A Spatial Distribution Study of Faunal Remains from Two Lower Magdalenian Occupation Levels in El Mirón Cave, Cantabria, Spain

Abstract: Human behaviour can be reconstructed by analysing specific activities and campsite organization using spatial analysis. The dense occupation layers of the Lower Cantabrian Magdalenian in the Northern Spain reveal varied aspects of Upper Palaeolithic lifeways, including evidence of specific localized activities. The outer vestibule of El Mirón cave has a particularly rich and intact Lower Magdalenian occupation horizon, Levels 15–17. The excavations in the outer vestibule “Cabin” area of the site revealed excellent bone preservation. Artefacts and faunal remains were individually recorded and sediments water-screened to yield a large sample of archaeological finds and spatial data. Zooarchaeological analysis provided the taxonomic, anatomic and taphonomic determination of the faunal individual finds. Smaller animal remains were categorized and counted; special attention was given to the identification of anthropogenic modifications such as burnt bones or bone flakes. These small refuse items are considered to be useful, in situ indicators of localized activities. The spatial distribution analysis of this dense and complex palimpsest of El Mirón Lower Cantabrian Magdalenian layers required GIS based methods including density analysis, heatmaps and cluster analysis. Based on the spatial distribution of Level 15 and 16 faunal remains, different activity areas were identified comprising hearth, working and dropping zones. These results imply the deliberately segregated use of space within the Lower Cantabrian Magdalenian site area, in which bone-processing activities played a central rol

Evolution and environment of the eastern linear pottery culture: A case study in the site of Polgár-Piócási-Dűlő

A salvage excavation preceding a major investment project was conducted in 2006–2007, during which associated settlement features of a Middle Neolithic, Eastern Linear Pottery Culture (Alföld Linearbandkeramik – ALBK) were uncovered in an area called Piócási-dűlő on the eastern outskirts of Polgár. The features of the ALBK settlement date from two periods. The cluster of multi-functional pits yielding a rich assortment of finds, the handful of post-holes and an unusual ritual well found in the southern part of the investigated area formed one unit from the earliest phase of the Middle Neolithic (ALBK I). The settlement’s other occupation can be assigned to the late phase of the Middle Neolithic (ALBK IV). Five houseplans representing the remains of timber-framed buildings outlined a distinct area with three multi-functional pits. Associated with the above features were 8 burials. The preliminary archaeobotanical results from Polgár–Piócási-dűlő are based on the plant material found within the sediments of 11 archaeological structures, which mainly represent pits and a welI. It can be stated that the natural environment offered habitats in which oak trees dominated in the local vegetation, forming floodplain forests and wooded steppes. They also provided food in the form of fruits and formed an optimal habitat for domestic animals. Arable fields were probably also established in the vicinity of the settlements, suggested by findings of macroscopic plant remains that represented cultivated species. In both settlement phases lithic production activities are manifested both by the local on-site lithic production and – most importantly – by the presence of imported, mainly mesolocal, raw materials that point to contacts with deposit areas, or off-site preliminary working of obsidian and limnoquartzites. The kit of harvesting tools and a large number of grinding stones – especially in the younger phase – for the preparation of plant food suggest a major role of plant cultivation

Etude anthracologique: Le gisement du Paléolithique moyen et du Paléolithique supérieur des Bossats Ormesson (Seine-et-Marne). Rapport de fouille Programmée.

Etude anthracologiqu

Etude anthracologique.: L'occupation humaine de l'abri Pataud il y a 22 000 ans. Rapport d'opération archéologique programmée.

Etude anthracologique

Étude anthracologique: Le gisement du Gravettien et du Paléolithique moyen des Bossats (77). Rapport de fouille programmée

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Développement de grilles de lectures interprétatives des pratiques de la collecte du bois de feu en anthracologie. Approche expérimentale et méthodes statistiques

Développement de grilles de lectures interprétatives des pratiques de la collecte du bois de feu en anthracologie. Approche expérimentale et méthodes statistique

Etude anthracologique: Le gisement du Paléolithique moyen et du Paléolithique supérieur des Bossats Ormesson (Seine-et-Marne). Rapport de fouille Programmée.

Etude anthracologiqu

Etude anthracologique.: Le gisement du Paléolithique moyen et du Paléolithique supérieur des Bossats Ormesson (Seine-et-Marne). Rapport de fouille Programmée.

Etude anthracologique

Etude anthracologique.: L’ABRI SOUS ROCHE DU ROCHER DE L’IMPÉRATRICE À PLOUGASTEL-DAOULAS, FINISTÈRE. rapport de fouille programmée.

Etude anthracologique

Etude anthracologique: Le gisement du Paléolithique moyen et du Paléolithique supérieur des Bossats Ormesson (Seine-et-Marne). Rapport de fouille Programmée.

Etude anthracologiqu