctoral, concebuda com un compendi d’articles, afronta l’estudi del nivell O de l’Abric Romaní a partir de l’anàlisi de les restes faunístiques. Aquest nivell constitueix un palimpsest, al igual que la pràctica totalitat dels conjunts arqueològics. Tot i això, la tassa de sedimentació de l’Abric Romaní permet treballar a una resolució temporal més alta que en la majoria de jaciments. La metodologia d’aquest treball es basa en tres pilars fonamentals: l’anàlisi zooarqueològica, l’anàlisi tafonòmica (mètodes macroscòpics i microscòpics) i l’anàlisi espacial (arqueoestratigrafia i planimetria). L’estudi inclou la identificació i la quantificació de les restes, l’estudi de la representació esquelètica, l’anàlisi de la fracturació i de les alteracions superficials i la realització de remuntatges. Així mateix, l’estudi del palimpsest del nivell O s’encara des de dues perspectives diferents: 1) la comprensió del conjunt com a un tot, i 2) la dissecció del palimpsest. La primera aproximació permet maximitzar el nombre de restes analitzades i valorar el paper que juguen els fragments de petites dimensions en la identificació i la localització de les activitats antròpiques. La segona és més sensible a la variabilitat i facilita la identificació i interpretació d’episodis individuals. Aquesta doble perspectiva, i l’aplicació dels diferents mètodes i tècniques, han portat a la interpretació de l’ús de l’espai que els grups neandertals van fer a l’abric. A la vegada, això ha permès una aproximació a les dinàmiques ocupacionals d’aquests grups.La presente Tesis Doctoral, concebida como un compendio de artículos, afronta el estudio del nivel O del Abric Romaní a partir del análisis de los restes faunísticos. Este nivel constituye un palimpsesto, al igual que la práctica totalidad de los conjuntos arqueológicos. Sin embargo, la tasa de sedimentación del Abric Romaní permite trabajar a una resolución temporal más alta que en la mayoría de yacimientos. La metodología de este trabajo se basa en tres pilares fundamentales: el análisis zooarqueológico, el análisis tafonómico (métodos macroscópicos y microscópicos) y el análisis espacial (arqueoestratigrafía y planimetría). El estudio incluye la identificación i quantificación de los restos, el estudio de la representación esquelética, el análisis de la fracturación y las alteraciones superficiales y la realización de remontajes. Así mismo, el estudio del palimpsesto del nivel O se encara desde dos perspectivas diferentes: 1) la comprensión del conjunto como un todo, y 2) la disección del palimpsesto. La primera aproximación permite maximizar el nombre de restos analizados y valorar el papel que juegan los fragmentos de pequeñas dimensiones en la identificación y la localización de las actividades antrópicas. La segunda es más sensible a la variabilidad y facilita la identificación e interpretación de episodios individuales. Esta doble perspectiva, y la aplicación de los métodos y técnicas diferentes, han llevado a la interpretación del uso del espacio que los grupos neandertales efectuaron en el abrigo. A su vez, esto ha permitido una aproximación a las dinámicas ocupacionales de estos grupos.This PhD was carried out by a collection of papers based on the analysis of the faunal remains of Level O of the Abric Romani arhaeological site. This level is a palimpsest, like almost all archaeological layers. However, the sedimentation rate of Abric Romaní makes it possible to work at a higher temporal resolution than most of the sites. The methodology of this work is based on three pillars: the zooarchaeological analysis, the taphonomic analysis (macroscopic and microscopic methods) and spatial analysis (arqueostratigraphy and surface distribution analysis). The study involves identifying and quantifying remains, studying skeletal part representation, analyzing fracture and bone surface alterations and refitting. Furthermore, the study of the palimpsest is processed from two different perspectives: 1) understanding the assemblage as a whole, and 2) dissecting the palimpsest. The first approach maximizes the number of the analyzed remains and allows to assess the role of small fragments in the identification and location of human activities. The second is more sensitive to variability and makes easier the identification and interpretation of individual episodes. This dual perspective and the application of different methods and techniques enable to interpret the use of space that Neanderthal groups developed inside the rock shelter. Therefore, this has allowed an approximate approach to the occupational dynamics of these groups

Using GIS and geostatistical techniques to identify Neanderthal campsites at archaeolevel Ob at Abric Romaní

Although intra-site spatial approaches are considered a key factor when interpreting archaeological assemblages, these are often based on descriptive, qualitative, and subjective observations. Currently, within the framework of research into spatial taphonomy and palimpsest dissection, several studies have begun to employ more quantitative and objective techniques, implementing tools such as geostatistics and geographic information system (GIS) methods. This is precisely the approach that the Abric Romaní team is following. In this work, we present GIS and geostatistics methods applied to the faunal and lithic assemblages from archaeolevel Ob, including an analysis of the spatial structure, the identification of clusters and sectors, size and fabric analyses, the projection of vertical profiles, and the reconstruction of a digital elevation model of the paleosurface. The results obtained indicate a clustered distribution, primarily concentrated into four dense accumulations. The predominance of remains < 3 cm in length and the absence of preferential orientations make it possible to rule out a generalised postdepositional movement affecting most of the site, although some local movement has been identified. The horizontal and vertical spatial analyses allow us to identify accumulations of a single material (lithic or faunal) in addition to mixed accumulations (lithic and faunal). Integrating all this data with the results of previous studies (zooarchaeological, refits, combustion structures, and partial lithic technological analyses), we evaluate and combine the interpretations proposed previously using different approaches, thereby improving the overall interpretation of the archaeolevel Ob. Finally, we also develop a preliminary comparison between Ob and some other levels at the same site (in particular M and P)The Catalan Government (Generalitat de Catalunya) supported this research with the Quadrennial Project CLT009/18/00054, the project “Territoris prehistòrics de la Conca de l’Anoia (2022–2025)” (exp. ARQ001SOL-201–2022) and the research groups 2017SGR-1040, 2017SGR-859, and 2017SGR-836. This research is also funded by the Spanish Government projects PID2019- 103987 GB-C31 and EIN2020-112374. M.J.G. (IJC2020-044412-I) and A.B. (IJC-2019–041546-I) research is founded by the program Juan de la Cierva Incoporación of the Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation. P.S., M.G.C., M.V. and J.V. research is funded by CERCA Programme/ Generalitat de Catalunya. F.R. research is supported by the Comunidad de Madrid and Universidad Autónoma de Madrid through the project SI1-PJI-2019–00488 and the Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation through the project PID-2019-103987 GB-C33. M.G.C., J.V. and M.V. research is funded by the project PID2019-103987 GB-C31 of the Spanish Government. Finally, the Institut Català de Paleoecologia Humana i Evolució Social (IPHES-CERCA) has received financial support from the Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation through the “María de Maeztu” excellence accreditation (CEX2019-000945-M

Paleoenvironmental context of Neanderthal occupations in northeastern Iberia: The small-mammal assemblage from Abric Romaní (Capellades, Barcelona, Spain)

The Abric Romaní site (Capellades, Barcelona, Spain) constitutes a key site for understanding the latest Neanderthal occupations in Western Europe. Here we present a comprehensive systematic and taphonomic analysis of a small-mammal assemblage from Level O of the Abric Romaní site, with the aim of reconstructing the paleoecological context in which the Neanderthals lived. The assemblage, which probably dates from a stadial episode between Interstadial 15 and Interstadial 14, contains fifteen small mammal species, including species uncommon for the northeast of Iberia, such as Sciurus vulgaris, Nyctalus lasiopterus and Pipistrellus pipistrellus. Taphonomic studies suggest a predatory origin for the assemblage, probably related to Strix aluco, and paleoecological inferences suggest lower temperatures (−3/−4 °C) and higher rainfall (+70/+170 mm) than at present and a landscape dominated by an open forest with watercourses. The new data improve our knowledge of trends associated with Marine Isotope Stage 3 that affected Neanderthal populations in the Iberian Peninsula, showing that the Neanderthals were well adapted to cooler and wetter conditions across Iberia.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Experimental butchering of a chimpanzee carcass for archaeological purposes

Two archaeological assemblages from the Sierra de Atapuerca sites show evidence of anthropogenic cannibalism. These are the late Early Pleistocene level TD6-2 at Gran Dolina, and the Bronze Age level MIR4 in the Mirador Cave. Despite the chronological distance between these two assemblages, they share the common feature that the human remains exhibit a high frequency of anthropogenic modifications (cut marks, percussion pits and notches and peeling). This frequency could denote special treatment of bodies, or else be the normal result of the butchering process. In order to test these possibilities, we subjected a chimpanzee carcass to a butchering process. The processing was intensive and intended to simulate preparation for consumption. In doing this, we used several simple flakes made from quartzite and chert from quarries in the Sierra de Atapuerca. The skull, long bones, metapodials and phalanges were also fractured in order to remove the brain and bone marrow. As a result, about 40% of the remains showed some kind of human modification. The frequency, distribution and characteristics of these modifications are very similar to those documented on the remains of Homo antecessor from TD6-2. In case of the MIR4 assemblage, the results are similar except in the treatment of skulls. Our results indicate that high frequencies of anthropogenic modifications are common after an intensive butchering process intended to prepare a hominin body for consumption in different contexts (both where there was possible ritual behavior and where this was not the case and the modifications are not the result of special treatment). © 2015 Saladié e

« Régismont-le-Haut » (Poilhes, Hérault, France), fenêtre ouverte sur l’organisation d’un campement résidentiel aurignacien

Session 2 : Palethnologie du Paléolithique supérieur ancien : où en sommes-nous?International audienceAmong the numerous Aurignacian open-air sites in southern France, “Régismont-le-Haut” (Poilhes, Hérault) is a rare example of a residential camp in which the explicit structure of a living space has been preserved. The camp covers a large and little disturbed area, at least within the two perpendicular paleochan- nels, which subdivide the site into two main areas.During the different excavation stages carried out at the site numerous hearth structures were discovered (n = 30), around which were distributed archaeological materials of varying densities, which indicated activity areas with a complementary function. Analysis of the nature and density of archaeological remains and also the proper characteristics of the so-called fireplaces and their association with discrete organised spaces (for some of which the existence of protective structures can be presumed) has identified two main loci, each located in a paleo- channel: the first contained several large polyvalent features and is interpreted as being a “domestic space”, while the second contained only specialised features (one of these most likely being a primary butchery area) and was interpreted as being a “working area”. All the archaeological materials were recovered within a single topographic surface. Moreover, connections between areas, established through the refitting of lithic pieces as well as the coherent nature and organisation of the different features within and between the two loci, provided strong support for a single occupation event, which was most likely a large seasonal residential campsite.Although the site can be clearly attributed to the Aurignacian sensu lato, its relative position within the Aurig- nacian chronological sequence is more difficult to establish. Given the absence of bone industry pieces (organic materials being poorly preserved at the site) and the fact that the personal ornaments recovered were exclusively made from shells (a ubiquitous feature within the Aurignacian), only the lithic industry can help us to place the site chronologically. Yet the nature of the lithic industry does not provide any clear clues allowing us to definitively place “Régismont-le-Haut” within the previously defined phases. The Late Aurignacian provides perhaps the best point of comparison, but it is difficult to ascertain this because an association with a particular Early Aurignacian facies, hardly known in the Mediterranean area, is also possible. Radiocarbon dates do not help to clarify the situation given the poor conservation of carbon in most of the samples treated. In addition, although a series of dates places the site between 31500 and 33500 cal BP, which corresponds to a Late Aurig- nacien stage, a recent set of dates suggest a time span between 35500 and 38000 cal BP. The gap between the two sets of dates is too large to be compatible with the geological data, making the hypothesis of several phases of occupation difficult to support. Moreover, the dated fireplaces belong to the same paleotopographic surface and both must have been rapidly covered by sediments so as to ensure their preservation; they could be sepa- rated by a few years, but not by hundreds or thousands of years. It is more likely that the gap between the two sets of dates is the result of taphonomic biases having influenced the carbon analysed. Regardless, the precise chronological placement of “Régismont-le-Haut” remains an unsolved problem.The chronological imprecision relating to the position of “Régismont-le-Haut” within the Aurignacian sequence does not, however, prevent us from exploring its importance with regard to Aurignacian human geography. Our first line of evidence to assist in this matter is raw-material provenances. The most informative material in this respect is lithic raw materials; while shell beads indicate that the Mediterranean coast was not unknown to the Aurignacians of “Régismont-le-Haut”. This area falls within the regional scope even if the coast was located farther away from the site at the time of occupation than is the case today. Although lithic raw materials were largely exploited on a regional scale, notably tertiary flints, extra-regional materials were exploited at distances of about 150 km as regards eastern sources, such as the Costières du Gard flints, and even farther away as regards the small assemblage of pieces stemming from the Northern Aquitaine basin (between 300 and 500 km when following the main valley corridors). How is it possible to explain the association of materials that were abandoned next to the same fireplace but stemmed from diametrically opposed regions? Several hypotheses can be proposed: - These objects were possibly obtained by exchange. This would mean that the group which stayed at “Régis- mont-le-Haut” and whose precise home territory remains unknown (groups from the Aquitanian region or from the Rhone valley meeting each other? Or groups in the Languedoc region exchanging with their neighbours?) used a toolkit that was, in part, obtained from other groups.- Or perhaps these objects result from direct acquisition, and if this is the case, reflect both very large scale group mobility and very long life cycles for the objects themselves, which accompanied individuals from the Northern Aquitania to the Rhone basin before coming to Languedoc.A third hypothesis can be advanced, which summarises the two previous ones: “Régismont-le-Haut” may have been a meeting point of several social groups, each having visited the Aquitanian basin and the Rhone basin respectively prior to their arrival at the site. In this case both the circulation and the exchange of objects, within and between different social units, would have taken place at the camp established at “Régismont-le-Haut”. However, the question remains: why in that place? The meeting of several social groups at “Régismont-le-Haut” could have been motivated by a successful encounter, by one group or another, during a hunting trip, providing one or several bison carcasses to treat and to consume; a hypothesis that is supported by the presence of bison remains at the site, most notably a nearly complete skull. The large quantity of meat and of potential raw materials (hide, bone) may have provided the impetus to establish a camp for a distinct period of time next to the kill site, and not far away from possibly rich hunting territories. This may support the idea of the presence of a rather large number of people, so the site could be interpreted as being a meeting place organised on the occasion of the capture of one or several animals, mobilising many members from a larger Aurignacian commu- nity from either side of the Atlantico-Mediterranean frontier while at the same time highlighting its permeability. Whether or not this scenario approximates reality, the data collected at “Régismont-le-Haut” are a remarkable illustration of the general impression provided by a majority of Aurignacian sites: vast territories in which emerged, through the fluidity of long-distance contacts, entrenched socially organised networks. In addition, it was possible to identify at “Régismont-le-Haut” the way in which the social organisation is mirrored by the spatial organisation of the camp occupation. “Régismont-le-Haut” appears to be a major open-air site for understanding the domestic organisation of an Aurignacian occupation, and moreover, based on the sheer size, it constitutes presently, and on the scale of the Early Upper Palaeolithic in general, at least in Western Europe, a remarkable example of a large residential camp site.Parmi les nombreuses stations de plein air aurignaciennes du Sud de la France, celle de «Régismont- le-Haut» (Poilhes, Hérault) est l’un des rares exemples de campement résidentiel ayant conservé des traces explicites d’aménagement de l’espace habité. Cette installation consiste en une vaste surface d’occupation très peu perturbée, tout du moins au sein de deux paléochenaux perpendiculaires dont la géométrie découpe l’espace du site en deux principales aires. Au cours des différents épisodes de fouilles exécutés sur ce site, de nombreuses structures de combustion ont notamment été mises au jour (n = 30), autant de foyers autour desquels le maté- riel archéologique se rassemble en un semis plus ou moins diffus, décrivant des pôles d’activités fonctionnel- lement complémentaires. En vertu de la densité comme de la nature des vestiges recueillis, de la nature des foyers eux-mêmes ainsi que de leur association à des structures témoignant de plusieurs formes d’aménagement de l’espace (dont certaines supposent l’existence de structures de protection), deux principaux locus ont été identifiés, respectivement distribués dans chacun des paléochenaux : le premier d’entre eux contient plusieurs vastes structures polyvalentes que nous interprétons comme relevant d’un « locus domestique » ; le second livre en revanche uniquement des structures à caractère spécialisé (dont une vraisemblable aire de boucherie primaire), ayant servi à la reconnaissance de ce que nous considérons comme un «locus atelier». L’ensemble de ces traces appartient à une seule et unique surface topographique. En outre, des liaisons réalisées à l’aide de remontages lithiques ainsi que la cohérence qui se dégage de la disposition des différentes structures comme des différentes aires à l’intérieur de chacun des deux locus, plaident en faveur d’un unique épisode d’occupa- tion, sous la forme d’un vaste campement résidentiel saisonnier. «Régismont-le-Haut» apparait donc comme l’une des plus vastes implantations de plein air que nous connaissons pour l’Aurignacien; ce qui était d’ores et déjà l’un des sites les plus propices afin d’apprécier l’organisation domestique d’une occupation de plein air de cette période, est en effet devenu un exemple tout à fait remarquable d’un campement résidentiel de grande dimension pour le Paléolithique supérieur ancien en général, tout du moins en Europe occidentale

Short-term Neanderthal occupations and carnivores in the North-East of Iberian Peninsula

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Diminishing benefits of urban living for children and adolescents’ growth and development

Optimal growth and development in childhood and adolescence is crucial for lifelong health and well-being1–6. Here we used data from 2,325 population-based studies, with measurements of height and weight from 71 million participants, to report the height and body-mass index (BMI) of children and adolescents aged 5–19 years on the basis of rural and urban place of residence in 200 countries and territories from 1990 to 2020. In 1990, children and adolescents residing in cities were taller than their rural counterparts in all but a few high-income countries. By 2020, the urban height advantage became smaller in most countries, and in many high-income western countries it reversed into a small urban-based disadvantage. The exception was for boys in most countries in sub-Saharan Africa and in some countries in Oceania, south Asia and the region of central Asia, Middle East and north Africa. In these countries, successive cohorts of boys from rural places either did not gain height or possibly became shorter, and hence fell further behind their urban peers. The difference between the age-standardized mean BMI of children in urban and rural areas was <1.1 kg m–2 in the vast majority of countries. Within this small range, BMI increased slightly more in cities than in rural areas, except in south Asia, sub-Saharan Africa and some countries in central and eastern Europe. Our results show that in much of the world, the growth and developmental advantages of living in cities have diminished in the twenty-first century, whereas in much of sub-Saharan Africa they have amplified