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Bird remains are rare on archaeological sites yet often crucial to address a multitude of questions, both cultural and biological. In this paper we argue that oribatid mites living on bird feathers, scales and nests may prove useful to infer not only bird presence but occasionally their breeding at a given site in the absence of their remains. Although oribatids are for all purposes stationary, a good number of species practice non-parasitic phoresis on birds that allows the mites to disperse over large distances. The specificity of the interrelationship, thus the quality of the bioindicator signal, is probably time-dependent, so that the longer the more specific the link between the vertebrate and the arthropod becomes. Oribatids are useful bioindicators because of the intensive sclerotization of their exoskeleton that insures their preservation in archaeological deposits. In this paper inferences about the bird assemblage retrieved at the Early Medieval site of Tabacalera (Gijón, Spain) are explored from the standpoint of the phoretic oribatids recovered in the deposits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coímbre cave (Peñamellera Alta, Asturias) is an Upper Palaeolithic site in Northern Spain, spanning an occupation sequence from the Gravettian to the Magdalenian periods. The upper layers -layer I and II-, corresponding to the Upper Magdalenian, register the highest intensity of human activity. In this paper, we analyse raw material functionality at the site through the study of cut-marks found on bone remains. At Coímbre, we have documented mainly quartzite, followed by flint; other raw materials are found in very low frequencies. There are several types of local quartzite that appear mainly as flaking debitage and stone tools such as burins and scrappers. On the other hand, flint is mainly knapped to elaborate blades and bladelets, as well as specialised implements, such as different types of side scrappers. Retouched flakes on flint are relatively more abundant than those made on quartzite. In this paper we employ the use of photogrammetry, geometric morphometrics and statistics to analyse the cut-marks from the Upper Magdalenian assemblage of Coímbre cave. Our aim is to determine the lithic raw material preferentially used for carcass processing at the site. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a synthesis of the Early Upper Palaeolithic of Cova de les Cendres. Points of special attention are the sedimentary and micromorphological characterisation of level XVI, the analysis of the vegetal and animal resources and their incidence on the economy of the Gravettian human groups, and the characterisation of the landscape during this period. Furthermore, the paper offers important information of the lithic and bone assemblages, economic behaviour and radiocarbon dates of sub-levels XVIA and XVIB, related to the Gravettian, and XVIC and XVID, corresponding to the Aurignacian. Finally, the Gravettian and Aurignacian regional contexts in the Mediterranean Basin of the Iberian Peninsula are discussed, and the recent proposals for regional technological variation in the Iberian Gravettian industries are critically evaluated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The dominance of red deer in Magdalenian records in Cantabrian Spain is a well-studied issue. Given the great accumulations of this species in those deposits, researchers have offered diverse interpretations of the phenomenon, related to ecology, orography or ethology. However, fewer papers carry out comparative intra-site analysis, which is able to document the existence of changes or continuities in the subsistence strategies at an archaeological site. The aim of this paper is to present the results of the archaeozoological analysis of Levels F and G in El Cierro cave (Asturias, Spain), both of them dated during Greenland Stadial 2, in the Lower Magdalenian (15,460 ± 75 and 15,580 ± 75 BP, respectively). Similar percentages of mammals have been documented in the two levels, as well as the same meat and fat consumption and processing strategies. Thus, this paper intends to determine how much energy red deer supplied to the diet of the humans that inhabited El Cierro, in comparison with other hunted and consumed fauna during the Lower Magdalenian. This study highlights the continuity of exploitation patterns of faunal resources in El Cierro cave during the Lower Magdalenian. This continuity is specifically seen in red deer, since the geographic characteristics of the Sella Valley, the abundance of the biotype, and the economic profitability of this species made it the main resource of animal origin for the hunter-gatherers at that site. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present paper deals with the historical evolution of the northern Bay of Cádiz (SW Spain) between the last eustatic maximum (6.5 ka BP) and the present day, by means of a series of independent proxies. The zone is constituted by the tidal estuary of the Guadalete River, filled with saltmarsh sediments during the late Holocene, due to the sheltering of the zone by a confining outer sandy barrier. The northern border of the Bay records an urban settlement of Phoenician Age (first millennium BC), Doña Blanca. A detailed survey was made in the contact between the Phoenician city and the saltmarshes in order to detect other possible urban structures related to the morphological and sedimentary evolution of this environment during historical times. Two campaigns with GPR Stream-X array were carried out as well as aerial imaging and topographic survey with UAV. In parallel, a total of 8 boreholes were made in different parts of the saltmarshes, including radiocarbon dating of selected samples for estimating sedimentation rates in the saltmarshes. Results obtained by georadar prospection and UAV survey revealed the presence of a second urban settlement on the marginal sedimentary plain, very probably installed upon a sandy fluvial island of the Guadelete River. The urban remains, of Punic Age, are partly covered by clay sediments due to the subsequent evolution of these saltmarshes, where sedimentation rates of up to nearly 2.4 mm/yr have been estimated for environments close to fluvial and/or tidal channels and hence more affected by sediment aggradation during flooding episodes. In recent times, river regulation by dams and the artificial desiccation and cropping of the saltmarshes have interrupted the natural trend of the area towards sedimentary silting up. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Woodworking technology in prehistory has been studied primarily indirectly, which could be partial and incomplete information on wood technology. The Neolithic site of La Draga (Banyoles, Spain), due to its preservation of organic archaeological materials, presents exceptional conditions for its study. This paper will focus on the manufacture process of an ensemble of 44 wooden digging sticks from the site. It has been developed an experimental analysis, followed by the tool mark analysis of 3D models which suggests a differential woodworking process depending on the wooden raw material used; boxwood digging sticks required much more complex woodworking techniques. The 3D digitalization and tool mark analysis has been an excellent solution in order to prevent the fragile archaeological wooden tools from degradation and also it opens a wide and new range of possible research lines to be developed in the upcoming years as signature analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Palaeolithic rock engravings that are located along the Nalón river basin in Northern Spain (central area of Asturias) have been studied from various perspectives (morphology, depth, style, manual range), but no use-wear studies on the stone tools used to produce such engravings have ever been undertaken. This paper aims to explore a new approach to this type of incisions based on use-wear analysis of experimental lithic tools used to engrave limestone blocks and slabs. Our results show that the use-wear traces generated by engraving limestone are well-developed and can be defined with specific criteria. The principal objective of this study was to provide the first experimental reference collection of use-wear resulting from engraving limestone using flint and quartzite experimental tools to compare with the traces that appear on tools in the archaeological record in contexts with parietal and portable art and, more specifically, to add a new approach to the multidisciplinary study of the La Viña rock shelter. • Experimental collection of use-wear resulting from engraving limestone. • Description of macro and micro traces and residues involving in the stone working. • Combination of SEM and OM to analyse use-wear traces in quartzite and flint tools. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Based on new documentation carried out on some of the most important Levantine sites, it is possible to reinterpret some Levantine scenes and their social contexts. Using new perspectives, it is possible to point out a real social instability that is represented not only in war or fight scenes but also in some other veiled forced activities (i.e., massive movement of human groups, captures, etc.). In these scenes conflict is not just represented by the use of arms (bows, arrows, or boomerangs), but by some other kind of social violence scenes that make us to reconsider the social relationships among creators of Levantine rock art from its earliest phases. These scenes allow complex thematic levels that can be considered. Why did those people depict such veiled violence? Was violence normally depicted by Levantine groups? Or do depictions belong to some specific Levantine groups or stylistic phases? Were depictions an answer to a survival necessity? And, in that case, what was its motivation? A new interpretation about those robust or Centelles horizon social scenes is presented in this paper, focusing on anthropological, ecological and socio-economic approaches rather than religious or ritual ones. Such interpretation makes us to considerer the validity of our current ways of interpreting prehistoric rock art. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During the Late Glacial–Early Holocene transition Southern Iberia has an extensive record of Palaeolithic coastal sites, wich have been preserved due thanks to the morphology of the continental shelf. This is was a period with rapid palaeoclimatic oscillations and changes in sea level. However, the sites show an apparent continuity in technology and subsistence trends, although human groups made increasingly intense use of marine resources. In this paper we will focus on the study of Mediterranean seal remains from the Vestíbulo hall of Cueva de Nerja (Málaga, Spain), unit NV4, dated 12,990–11,360 cal. BP. The presence of these bones at the site are interpreted as direct exploitation of seals by humans, who processed different parts of the animal like the flesh, blubber and skin. These data allow us to assess the changing role of marine mammals in the regional Palaeolithic economy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Cova Rosa is an archaeological site in Asturias, Spain, excavated by Francisco Jordá Cerdá in 1958, 1959 and 1964. Later, the same archaeologist and Alejandro Gómez Fuentes carried out an excavation from 1975 to 1979. They documented two levels, named Cova Rosa A and Cova Rosa B. The archaeological material resulting from this excavation has remained practically unpublished. This paper presents the biotic remains (ligneous and faunal resources) in Layer B6, dated by radiocarbon to about 15,800 BP (c. 18,700 cal BP), corresponding to the Lower Magdalenian. Anthracological analysis shows that the human groups selected mostly shrub species for their fires. Archaeozoological information indicates that hunting specialising in red deer predominated, while fishing salmonids and shellfishing (mostly limpets and periwinkles) were complementary activities to hunting and gathering plants. Other economic activities practiced in the cave were the fabrication of osseous implements and objects of adornment made with animal raw materials. Through the biotic remains that have been documented, it can be inferred that, at that time in Greenland Stadial 2, conditions were relatively cold and humid, and the vegetation was dominated by grasslands and shrubs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Slope stability back-analysis performed for landslides known to have been triggered by an earthquake can provide additional constraints on the size and location of pre-instrumental seismic events. This paper reconstructs the pre-earthquake conditions of a major landslide located in the Granada Basin –the Güevéjar landslide, which was triggered twice by the 1755 Lisbon and 1884 Arenas del Rey earthquakes. For each case the minimum seismic acceleration needed to trigger the instability has been calculated, and from this datum the most likely magnitude and epicentral location have been inferred for each event. The results suggest that the moment magnitude of the 1755 Lisbon earthquake was at least 8.5 and that it was located as far as 580 km from the landslide. For the 1884 Arenas del Rey earthquake, the moment magnitude was at least 6.5 and it was located within 55 km of Güevéjar. These results indicate the Ventas de Zafarraya Fault as the seismogenic source of the event. Apart from these two major events, other significant historical earthquakes which took place in the Granada Basin are also analysed in the paper. It is confirmed that none of these was able to reactivate the landslide, not even the 1806 Pinos Puente earthquake. The Güevéjar landslide is stable under present-day conditions, but it could be reactivated by an earthquake as small as Mw  = 4.7 directly at the site. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

In this paper we present recent research concerning the neolithization process in the East of Spain, evaluating the time span between the last hunther-gatherer groups and the first farmers ( c . 5950–5150 cal. BC). To do that we have compiled and filtered current information about radiocarbon dates and sites in order to discuss the state of the art relating to the models used to explain the Neolithic spread in the region. In this sense we compare archaeological data with recent results of virtual model (ABM) in accordance with the scenarios and mechanisms proposed. On this basis we evaluate the empirical data relating to the current model for explaining the Neolithic spread at the region, a mixed model that consider the coexistence between demic and cultural diffusion processes. Finally, the evaluation proposed considers the benefit of introducing the theoretical approaches relating to the Evolutionary Theory and Complex Adaptative Sistems in order to better understand this crucial process in human evolution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research focuses on the description of the sedimentary infills of the Trinchera del Ferrocarril caves (Sierra de Atapuerca) in order to identify buried soils (paleosols). Sediments, soils, and sediments derived from soils form a continuity that is difficult to analyze in the field or at microscopic scales of observation. The sediments of the cave entrances of Trinchera del Ferrocarril contain weakly to strongly developed soil properties. The results presented in this paper describe three different styles of soil stratigraphy during the Middle Pleistocene. These soil-stratigraphic styles are classified based on the maturity of the soils (by development) and the degree of incision (entrenchment), similarly to pedostratigrahic models of alluvial fans. Soil stratigraphy contributes to our understanding of the different implications in the sedimentary record of environmental changes at a local and regional scale. The absolute dates of the soil stratigraphy in the Trinchera del Ferrocarril caves indicate that the environmental changes have the same temporal scale as the orbital climatic cycles (interglacial/glacial, stadial/interstadial). The different soil properties, horizon types and time intervals of soil formation indicate a specific mode of environmental change for each style of soil stratigraphy identified. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The highest concentration of Palaeolithic sites known in the Iberian Peninsula is located in the lower stretches of the Manzanares and Jarama rivers. This area, together with a number of zones in the Tagus valley, constitutes one of the most important archives for the knowledge of the European Pleistocene. The purpose of this paper is to establish the chronological frame and the technological strategies implemented in manufacturing lithic tools during the Acheulean techno-complex in the middle stretch of the Tagus basin. Use of large flakes for making bifaces is common in the Acheulean assemblages from this area, as well as in the rest of the Iberian Peninsula and the south of France. The earliest Acheulean evidence has been dated to between MIS 15 and MIS 13. From MIS 11/MIS 9 on, this techno-complex is widespread in the region, until MIS 6, when the last evidence has been recorded. Handaxes, cleavers on flake and trihedral picks dominate in the châines opératoires of façonnage, which are present in significant percentages. Short châines opératoires of débitage prevail in quartzite, and discoid and polyhedric in flint. Most retouched tools are seldom elaborate. Lithic assemblages with châines opératoires of façonnage exclusively represented by handaxes start to be recorded towards the end of the Middle Pleistocene. These handaxes are more elaborate than previous and the retouched tools are more complex. Among the activities identified in the sites excavated in overbank facies, exploitation of large mammals, particularly proboscideans, is outstanding, as well as the manufacture of lithic tools and the exploitation of primary flint outcrops. The recording of long recurrent settlements on the same location is remarkable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Loess research has the merit of enabling reconstructions of Pleistocene sedimentation dynamics in many parts of the world. However, there is still very few information regarding the occurrence of loess deposits in the Mediterranean area, even though such records may provide a unique opportunity to investigate landscape evolution for a period for which terrestrial archives are very rare in this region. This paper presents the first results of investigations on a loess sequence in the middle Tajo Valley in central Spain. Findings from detailed granulometrical, mineralogical, geochemical, and grain morphological analyses help to give a first overview on character and composition of these deposits. Very high levels of carbonates (∼60%), but also of gypsum, both to large extents of primary origin, indicate the incorporation of material derived from marls and limestone. Furthermore, we found evidence that allows deduction of possible loess proveniences more precisely. Dolomite contents of up to 20% indicate that the Iberian Range might have been an important source area of loess sediments. The fact that these uplands are located to the east seems to be opposed to the common assumption of prevailing west winds for glacial periods. The studied sequence (Paraiso profile) is one of seven sections that have been investigated as part of a programme to reconstruct Upper Pleistocene landscape dynamics in central Spain. In this context, the detailed characterisation of sediment properties is crucial for discussing loess proveniences and sedimentary environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents the results of the first excavation campaign of the Artusia rock shelter in Unzué, Navarre, Spain. Chronocultural and archaeobiological analyses revealed five different occupation phases (Artusia I–V) within the regional Mesolithic timeline, specifically in the Mesolithic of Notches and Denticulates (Artusia I and II) and the Geometric Mesolithic (Artusia III, IV, and V). In addition, the study of the sedimentological and palaeoenvironmental evolution in the entire record helped to clearly define several climatic events which developed around 6550 cal BC–8500 cal BP and 6250 cal BC–8200 cal BP. Here, we present a description of these events and their (pre)historical interpretation with the aim of recognizing how they influenced the Mesolithic hunter–gatherer groups living in the Ebro Basin of the Iberian Peninsula. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Zooarchaeological and palaeontological records indicate that whereas the pine marten ( Martes martes , L.) constitutes a genuine element of the European fauna, the beech marten ( Martes foina E.) is a recent colonizer whose invasion was fostered by the spread of the Neolithic economies. In this paper: (1) we provide the first direct radiocarbon date for the appearance of the beech marten in the Iberian Peninsula and Europe, (2) assess the evolution of the abundances of the two species in the eastern Iberian site of Cova Fosca (13,360–4522 cal BC), and (3) explore the causes that may have played a role in the expansion of the beech marten and the retreat of the pine marten to the northern fringe of the Iberian Peninsula. Our study suggests that whereas the beech marten might have benefited from landscape transformations that the Neolithic agropastoral communities fostered, hunting pressure along with a combination of natural and anthropic landscape changes that took place in eastern Iberia after the onset of the Neolithic ( ca . 5600 cal BC onwards) may have sealed the fate of the pine marten in the region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper examines the zooarchaeological evidence from six Basque towns (Bilbao, Vitoria-Gasteiz, Salvatierra–Agurain, Balmaseda, Orduña and Durango), and compares it with historical written sources. The key aims are a better understanding of urban diet, the provisioning of meat to towns, and the relationship between town and country, in the 12th–18th centuries. Taxonomic frequencies, kill-off patterns, butchery practices and biometrical data are examined in a diachronic perspective. The results reveal that, although there are some signs of economic specialization, patterns of urban consumption remained fairly stable. It is suggested that the strict taxation and legislation for meat supply and the ownership of livestock by urban elites meant that urban demand for meat was too tightly regulated to bring about substantial changes in the mechanisms of livestock breeding and supply. The economic system appears to have mainly been geared towards the socio-economic needs of the countryside, despite the central role of some of the Basque towns in international trade. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this paper is to review the current state of research for the Early Neolithic (c.5000–c.4300 cal BC) in Cantabrian Spain. Bayesian chronological models have been constructed to examine the neolithisation process and assess the role radiocarbon dates may play in understanding this period. The models suggest that the disappearance of hunter-gatherer societies took place after the first Neolithic groups were active in the region. These results agree with the archaeological record for the Early Neolithic and are compatible with a “mosaic” neolithisation process in which local Mesolithic groups clearly participated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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

Abstract: The climatic and anthropogenic control on Holocene sediment dynamics was not well constrained for the Western Mediterranean basin. The paucity of high resolution palaeoenvironmental records long hampered a detailed understanding of the human impact on erosion rates. This paper analyses Holocene sediment dynamics in the context of regional climatic conditions, land cover and human occupation based on an extended compilation of recently published high-resolution paleoenvironmental proxy data from both terrestrial and marine environments. The palaeoenvironmental reconstruction identified four main aridification episodes (A) at 5600–4700 (A4), 4100–3400 (A3), 2800–2500 (A2), and 1900–1300/1200 (A1) cal. BP. Most of the severe aridification phases were climatically induced, not human-driven and well correlated with a large dataset of paleoenvironmental records from the Western Mediterranean Basin and North Atlantic Ocean. The phases of enhanced aridity are generally associated with enhanced sediment dynamics, independent of the intensity and type of human occupation. In contrast, wet climatic conditions are found to be associated with both high and low sediment dynamics dependent on the human impact on the environment. The mid-late Phoenician, Phoenician II/Republican Rome civilizations and the Christian Reconquest are all associated with high human impact on the environment, and high erosion rates are reported for the Vera basin and NE Spain despite the improved hydrological conditions. Human occupation is not necessarily associated with geomorphic instability, as shown by the Post Argaric, Omeya and Nazarene periods that are characterized by low erosion rates and geomorphic stability. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The Jarama River and its catchment provide a valuable natural archive to study and reconstruct past environmental conditions in central Spain. This region is highly prone to changes in the hydrological cycle under predicted climate warming in particular with respect to aridity periods, rainfall variability and the occurrence of extreme flood events. This paper presents 15 exposures covering a time span of the last 44 ka, which were documented in the field and of which seven exposures were soil-chemical analyzed regarding soil texture, organic matter, as well as carbonate and iron content. Ages are based on radiocarbon dating on 32 samples. Latest Holocene sediments were found within the channel-belt, where permanent remobilization of sediments takes place due to the migration of the meandering river course. In more distal floodplain positions, sediment sequences show a complex fluvial architecture referring to periods of varying character and intensity of alluviation as well as periods of geomorphic stability indicated by soil formation. Furthermore, sedimentation patterns vary along different river sections. Aggradations of coarse gravels took place between ∼40 and 18 ka cal BP over the entire valley floor. Alluviation of fine material was documented between 17 and 16, at ∼7.5, between 5.1 and 3.3, at 2.8, between 2.1 and 1.5, at ∼1.0, and around 0.4 ka cal BP until recent times. Astonishingly in late Holocene times, between 4.2 and 3.1 ka cal BP, aggradations of coarse gravels even in distal floodplain areas overlap with sedimentation of fine material in adjacent river sections pointing to a complex constellation of parameters involved. Periods of soil formation were detected around 43, at 31, between 16 and 12.6, after 7.5 until 5.1, between 2.8 and 2.1 and at times after 1.5 ka cal BP. Phases of geomorphic stagnation were found at 38 ka cal BP and for a duration of 200 years at 3.0 ka cal BP and refer to absent geomorphic or pedogenic processes. All these patterns are an expression of the interaction between climatic variations, tectonic impulses and human influences. A comparison with other terrestrial archives enabled us to reconstruct late Pleistocene and Holocene palaeoenvironmental conditions on a regional scale, and furthermore to link specific stages of floodplain development to prevalent influencing variables. Thus, with emphasis on the fluvial system response, a model of a cause and effect relationship is presented, that concentrates on rapid climate changes, long-lasting climatic deteriorations and the role of human interventions. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Homo and Pachycrocuta were the two major agents responsible for modifying and accumulating bones during early Pleistocene times in Europe. However, although an intense competition between hominins and hyenas in the access to scavengeable resources has long been proposed, currently there is no conclusive evidence for corroborating or ruling out this hypothesis. This paper presents indirect evidence of competitive behavior between both species, recovered from the Upper Archaeological Level of Fuente Nueva-3 (Orce, Guadix-Baza Basin, southeastern Spain). It consists of a number of coprolites and tools that surround an incomplete elephant carcass, which suggests that humans and hyenas may have competed for the consumption of this megaherbivore. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This paper analyzes the vertebrate exchanges in the early Pleistocene of the Guadix-Baza Basin, according to the faunal content of the site of Barranco de los Conejos. This site is biostratigraphically placed between the earliest Pleistocene level of Galera 2 and the early Pleistocene site of Venta Micena. Magnetobiostratigraphic correlation indicates a lowermost upper Matuyama age for this site, therefore being almost coeval with the Georgian site of Dmanisi. The vertebrate record of Barranco de los Conejos includes two amphibians (cf. Discoglossus sp. and Pelophylax cf. perezi), three squamates (cf. Chalcides sp., Lacertidae indet. and cf. Coronella sp.), three insectivores (Galemys cf. kormosi, Sorex minutus and Sorex sp.), five rodents (Tibericola vandermeuleni, Tcharinomys oswaldoreigi, Mimomys sp., Castillomys rivas and Apodemus sp.), two lagomorphs (Oryctolagus sp. and Prolagus calpensis) and one bovid (Praeovibos sp.). Presence of taxa such as T. vandermeuleni and Praeovibos sp. indicates faunal exchanges with Western Asia and not with Africa. These dispersal events are probably the result of a trend towards increasing aridity and possibly cooler conditions in the area. Local evolution of endemic lineages is also consistent with this conclusion. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: During the Magdalenian, roughly 20–13 ka cal BP, intensive human occupation of the El Mirón cave coincided with Oldest Dryas and the climate amelioration of Bölling-Allerod (Pleniglacial GS-2a; interstadials GI-1e, 1d, 1c, 1b, 1a). The evolution of small mammal assemblages throughout the stratigraphic sequence displays a pattern similar to those of pollen, geological, and other studies elsewhere in the Cantabrian region. During the Magdalenian there was a climatic recovery, indicated by the first record in the stratigraphic sequence of small mammals living in forested habitats, such as dormice. At the end of the Magdalenian, there was an important diminishment of species of small mammal, especially those living in meadow habitats, at the beginning of the Younger Dryas cold period. Surprisingly, the small mammals living in forest habitats maintained or even further increased in numbers. Tardiglacial use of El Mirón cave coincided with several climate oscillations whose impact on hunting decisions is still debated. This environmental variability during the Late Glacial has been indicated by different proxy records (palynological, geological, etc.) throughout the Cantabrian Region. However, the exact timing and intensity of these changes is unclear due to the lack of continuous, rich archaeological sequences with many radiometric determinations. El Mirón Cave sequence fills this gap in the record, and this paper presents a detailed reconstruction of the development of biotopes around the site based on its micromammal assemblages. It shows an interesting trend of increasing forest-related species (notably dormice) during the Pleistocene–Holocene transition that was preceded by a significant peak of wooded biotopes towards the end of the Pleniglacial, during Heinrich event 1. This pattern can be correlated with the strategy of subsistence that was developed as shown by the macromammalian faunas in the search for any relationship that can shed light on the type of economy adopted by Magdalenian populations in terms of their reaction to resource availability. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The paper examines the Upper Solutrean–Archaic Magdalenian/Badegoulian succession on the base of lithic and bone tool production, chrono-stratigraphic data and radiocarbon dates from the Cantabrian and Mediterranean regions of Iberia, mainly the areas of Asturias and Valencia (Spain). The discussion considers a reduced number of variables (characteristic stone tools, bone points and decoration techniques) and highlights the elements in common. The analysis concerning the transformation of lithic production at Cova del Parpalló provides new data for the Upper Solutrean–Archaic Magdalenian/ Badegoulian transition. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This paper presents a study that includes the factor analysis of some classic deposits from the Cantabrian Middle and Lower Magdalenian and the functional analysis of Rascaño nucleiform endscrapers. Three categories of enclaves are distinguished, based on their main industrial features (two functional: aggregation sites and hunting camps; and one chronological: late Lower or Middle Magdalenian occupations). Finally, the functional analysis relates the abundance of nucleiform endscrapers in Rascaño cave, a hunting camp, to the maintenance or fabrication of bone points. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Harpoons are one of the most characteristic implements of the Upper Magdalenian. However, morphologic differences in barbs and bases mark different regional traditions. This paper gives an account of the main features of harpoons in the Iberian Mediterranean, based on findings from Cova de les Cendres, and compares them with those found in other areas in Western Europe. The specificities of Mediterranean harpoons (a single range of barbs, variable length and number of barbs, and lack of hafting devices on the base) are considered in discussion of their potential functions and possible hafting systems. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: In inland France, diets dominated by the wild European rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) enter the archaeological record around the Pleistocene–Holocene transition, whereas zooarchaeological faunas from Mediterranean Spain typically contain rabbit in abundance much earlier in the Upper Paleolithic. This paper compares data from these two times and places, drawing particularly on faunal data from the Soultrean site of Cueva de Ambrosio (Almería Province, Spain) and the Magdalenian site of Moulin du Roc (Dordogne, France), to consider biogeographic, environmental, and cultural factors that might contribute to the development of rabbit-dominated diets in southwestern Europe. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: At Sima de las Palomas del Cabezo Gordo (Murcia, Spain) remains of several Neanderthals have been excavated recently. From about 50,000 years ago articulated parts of 3 adult skeletons (including skulls with mandibles, vertebral column, rib cages, shoulder blades, hip bones, upper and lower limbs, hands and feet, often in anatomical connexion) were excavated from the lower part of a cemented accumulation of scree and large stones (éboulis) sloping downwards and inwards into the cavity, along with burnt bones of large mammals and Mousterian implements. The excavation of the skeletons is the subject of this paper (palaeoanthropological skeletal descriptions are soon to be published elsewhere). Behind the cemented scree there accumulated a layer of finer sediment containing burnt animal bones, followed by more fine sediment that filled the cavity up to the overhanging rock roof and contained isolated teeth and unburnt bone fragments of Neanderthals, including 3 mandibles, as well as Mousterian implements and faunal remains, all dating from before 40,000 years ago. Altogether, at least 9 Neanderthals are represented by finds from the site (including 3 unstratified mandibles), ranging from babies to adults. Dating methods include radiocarbon, uranium-series, and optical luminescence. Pollen analysis implies conditions less severe than those of the Heinrich 4 cold oscillation at 40,000 years ago. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The Iberian Peninsula has a complete Mio-Pliocene fossil record in which all biostratigraphic units are represented. As a consequence, there is an exceptional proboscidean record including deinotheres, mastodonts and elephants, which has increased significantly in recent years. Many of the older localities are not known in the common paleontological literature because only or mainly proboscidean remains were collected. This paper presents an overview of the localities yielding mastodont remains. Gomphotherium angustidens dispersed into Europe during late MN3. The oldest Spanish record is possibly from early MN4 (zone B of the Aragonian). There are over 125 Iberian localities. The material includes skulls and more or less complete skeletons. The youngest localities are from the lower part of MN7+8. Tetralophodon longirostris replaced Gomphotherium during the latest Aragonian. This event is well reflected in the Spanish record and the first Tetralophodon appears in localities that belong to the upper part of MN7+8. Together with other faunal changes, this event strengthens the idea that MN7 and MN8 can be recognized as separate units. The species is known from over 70 Iberian localities, some of which yielded complete skulls and relatively complete skeletons. At Crevillente II (MN11) a tetralophodont form is found with morphometric similarities to Stegotetrabelodon. Anancus arvernensis replaced Tetralophodon during the Latest Miocene (MN12). This event is well documented in the Iberian Peninsula. This species is found at over 20 localities and is particularly well represented at Las Higueruelas (MN 16; 3.1‑2.9Ma) with many skulls and abundant remains of the different parts of the skeleton. The last Iberian record is in Villarroya (MN 16) and La Florida (E Pleistocene). Zygolophodon turicensis dispersed late in MN3 into Europe, but in Spain it is known from few localities from the Middle Miocene (MN5–7). It evolved into Mammut borsoni, which in Spain is known from some Upper Miocene to Lower Pliocene localities. Overall, the Iberian mastodont record is similar to that of the rest of Europe. The bunodont and zygodont mastodonts overlapped during many millions of years, but at any moment the zygodont species were much less abundant in the Iberian record. Proboscidean dispersals from Africa towards Western and central Europe show a peculiar pattern: several dispersals occurred during the Mid-Miocene Climatic Optimum and again during the Pleistocene, but not during the long time interval between. After the optimum came the Mid-Miocene Crisis, when global temperatures dropped, which probably did not favor northward proboscidean dispersals. When, during the Late Miocene C4 grasslands spread at low latitudes, most Proboscideans adapted to grazing and may have become pre-adapted for living in the seasonal climates of the higher latitudes, and dispersed again to the north. This mirrors the hominoid dispersals from Africa to Europe, which occurred also during the Mid-Miocene and Pleistocene. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

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

Abstract: The exploitation strategies of faunal resources have figured prominently in discussions of the timing and nature of the beginning of modern human behaviour. These strategies have focused on ability to make intensive use of seasonal resources, ability to hunt large or dangerous animals and capacity to exploit small prey, specifically fast-running and flying animals. On this basis, the systematic use of small animals for food at the pre-Upper Palaeolithic moments has been an important debate topic in recent decades. Occasional anthropogenic evidences concerning these animals dates back to the Plio-Pleistocene chronologies in Africa. Nevertheless, several authors state that the small animals began to be important in the human diet from at least the early Middle Palaeolithic in the Mediterranean Basin. From this perspective, this paper discusses the human use of small prey (rabbits, birds and tortoises) in the stratigraphical sequence of Bolomor Cave (Valencia, Spain). This site contains a sedimentary deposit composed of seventeen stratigraphical levels ranging from MIS 9 to MIS 5e (c. 350–100 ka). The evidence of anthropogenic processing of small prey is documented from the earliest moments of the site occupation (level XVII) in form of cutmarks, intentional breakage, human toothmarks, and burning patterns, depending on the archaeological level. The use of small animals, attached to the large game identified in the site, indicate generalist human behaviour based on a broad spectrum diet. In general, the aim of this study is to provide data on the subsistence strategies of the Middle Pleistocene hominids from Bolomor Cave and to contribute to the discussion topic related to the human consumption of small prey in early moments. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Most researchers agree about the importance of the fire during the Pleistocene. The controlled use of fire could allow advances in the ways of life, not only for its value as a constant source of light and heat, but also because it contributed to the processing of food, to warding off the carnivores, and especially, to human socialization, as fire can be understood as a focus of concentration of activities and structuring of inhabited space. Apart from the many utilities that the hearths may have had during the Pleistocene, this research does not allow specification of the chronological and geographical context of the first controlled use of fire. From this perspective, the present study contributes to this discussion with the data from Bolomor Cave (Valencia, Spain). This site contains a sedimentary deposit composed of seventeen stratigraphical levels ranging from MIS 9 to MIS 5e (c. 350–100 ky). The stratigraphical series presents clear evidence of the controlled and reiterative use of fire. The used analytic techniques have confirmed the presence of hearths at levels II, IV, XI and XIII of the site. This paper discusses the hearths from level XIII, chronologically located in MIS 7c with an amino-acid racemization (AAR) date of 228 ± 53 ky. These combustion structures are the most ancient known today not only at Bolomor Cave and in Spain, but also in Southern Europe. From this perspective, the aim of this study is to make known the hearths from Level XIII of Bolomor Cave and to provide data that contribute to the general debate about the presence, knowledge and use of fire in the European Middle Pleistocene. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Behavioral strategies are a primary focus in the study of Middle Paleolithic assemblages. Since the emergence of the processual paradigma, this research has been partly based on the use of interpretive frameworks derived from ethnoarcheological sources. However, this approach is flawed by the lack of correspondence between the time scale of the ethnographic information and the time scale of the archeological record. This paper presents the lithic assemblage from level J (ca. 50 ka BP), one of the Middle Paleolithic layers excavated in the Abric Romaní (Capellades, Spain). The study of this assemblage has been carried out from a spatio-temporal perspective, trying to discern two different time scales involved in the formation of the archeological record: the geological time scale of the assemblage-as-a-whole and the ethnographic time scale of the individual events. The results suggest that several domains of lithic variability, like raw material provisioning, artifact transport and spatial patterns, are time-dependent and should be approached taking into account the temporal depth of the archeological assemblages. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: In recent decades, many research questions focus on occupational patterns in the Middle Palaeolithic. Many discussions on that topic address the temporal resolution of formation of assemblages and the character of palimpsests that can be frequently observed at archaeological sites. The Abric Romaní site (Barcelona, Spain) is a good example to analyze questions related to temporal resolution of the human occupations. This site is filled by a succession of travertine platforms of rapid formation, which clearly separate different archaeological levels. With the objective of characterizing the settlement patterns developed at this site, a combination of zooarchaeological and spatial data from Level J (sublevels Ja and Jb) is presented here. On one hand, primary and immediate anthropogenic accesses to the carcasses (mainly horses and red deer) and well-established patterns of animal processing are observed. On the other hand, these activities are always developed around hearths of inhabitable areas. From a nutritional perspective, faunal refits suggest synchronic relationships between the different activity areas and, therefore, the anthropic occupation of the total surface of the rock-shelter during the formation of Level J. However, this certain synchrony is combined with the presence of other elements, such as overlapped hearths, which show a succession of several occupations with the same settlement patterns. In this way, Level J of Abric Romaní could be understood as the succession of several occupations formed by groups that maintained the same traditions through time. From this perspective, the aim of this paper is to improve data to understand the settlement patterns and the social organization systems of the Neanderthal groups during MIS 3. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The aim of this paper is to describe the results of a study of the terrestrial gastropods recovered at the Epipalaeolithic site Balma del Gai, and comparing it with other Upper Palaeolithic and Epipalaeolithic samples from the Mediterranean region of the Iberian Peninsula. Balma del Gai is located in north-eastern Spain, in the municipality of Moià, province of Barcelona. This small rock shelter lies about 50 km inland from the coast. The second layer, the middle one, (Nivell I) contains diverse Epipalaeolithic occupations dated from 12,240 ± 110 BP to 8930 ± 140 BP. A large amount of terrestrial gastropod shells was recovered during archaeological excavations. These shells belong to the species Cepaea nemoralis, which is very common in other contemporaneous sites from the region. The anthropic origin of the sample has been confirmed by a previous taphonomic study. New results reveal an evolution in the use of land snails as a food resource from south to north in Mediterranean Iberia: consumption of land snails began in the south with the warmer stages at the end of the Pleistocene and extended northwards during the Holocene. However, land snails were most likely only a seasonal food source, and their presence is probably correlated with the exploitation of other resources such as small mammals (rabbits) and collected plants and fruits. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The sedimentary record of the Vestíbulo, Mina and Torca chambers in the ancient entrance of Nerja Cave (Málaga, southern Spain) developed between around 30 and 3.6 ka cal BP. The long record of human occupation shows a dominance of terrestrial snails associated with the Gravettian, with a continuation of these types in the Solutrean when marine shells begin to be introduced. During the Magdalenian, marine bivalves are dominant. Marine molluscs reach a maximum during the Epipalaeolithic, giving rise to a shell midden formed primarily by Mytilus edulis and diverse species of Patella. The Epipalaeolithic shell midden occurs in Unit 4 and can be dated to the Pleistocene–Holocene boundary. This paper focuses on the terrestrial, marine and freshwater gastropods present in the Epipalaeolithic. Among these remains were specimens carried in by humans for both food and ornamental purposes. Others were introduced accidentally by humans, and finally, other specimens entered the cave by natural processes. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The study area is located in the Sierra de Gredos, a portion of the Sistema Central range of central Spain, specifically in the Gredos Gorge, on the north side of Pico Almanzor (2596 masl), where glacial forms are present down to an altitude of 1410 m, 10 km from the headwall. This paper presents cosmogenic 36Cl surface exposure dates of four closely spaced lateral moraine ridges within the area of maximum advance of the ancient glacier, 8 km from the headwall; and two glacially polished bedrock thresholds 3 and 5 km from the headwall. The dates are overall coherent and indicate a maximum advance at 26–24 ka. Subsequently the glacier front stabilized around its maximum position for ∼3 ka, with small scale fluctuations resulting in small, closely spaced moraines ridges. Glacier recession began after 21 ka, accelerating sharply by ∼16 ka. The glacier had probably disappeared from the Gredos Gorge by 15 ka. There are no traces of older or more recent moraines than those dated in this study. These results are in agreement with the well known late Pleistocene climatic evolution of the Northern Atlantic and with the glacial chronology of the Alps and other Mediterranean mountains. However, the Gredos Gorge has no geomorphic evidence of the Younger Dryas cold event, probably because of the low altitude and southern character of these mountains. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: An abundant open-air Early Middle Palaeolithic record has been preserved in the Duero basin plateaus (Castilla y León region, north-central Spain). A long-term landscape archaeology project has been underway in this area and since 1996. A number of studies have been carried out in order to evaluate the role played by post-depositional factors in the refuse patterns observed. The main post-depositional disturbance forces are cultural ones and relate to the development of intensive, mechanized agriculture. The landscape project on the Duero basin plateaus constitutes the first case in the Iberian Peninsula in which the effects of plowing have been monitored from a wide variety of approaches in a single area and on a long-term basis. At the same time, this region offers a unique opportunity to evaluate the effect of plowing in Palaeolithic spatial patterns. This paper summarizes the main research lines on plowzone archaeology carried out between 1996 and 2007 within the landscape archaeology project undertaken in the Palaeolithic sites of the Duero plateaus and stresses the main assets of the archaeological record affected primarily by plowing. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This paper presents a taphonomic analysis of the faunal assemblages from the 1993–1999 excavations at Ambrona (Spain), directed by Santonja and Pérez-González. The purpose of the new excavations was to achieve a better understanding of the stratigraphic sequence, general geology, sedimentary context and processes of accumulation of materials. Our objectives are to evaluate the opposing interpretations of the hominid subsistence activities at the site proposed by Freeman and Binford. The faunal and lithic remains are found in different sedimentary contexts: an alluvial fan, lacustrine muds, fluviatile clay–sands and channel deposits. Faunal remains in the lacustrine muds are often, but not always, in primary context. Remains of elephant and deer carcasses may be found in partial articulation or proximity and represent natural occurrences without any clear evidence of hominid intervention. In other contexts the faunal remains are occurrences of single anatomical elements either displaced by water or left isolated in situ. There are no carnivore marks; bones and stone artifacts show varying degrees of mechanical abrasion due to water transport. Limited evidence of human action on bones is provided by a few SEM verified cutmarks and some anthropic fractures. They document butchery of various animals, including elephants. We cannot prove hunting but we can definitely reject Binford''s idea of marginal scavenging of medium-size ungulates from carnivore kills. Ambrona is a complex mix of natural and human components, the remnant of a natural landscape regularly visited by hominids, who transported some artifacts from nonlocal raw material sources and had an organized approach to meat acquisition. However, strong evidence of elephant hunting is provided only by sites younger than Ambrona. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]