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[Untitled]

Authors :
Allué, E.
Vergès, J.M.
Publication Year :
2022

Abstract

The importance of animal husbandry at El Mirador cave (Sierra de Atapuerca, Spain) and its use as a sheepfold has been confidently confirmed. This paper presents the results of a multidisciplinary approach that includes traditional zooarcheological methods, isotopic analyses and archeobotanical studies of faunal and plant remains from El Mirador cave. The main objective of this study is to perform an in-depth analysis of the husbandry carried out at this site. We also aim to understand the implementation and evolution of these livestock rearing practices from the second half of the 6th millennium to the 2nd millennium BCE. The characterization of the use of the different landscapes by the herders is further completed with a study of hunting and fishing practices. Herd management was analyzed from a broad perspective: herd composition and feeding, birth management, and inferences regarding the potential use of domesticated animals. Husbandry practices evolved over the four millennia studied. In the Neolithic, livestock pressure on the landscape was minor and breeding practices focused mainly on sheep and goats. However, husbandry activities intensified throughout the Neolithic and Bronze Age. Pollen values suggest that livestock pressure on the landscape increased and cattle breeding and hunting also became more important.

Details

Database :
OpenAIRE
Accession number :
edsair.od.......202..414f7aced7a4149e2f91a18253b060be