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This paper presents the results obtained concerning the possible presence of camelids in the city of Cordoba (Spain) in Roman and medieval times, after the review of all the faunal assemblages corresponding to these historical periods deposited in the Provincial Archaeological Museum of the city. This research has allowed the recovery and contextualization of nine dromedary bone remains corresponding to nine individuals, four of which have been dated by C. A stable isotope analysis has also been carried out which indicates the possible arrival of these animals from other provinces of the empire in Roman times and from North Africa in medieval times. Besides, we carried out a bibliographical update of all bone remains found in the Iberian Peninsula for the periods analyzed, concluding that the main use of them was for transporting and manufacturing different tools.

En este trabajo se presenta el estado de la cuestión y nuevos hallazgos sobre la constatación arqueológica de la presencia de dromedario, Camelus dromedarius L., en el sur de al-Andalus. De igual modo, se aborda el uso al que fueron destinados a partir del análisis de las noticias aportadas por las fuentes escritas, así como una primera aproximación a la significación simbólica de este animal. Por otra parte, se evidencia que la mayoría de las manipulaciones observadas en los restos óseos de dromedario analizados estaría relacionada con la fabricación de distintos utensilios de hueso. En cuanto a la distribución geográfica que alcanzaron estos animales en la península ibérica y su aumento o disminución en al-Andalus, concluimos que estuvieron presentes a lo largo del periodo islámico., This paper presents the state-of-the-art regarding the archaeological verification of the presence of dromedaries, Camelus dromedarius L. in the south of Al-Andalus, together with new findings regarding this topic. This research also ana-lyzes several written sources, which clarify the usage given to these animals and, at the same time, offers a first symbolic meaning given to them. On the other hand, we demonstrate that most of the bone manipulations found in the bone remains from dromedaries corresponds to the manufacturing of several different bone tools. As far as the geographical distribution of these animals within the iberian peninsula and their increase or decrease in al-Andalus, we conclude that they were present during the Islamic period.

Our understanding of early copper metallurgy in the Iberian Peninsula is mostly based on analysis from well-studied regions in the Southeast and Southwest. This paper focuses on two recently recovered Chalcolithic metallurgical assemblages outside these traditional research foci: two slagged crucibles from Lugar Viejo III (Zaragoza) and two large slag cakes from Cueva del Cañaveralejo (Córdoba). Analysis of the compositions and microstructures of the artifacts using optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy-energy dispersive spectroscopy (SEM-EDS) suggests they are related to primary copper production, namely smelting in crucible-furnaces under relatively oxidizing conditions, as is standard for this period. The slag layers on crucibles from Lugar Viejo indicate the production of copper with minor amounts of arsenic, also typical for this period. Of special note is the use of organic temper in the crucibles from Lugar Viejo, a practice found at the nearby site of Moncín but rare at other sites in Iberia. However, the slags from Cueva del Cañaveralejo are atypical in their large size (approx. 125 g each), fayalitic composition, unusual efficiency as demonstrated by a low copper content, and lack of arsenic; furthermore, the high sulfur content raises the possibility of the use of sulfidic ores. Results from both sites are compared against published data from well-known sites such as Los Millares, Las Pilas, Almizaraque, and Bauma del Serrat del Pont. The new data from Lugar Viejo and Cueva del Cañaveralejo reinforce the interpretation of metallurgy in the Iberian Peninsula as a low-skilled, conservative technology but also indicate the need for more research into regional variations. (See Supplementary Data 1 for a summary in Spanish).

The complex task carried out by the Universities, Centers of Investigation, Museums, Companies and Cultural Associations, etc., represents just one part of the path that must be followed in order to make aware the population of the importance of the investigation and protection of our cultural heritage, which is seen more an more frequently as a resource of territorial stabilization. In most cases, the results of these scientific researchers have been barely spread or have been aimed primarily at specialized sectors. In addition, the results of these projects or initiatives, focused on the same territory, have been imprecise, instead of creating complementary and group activities. This kind of activities can make profitable our inherited resources and can contribute with a common aim: the economic, cultural and social development of our municipality. The Manager of Heritage´s task would be broaden the horizons through an appropriate education and dissemination; using an adaptation of the different apprehended information in the researches to the different social groups. That is to say, an adaptation to the older age collective (taking in account the different educational levels) as well as to the students, who are placed in different established educative phases, understanding this last mentioned group as the present and future basis for the preservation and protection of the cultural heritage of our territories. To this end, we need to have the newest and best adapted tools, as well as the best qualified team. The sustainability of this investigation is based on the ability of this resource, that is to say, the creation of employment and therefore, it is also based on the restoration and stabilization (establishment) of the population of a concrete territory. In addition, it is also seen as the most powerful engine, as it is just necessary a low infrastructural investment. The Aula de Patrimonio Histórico of Córdoba University and the Grupo PAI de Investigación HUM, La compleja labor que se lleva a cabo desde Universidades, Centros de Investigación, Museos, Empresas y Asociaciones Culturales, etc., comprende solo parte del camino que debemos recorrer para sensibilizar a la población de la importancia de investigar y proteger nuestro acervo cultural, interpretado cada vez con mayor criterio como recurso de estabilización territorial. En la mayoría de los casos, los resultados de estas investigaciones científicas apenas han sido divulgados o han estado dirigidos a un sector muy especializado. Otras veces, estos proyectos o iniciativas, concentrados en un mismo territorio, han obtenido resultados imprecisos o bien se han solapado en actuaciones, en lugar de realizar actividades conjuntas o complementarias que realmente rentabilicen sus recursos patrimoniales y contribuyan a un mismo fin: el desarrollo económico, cultural y social de nuestros municipios. La labor del Gestor del Patrimonio consistiría en ampliar estos horizontes a través de una adecuada formación y divulgación, adaptando los contenidos aprehendidos en sus investigaciones a los diferentes grupos sociales, tanto a los de mayor edad, marcando las diferencias de formación, como, y sobre todo, a los escolares en las distintas fases educativas establecidas, entendiendo a estos grupos como la base presente y futura de la conservación y protección del legado cultural de nuestros territorios. Para ello, debemos contar con los instrumentos más novedosos y adaptados, así como con el personal más cualificado. La sostenibilidad de estas investigaciones se nutre de la capacidad de generación de empleo que este recurso ofrece, y por ende, de recuperación y estabilización (fijación) de la población de un territorio. Se vislumbra, además, como el más potente motor en relación con la escasa inversión en infraestructuras propias que precisa. Desde el Aula de Patrimonio Histórico de la Universidad de Córdoba y el Grupo PAI de Investigación Hum-262 (Investigación en Recursos Patrimonial