A new roman fish-salting workshop in the Saltes Island (Tinto-Odiel Estuary, SW Spain): La Cascajera and its archaeological and geological context

The southwestern Atlantic coast of the Iberian Peninsula presents an important Roman heritage that includes numerous fish-salting workshops, with an industrial activity that went on for almost a millennium (1st century BC-7th century AD). Nevertheless, a future broad research is still necessary to determine the geologic substratum on which they are based, their palaeoenvironmental evolution, their main economic objectives and the byproducts derived from their activities. This paper is focused on the geology, dating and the archaeological record of La Cascajera, a new site located in the Tinto-Odiel estuary (SW Spain). This new cetaria occupied the northwestern end of La Cascajera ridge (Saltés Island), constituted by sandy, bioclastic deposits of previous washover fans (1st-2th centuries AD). During the main period of activity (middle of 4th century AD-5th century AD), the existence of a certain typology of amphorae as well as the documentation of a shell deposit formed mostly by Glycymeris suggest that this factory was oriented to the production of mixed fish sauces and the handling of edible bivalves. The main features of this deposit (texture, paleontology, taphonomy) could be used to differentiate middens from natural shelly ridges.La costa suratlántica de la Península Ibérica posee un importante legado romano que incluye numerosos talleres halieúticos, con una actividad que se desarrolló durante casi un milenio (siglo I a.C.-siglo VII d.C.). Sin embargo, se precisan nuevas investigaciones que determinen el contexto geológico en el que se desarrollaron, su evolución paleoambiental, sus principales objetivos económicos y los subproductos derivados de sus actividades. Este trabajo se centra en la geología, datación y registro arqueológico de La Cascajera, un nuevo yacimiento localizado en el estuario de los ríos Tinto y Odiel (S.O. de España). Esta nueva cetaria ocupaba el extremo noroccidental de la cresta de La Cascajera (Isla de Saltés), constituida por depósitos bioclásticos arenosos de abanicos de derrame previos (siglos I-II d.C.). Durante su principal periodo de actividad (mitad del siglo IV d.C.-siglo V d.C.), la existencia de una cierta tipología de ánforas así como la existencia de un conchero formado principalmente por Glycymeris sugieren que esta factoría estaba dedicada a la producción de salsas mixtas de pescado y la extracción de bivalvos comestibles. Las principales características de este conchero (textura, paleontología, tafonomía) podrían ser usadas para diferenciar concheros de acumulaciones naturales de conchas.Ministerio de Innovación, Ciencia y Empresa de España. Plan Nacional de I+D+i DEATLANTIR II-HAR2017-89154-PJunta de Andalucía-HUM-132, RNM-238 y RNM-29

New Geological Evidence of the 1755 Lisbon Tsunami from the Rock of Gibraltar (Southern Iberian Peninsula)

This paper presents the easternmost mineralogical and geochemical evidence of the 1755 Lisbon tsunami found in the Western Mediterranean. This multidisciplinary analysis of a sediment core obtained in Gibraltar (southern Iberian Peninsula) has allowed us to differentiate a tsunamiite from an old lagoon (The Inundation). This tsunamigenic layer has increased levels of calcite and aragonite and higher concentrations of Ba and ferromagnesian elements in comparison with the underlying lagoonal sediments of this core. This layer is also differentiated by its paleontological record, with the introduction of marine species within this lagoon. The uppermost part of the core includes a transition from swampy/marsh paleoenvironments to terrestrial scenarios, with a final anthropogenic filling occurring during the last centuryThis work was carried out through the following projects: a) DGYCIT project CTM2006- 06722/MAR; b) DGYCIT project CGL2006-01412; and c) FEDER 2014-2020 project UHU-1260298. Other funds have come from Autonomous University of Madrid (GPG-418 Research Group) and the Andalusian Government (groups RNM-238, RNM-293 and RNM-349). It is a contribution to the Research Center in Historical, Cultural and Natural Heritage (CIPHCN) of the University of Huelv

New Geological Evidence of the 1755 Lisbon Tsunami from the Rock of Gibraltar (Southern Iberian Peninsula)

This paper presents the easternmost mineralogical and geochemical evidence of the 1755 Lisbon tsunami found in the Western Mediterranean. This multidisciplinary analysis of a sediment core obtained in Gibraltar (southern Iberian Peninsula) has allowed us to differentiate a tsunamiite from an old lagoon (The Inundation). This tsunamigenic layer has increased levels of calcite and aragonite and higher concentrations of Ba and ferromagnesian elements in comparison with the underlying lagoonal sediments of this core. This layer is also differentiated by its paleontological record, with the introduction of marine species within this lagoon. The uppermost part of the core includes a transition from swampy/marsh paleoenvironments to terrestrial scenarios, with a final anthropogenic filling occurring during the last century

Mise en évidence de changements paléoenvironnementaux au Miocène-Holocène dans l'estuaire du Rio Tinto (Sud-Ouest de l'Espagne) par des données sédimentologiques, géochimiques et faunistiques

This paper investigates the paleoenvironmental evolution of a long core extracted in a small cove located in the Tinto-Odiel estuary (SW Spain). The inferred reconstruction is supported by sedimentological, geochemical, paleontological data and dating. Seven phases have been identified, with the transit from Late Neogene marine environments to a subrecent freshwater pond and a final anthropic filling. On the basis of these data, this area was flooded during the maximum of the MIS-1 transgression (6.5-5.2 cal. kyr BP), with the temporary presence of a subtidal channel with phanerogam meadows. During this evolution, three geochemical peaks have been detected, which correspond to 1) the first evidence of mining activities (~4.5 cal. kyr BP), 2) an interval of intensive mining (1850- 1960) and 3) an industrial period (1966-1985), affected by the dumping of highly polluting waste into this estuary.Cet article étudie l'évolution paléoenvironnementale des couches d'un carottage d'une vingtaine de mètres effectué dans une petite anse de l'estuaire de Tinto-Odiel (Sud-Ouest de l'Espagne). La reconstitution des environnement est étayée par des données sédimentologiques, géochimiques et paléontologiques, ainsi que par des datations absolues. On y a distingué sept phases avec le passage des milieux marins du Néogène supérieur à un bassin d'eau douce sub-récent et un remplissage anthropique final. D'après ces données, cette zone a été ennoyée lors du maximum de la transgression MIS-1 (6500-5200 ans calibrés AP), avec la présence temporaire d'un chenal infralittoral avec des herbiers à phanérogames. Au cours de cette évolution, trois pics géochimiques ont été détectés ; ils correspondent successivement 1) aux premiers indices d'activités minières (~4500 ans calibrés AP), 2) à un épisode d'exploitation minière intensive (1850-1960) et 3) à une période industrielle (1966-1985) caractérisée par le déversement dans cet estuaire de déchets très polluants

Modelling the mid-late Holocene evolution of the Huelva Estuary and its human colonization, South-Western Spain

The major changes that occurred in the southwestern estuaries of the Spanish Atlantic coast during the last 6500 yr BP were simultaneous to human settlement and therefore the understanding of their coastal evolution will help interpreting human patterns in these areas. The study of the morpho-sedimentary features of new outcrops appearing in the middle sector of Saltés Island (Huelva Estuary, Spain) has been used to develop a model to understand the complex evolution of sand barriers than can be applied to similar inlets along the Atlantic Iberian coast. The first human settlements (6000–4000 yr BP) in the early Huelva Estuary (Tinto and Odiel rivers) were located in the ancient coastal banks or in the nearby hills. From 4000 yr BP onwards, the estuarine sediments started to emerge as sand barriers and chenier plains, prograding towards the mouth. As the littoral strands stabilized morphologically, they were colonized by human settlements in successive periods, the oldest inland (Almendral) and more recent outward (Cascajera). The study of the upper sedimentary layers of La Cascajera barrier display a tempestitic sequence of landward progradational washover-fans. The calibrated and modelled AMS dates in marine shells provide a storminess time range between the second half of first century BCE and the entire first century CE. Sedimentary records are useful to evaluate environmental changes, either from natural or anthropogenic causes, such as global and climate change. The interrelationship between the archaeological findings (mainly salting fish factories and old ports) and the morpho sedimentary evolution at the mouth of the Tinto and Odiel rivers allows us to highlight not only the Huelva Estuary's dynamics evolution, but also the possible regional patterns of human habitation from the beginning of the present sea-level highstand (middle Holocene).Ministerio de Economía y Competitividad CGL2010-15810/BTEEuropean Union (UE) EU Excellence Project of the Andalusia Board SEJ-477

Registro geológico y evolución paleogeográfica de la bahía colombina de Palos

págs.: 269-291Capítulo incluido en el libro: Actas de las Jornadas de Historia sobre el Descubrimiento de América. Tomo V: Jornadas XV, XVI, XVII y XVIII, 2019, 2020, 2021 y 2022. Eduardo García Cruzado (Coordinación). Huelva: Universidad Internacional de Andalucía ; Ayuntamiento de Palos de la Frontera, 2023. ISBN: 978-84-7993-388-3 (versión PDF). Enlace: http://hdl.handle.net/10334/7892 . El presente estudio geológico, de la antigua bahía colombina de Palos de la Frontera, se ha llevado a cabo contando con la interpretación de tres de los siete sondeos realizados durante la campaña estival de 2016. Desde entonces, el análisis del registro sedimentario ha proporcionado un elevado número de publicaciones internacionales de alto impacto y trabajos para alumnos de posgrado, sirviendo este registro como ejemplo geoarqueológico de la evolución reciente del estuario de los ríos Tinto y Odiel. El primer resultado novedoso de este estudio ha sido que el relleno sedimentario de la bahía se extiende, temporalmente, durante toda la historia del período Holoceno (11.000 últimos años) y, con ella, los momentos finales de episodio marino transgresivo flandriense, cuyo máximo hemos fechado en unos 5.300 años. De esa forma se transita, paleoambientalmente, desde un conjunto basal de génesis terrestre, con aluviones fluviales y depósitos de ladera, a medios marinos litorales que se iniciaron hace unos 6.500 años. La secuencia finaliza con distintos tipos de ambientes estuarino-mareales y un recubrimiento reciente de residuos antropogénicos

Late Holocene archaeobotanical evolution of the Canale di Imbocco (Roman imperial port of Portus, Central Italy)

The Roman port of Portus was the most important in the Mediterranean during the imperial period (27 BC–476 AD). It wasmade up of an outer port or Claudius basin and an inner hexagon or Trajan's port, joined by the Canale di Imbocco. The archaeobotanical record obtained in a continuos sediment core taken in this channel ismade up of 19 types of plant macroremains, with a predominance of fibers of the seagrass Posidonia oceanica L., replaced by fluvial sediments in the upper part of the core. Seeds, fruits and thorns of aquatic species frommarine or brackish waters, halophyte species, edible species, freshwater riparian vegetation and remains of charcoal and wood also appear regularly. According to the inferred palaeoenviromental evolution of this core, Portus was an area of fluvial-marine interaction during the Roman Empire, with brackish water conditions interrupted by stormy periods deduced from the record of P. oceanica. The archaeobotanical and sedimentary evolution points to a restriction of marine contributions and a final implantation of a fluvial environment. In this evolution, a specific interval with abundant charcoal and caryopses of Triticum could correspond to a fire, which was followed by a possible period of greater construction activity linked with large fragments of wood.This paper was jointly supported by the following projects: a) project DGYCIT CTM2006-06722/MAR; b) DGYCIT project CGL2006-01412; c) “From the Atlantic to the Mediterranean (DEATLANTIR): Research in the infrastructures of Portus-Ostia Antica: the Lanterna wharf” (Programme of Archeology Projects Abroad, Ministry of Culture and Sports); d) From the Atlantic to the Tyrrhenian. Hispanic ports and their commercial relations with Ostia Antica (DEATLANTIR II - HAR2017-89154-P - (National R&D Plan)); and e) FEDER project 2014-2020 UHU-1260298. Other funds come from the research groups HUM-132, RNM-238 and RNM-293 (P.A.I.D.I). It is a contribution to the Center for Research in Historical, Cultural and Natural Heritage of the University of Huelva. The archaeobotanical record is deposited in the Laboratory of Paleontology and Applied Ecology of the University of Huelva

Sediments as Sentinels of Pollution Episodes in the Middle Estuary of the Tinto River (SW Spain)

Estuaries are excellent environments for identifying pollution episodes that have affected river basins, as their sediments are the final destination of some of the pollutants. This paper studies the geochemical evolution of five elements (As, Co, Cu, Pb, Zn) in a core extracted from the middle estuary of the Tinto River (SW Spain). The results are based on facies interpretation, ICP atomic emission spectrometry analysis, the application of a regional background to obtain the geoaccumulation index and dating. The main objective of this communication is the detection of natural or anthropogenic pollution episodes in the middle estuary of the Tinto River (SW Spain). Four pollution episodes have been detected: (1) ~5.8 cal. kyr BP, probably caused by natural acid rock drainage processes derived from the oxidation of the Iberian Pyritic Belt deposits found in its drainage basin; (2) 4.7–4.5 kyr BP, coming from the first mining activities and characterized by a significant increase in the concentrations of the five elements analyzed; (3) 1850–1960 interval, coinciding with intensive mining and characterized by increasing values of As and, to a lesser extent, Pb (intensive mining); and (4) the second half of the 20th century, with high element concentrations from mining and industrial effluents. All episodes show an increase in their geochemical classes deduced from the geoaccumulation index. This communication can serve as an example for assessing the impact of different types of pollution in estuarine environments.This study was mainly financed by the Palos de la Frontera Council. It was also carried out through the following projects: (a) DGYCIT project CTM2006-06722/MAR; (b) DGYCIT project CGL2006-01412; (c) Roman cities of the Baetica, CORPVS VRBIVM BAETICARVM (I) (CUB) (Andalusian Government); (d) From the Atlantic to the Tyrrhenian, the Hispanic ports and their commercial relations with Ostia Antica, DEATLANTIR II—HAR2017-89154-P (Plan Nacional de I + D + i); and (e) FEDER 2014–2020 project UHU-1260298. Other funds have come from the Andalusian Government (groups HUM-132, RNM-238, and RNM-293). It is a contribution to the Research Center in Historical, Cultural and Natural Heritage (CIPHCN) of the University of Huelva

Evolución paleoambiental de una turbera finiholocena en el sector suroccidental del Parque Nacional de Doñana (S.O. España)

El análisis multidisciplinar de un perfil descubierto por las tormentas invernales en el litoral del Parque Nacional de Doñana ha permitido reconstruir la evolución de su sector occidental durante el Holoceno superior. Se han definido 3 fases que reflejan el paso desde una marisma de aguas salobres (FA-1) a una laguna de aguas dulces transformada en turbera (FA-2), para finalizar con el depósito de cordones dunares (FA-3).The multidisciplinary analysis of a profile discovered by the winter storms on the coast of the Doñana National Park has allowed us to reconstruct the evolution of its western sector during the Late Holocene. Three phases have been defined, which reflect the transition from a brackish water marsh (FA-1) to a freshwater lagoon transformed into peat bog (FA-2), to end with the deposit of dune systems (FA-3)