Papers by Lucía Ruano Posada
Complutum, 2023
Los trabajos arqueológicos realizados en La Peña del Castro han sacado a la luz un poblado ocupad... more Los trabajos arqueológicos realizados en La Peña del Castro han sacado a la luz un poblado ocupado desde la Primera Edad del Hierro hasta el cambio de Era. La destrucción violenta del asentamiento durante la conquista romana ha permitido documentar de manera excepcional la última fase de ocupación, comprendida entre los siglos II-I a.C. Gracias a los derrumbes y al incendio que arrasó el poblado, se han conservado elementos estructurales de madera carbonizada, así como restos de la arquitectura en barro y el alzado de algunas construcciones. En el presente trabajo se analizan las técnicas y materiales utilizados en las construcciones, así como las implicaciones socioeconómicas de los mismos. Para ello se ha realizado un análisis multidisciplinar integrando diferentes materiales, así como la descripción de las diferentes unidades arquitectónicas y de sus técnicas constructivas.
Trabajos de Prehistoria, 2022
Los trabajos arqueológicos realizados en la Peña del Castro documentaron cuatro fases de ocupació... more Los trabajos arqueológicos realizados en la Peña del Castro documentaron cuatro fases de ocupación en este poblado desde la I Edad del Hierro hasta el Imperio Romano. El presente trabajo analiza la relevancia de la agricultura durante la tercera fase, desarrollada entre los siglos II-I a. C. De la misma se conservan carbonizados diferentes restos carpológicos junto a un completo conjunto de herramientas agropecuarias y molinos. Se han evaluado los diferentes procesos agrícolas, así como el impacto de la agricultura en la economía y sociedad del poblado durante los últimos momentos de la Edad del Hierro. Los restos carpológicos han sido identificados atendiendo a su morfología externa. Además, se ha acompañado el análisis macroscópico de restos de paredes de los edificios con otro tipológico de los materiales líticos y metálicos. Gracias a todos estos factores se ha definido una agricultura compleja con una importante influencia del área meseteña. Este modelo agrícola coincide con el momento de máximo desarrollo del asentamiento, junto con una creciente estratificación social, fenómenos relacionados con los excedentes agrícolas.
Cuadernos de Prehistoria y Arqueología de la UAM, 2021
El patrimonio arqueológico, lejos de ser estable o permanente, es susceptible de cambios y modifi... more El patrimonio arqueológico, lejos de ser estable o permanente, es susceptible de cambios y modificaciones por agresión, incuria o desidia, lo que desgraciadamente no es infrecuente; aunque otras veces se incremente por la aparición o recuperación de piezas desconocidas o que se daban por desaparecidas y que afortunadamente han pasado a ver nuevamente la luz, a engrosar los correspondientes inventarios. Tal es el caso de las esculturas zoomorfas célticas conocidas como verracos, cuyo catálogo pretende actualizarse con el presente trabajo, habida cuenta del aumento de su cantidad y de la diversificación de su procedencia. Las grandes áreas de distribución de estas esculturas comprenden una serie de provincias entre las que destacamos aquellas que, en su ámbito, han venido a arrojar los siguientes nuevos ejemplares: Ávila 20, Cáceres 6, Salamanca 3 y Toledo 1.
La mayoría son toros situados en el valle Amblés, centro de la cultura que los produjo, mientras que el resto, cerdos o jabalíes, se localizan principalmente en la cuenca del río Tajo. También se incluyen otros ejemplares rechazados o todavía sin confirmar.
Emania, 2020
Research on prehistoric Atlantic Europe has been usually conditioned by preconceptions of both th... more Research on prehistoric Atlantic Europe has been usually conditioned by preconceptions of both the scientific community and the lay public, such as a modern European identity or an ancient Celtic nation. In this paper, we study the different Atlantic research trends that have been used to analyse domestic architecture, as well as the social organization of dwelling space, throughout the Late Bronze Age and the Iron Age in Britain, Northwestern Iberia, Western France and Ireland. Our main purpose is to overcome the traditional narratives shaped by regional and national frontiers in research, as well as to insert ‘peripheral’ territories, like Iberia and Ireland, into Atlantic comparative studies.
European Journal of Archaeology, 2019
The phenomenon of Iron Age vitrified ramparts has become increasingly recognisable in the last tw... more The phenomenon of Iron Age vitrified ramparts has become increasingly recognisable in the last twenty years in the Iberian Peninsula. After the first walls with vitrified stones were discovered in southern Portugal, there have been several findings scattered throughout western Iberia. A chronological sequence from the Late Bronze Age to the Late Iron Age can be established on the basis of the archaeological remains, with reference to different historical and functional conditions. This article reviews the data obtained from the various sites, in order to understand the context in which the stone structures became vitrified. Furthermore, we have analysed samples of stones and mud bricks that have been altered by fire from these sites, which has allowed us to explain the variability in the archaeological record in relation to different historical processes. With all these data, we aim to contribute to our knowledge of a phenomenon that is widespread in Iron Age Europe.
Cuadernos de Prehistoria y Arqueología (CuPAUAM), 2017
Resumen Este trabajo pretende demostrar la utilidad de las nuevas tecnologías de Información Geog... more Resumen Este trabajo pretende demostrar la utilidad de las nuevas tecnologías de Información Geográfica (TIC) aplicadas a las prospecciones extensivas en Arqueología. Sobre un caso concreto, el llamado castro de Irueña, los autores han realizado un estudio de campo combinando las prospecciones sobre el terreno con la aplicación de tecnologías LiDAR y SIG, para ofrecer una planta topográfica totalmente novedosa que permite, junto a algunos posibles hallaz-gos externos, interpretar mejor los restos arqueológicos conocidos previamente. Abstract In this paper, the authors try to defend the utilities that they have obteined from new geographical information technologies to the Archaeological surveys. They have applied LiDAR system and GIS software, besides a ground survey, over a study case, the so-called " castro de Irueña " (Salamanca, Spain) and they managed a new mapping of the site, with new inside and outside findings that allow to explain much better archaeological remains from older excavations.
The most distinctive productions from Iron Age archaeology in the western part of the Central Ibe... more The most distinctive productions from Iron Age archaeology in the western part of the Central Iberian Peninsula
are large ramparts, and big animal sculptures, both of which were usually made in granite. The latter, known as
‘verracos’, are representations of male boars and bulls. A characteristic of these ‘verracos’ is their lack of original
context, thus leading to mere speculation regarding their dates and functions. The aim of this paper is to find an
answer to this dilemma using archaeometric methods. This document proposes an approach through geochemical
and petrological analyses, as well as statistical analyses using variables. Our target tries to recognize any differences
in the making of these sculptures that might help explain functional and symbolic changes to help in
understanding their unknown original contexts. For this purpose we arranged 84 sculptures by sizes, technical
features and anatomical detail using a Correspondence multivariate analysis and, with the results by series, observed
their spatial relationship with 34 quarries too, through kernel density applications. In order to know
the origins of the stones of each sculpture, we have made geochemical characterization by mineral and chemical
analyses of mayor and minor elements. Therefore, we looked for quarries around the finding place of the
verracos. When the possible places were found by lithological affinities, we took samples from those, mostly
granite rocks. These geochemical and petrological analyses of the sculptures have contributed towards identifying
the potential locations of the quarries of origin,which coincidewith the analyses of ‘verracos’ found far away
from those quarries and that are completely decontextualized. Therefore, we could obtain least-cost paths distances
between quarries and matched sculptures by GIS software (over a digital elevation map) and, then, calculate
averages distances per series and quarries. Sizes, shapes and spatial relationships with quarries and nearby
oppida, big fortified settlements of Iron Age, allow us to identify oldest verracos as symbols of the emergence
of ethnical and communal values, as a result of the impact of the first Mediterranean people arriving to the Spanish
plateau, such as the Punic and Roman armies. In this way, big verracos were transported 'till 20 and 30 km
away from the quarries. However, with the Roman rule over this region, verracos became smaller and simpler,
and displacements were outstandingly smaller. This is related with a change of functions, from protection symbols
of the communities to funerary stelae of individual graves.
Boletín de Arqueología Experimental 2013-2015, 2015
Researchers usually describe the bullroarer as Prehistoric aerophone instruments. However, this s... more Researchers usually describe the bullroarer as Prehistoric aerophone instruments. However, this study advocates for an alternative use as a short/medium distance communication system. Drawing from a preliminary archaeological, ethnographic and historiographic research, we have built a set of five bullroarer with different physical and morphological features. With them, a double experiment has been carried out. On the one hand, we have measured the decibel level of each bullroarer and on the other hand, we have checked their efficiency as a short/medium distance communication system.
Revista Historia Autónoma, 2014
An important fauna and vegetable record has been found at the archaeological settlement of Los Mi... more An important fauna and vegetable record has been found at the archaeological settlement of Los Millares (Almería). This study is focused on researching information in order to understand life patterns of this chalcolithic population. The results obtained show the exceptional complexity of this farming exploitation, which was not only limited to survival. These results have contributed useful information on the consumption patterns. Therefore, they have provided information on social structures, farming and territorial organization.
Book Chapters by Lucía Ruano Posada
Arqueología de los espacios domésticos en la península ibérica. De la Prehistoria reciente a la Edad Media, 2024
Este capítulo analiza los espacios domésticos protohistóricos y altoimperiales excavados en la fa... more Este capítulo analiza los espacios domésticos protohistóricos y altoimperiales excavados en la fachada cantábrica occidental de la península ibérica. Nues- tro principal objetivo es comprender la relación entre la ordenación espacial de las viviendas y los patrones socioculturales tras su configuración. Para ello, en este capítulo se presenta un análisis constructivo, tipológico y espacial de los restos arqueológico de casi cincuenta asentamientos. En dicho estudio se han utilizado varias herramientas analíticas que nos han permitido identificar los diferentes patrones espaciales y arquitectónicos que caracterizan cada una de las fases de ocupación. Gracias al análisis de estos patrones podemos construir narrativas específicas sobre los comportamientos domésticos de las comunidades en cada territorio. Con este enfoque interdisciplinar se ha pretendido abrir nuevas perspectivas de investigación a través de las que analizar las arquitecturas protohistóricas y altoimperiales en la región cantábrica.
by Raimon Graells i Fabregat, Jesús Bermejo Tirado, Francisco B. Gomes, Marta Bermúdez Cordero, Sonia Carbonell Pastor, Bruno D'Andrea, Gabriel de Prado, Victor Filipe, Álvaro Gómez Peña, Carlotta Lucarini, Violeta Moreno Megías, Aurora Rivera-Hernández, Lucía Ruano Posada, Alejandra Sánchez Polo, and Samuel Sardà ISBN 978-84-1302-231-4, 2023
Thauma es como los griegos llamaban a la maravilla y a lo que les provocaba una sensación de admi... more Thauma es como los griegos llamaban a la maravilla y a lo que les provocaba una sensación de admiración. Un estímulo imprescindible para descubrir e investigar que han experimentado muchos jóvenes investigadores que desde 2006 han participado en los Talleres Doctorales que la prof. Dra. Dirce Marzoli, desde el Instituto Arqueológico Alemán y en cooperación con La Casa de Velázquez, ha organizado en Madrid. En este libro misceláneo hemos querido celebrar su jubilación como directora del Instituto Arqueológico Alemán de Madrid con 29 breves artículos que cubren grosso modo sus ámbitos de interés.
THAUMA. FESTSCHRIFT PARA DIRCE MARZOLI, 2023
La transición entre el Bronce Final y la Primera Edad del Hierro en la Meseta norte de la Penínsu... more La transición entre el Bronce Final y la Primera Edad del Hierro en la Meseta norte de la Península Ibérica (ca. 1100-600 a.C.) es un periodo de transformación, marcado por un gran cambio en la estructura socioeconómica de los grupos locales, promovido por los contactos meridionales y orientales. Este proceso se ve reflejado en las prácticas agrícolas, así como en la aparición de un repertorio cerámico renovado y de nuevas técnicas constructivas: mientras que los yacimientos del Bronce se caracterizan por cabañas levantadas con estructuras de madera y manteados de tierra, en los poblados del Hierro predominan las construcciones de adobe. Sin embargo, no se trata de un cambio radical, ya que durante tres siglos se experimentó con las nuevas técnicas, una idea que se sostiene gracias a la presencia de ambos sistemas en los mismos asentamientos, así como de técnicas mixtas. Aunque se ha escrito mucho sobre estos cambios, la arquitectura de tierra ha sido poco estudiada en este contexto, lo que lleva a una confusión conceptual que pasa por alto las prácticas socioeconómicas implicadas en los diferentes procesos constructivos. En este trabajo se realiza una revisión de la bibliografía publicada e inédita sobre los yacimientos con estos restos constructivos, con el objetivo de conocer las evidencias con las que se cuenta para caracterizar las tradiciones constructivas utilizadas en la Meseta Norte durante la Protohistoria. Discernir las técnicas y sus respectivas cadenas operativas puede ayudarnos a comprender mejor estos cambios sociales y demográficos, que parecen indicar una adaptación progresiva de las tradiciones locales a las innovaciones exteriores. //
The transition between the Late Bronze Age (LBA) and the Early Iron Age (EIA) on the northern plateau of the Iberian Peninsula (ca. 1100-600 BC) is a period of transformation, marked by a major change in the socio-economic structure of local groups, promoted by southern and eastern contacts. This process is reflected in agricultural practices, as well as in the emerge of a renewed ceramic repertoire and new construction techniques: while LBA sites are characterised by wattle-and-daub huts, EIA settlements are dominated by mudbrick buildings. However, this is not a radical change, as the new techniques were experimented with for three centuries, an idea that is supported by the presence of both systems in the same settlements, as well as mixed techniques. Although much has been written about these changes, earthen architecture has been little studied in this context, leading to a conceptual confusion that overlooks the socio-economic practices involved in the different construction processes. In this paper we review the published and grey literature published on sites with these remains, with the aim of finding out what evidence we have to characterise the building traditions used in the Northern Plateau throughout Late Prehistory. Discerning the techniques and their respective operational chains can help us to better understand these social and demographic changes, which seem to indicate a progressive adaptation of local traditions to outside innovations.
Metal Ages / Âges des métaux Proceedings of the XIX UISPP World Congress (2–7 September 2021, Meknes, Morocco) Volume 2 / General Session 5, 2023
Among the Celtic territories, the Iberian Peninsula is the area with the largest number of hillfo... more Among the Celtic territories, the Iberian Peninsula is the area with the largest number of hillforts with upright stone band defences, usually misnamed ‘chevaux-de-frise’. Parallels are found from southeastern France (Pech Maho, Languedoc) to Ireland (Dun Aonghasa, Galway), Wales (Castell Henllys) and Scotland (Kaimes Hill, Midlothian), most of them dating from the Iron Age. However, new data and research highlight different contexts that could lead to a variety of explanations beyond their defensive purpose. Using geographical information systems (GIS) and LiDAR images to study the landscape, we have analysed one of the most significant groups in the Iberian Peninsula, built by a Celtic people called Vettones. In their territory, large oppida with massive and solid ramparts, moats, bastions and, probably, towers are distinctive. Nevertheless, there are only six examples with upright stone band defences, all among the most powerful and wealthy oppida. If the upright stone bands were simple defensive devices, we examine what the reasons for this difference are and, by analysing the meaning of these elements, we attempt a more comprehensive definition of this group.
Matières premières en Europe au 1er Millénaire av. n. è. Exploitation, transformation, diffusion / La Europa de las materias primas en el Ier milenio a.n.e. Explotación, transformación y difusión, 2023
Durante la Segunda Edad del Hierro, las comunidades que habitaron el oeste de la Meseta norte esp... more Durante la Segunda Edad del Hierro, las comunidades que habitaron el oeste de la Meseta norte española adquirieron una destreza constructiva especial con el material más abundante en su entorno: el granito. A partir del siglo IV a.C. se observa el desarrollo de grandes poblados amurallados que se identifican con una o varias líneas de macizas y potentes murallas, construidas con mampostería granítica. Además, estas poblaciones, llamadas “vettones” por los autores grecolatinos, desarrollaron sus destrezas de cantería en la talla de grandes esculturas de toros y jabalíes, que se conocen vulgarmente con el término de “verracos”. Este trabajo presenta los resultados del estudio combinado de las canteras usadas para construir las murallas y tallar las esculturas, analizando la distribución de su producto principal, el granito.
Anejos a CuPAUAM 5, 2021
La aplicación de las nuevas tecnologías al análisis de los restos arqueológicos, en toda su diver... more La aplicación de las nuevas tecnologías al análisis de los restos arqueológicos, en toda su diversidad, está suponiendo un salto cualitativo importante no solo en lo que a las tareas de investigación se refiere, sino también a la difusión y puesta en valor del patrimonio. En este capítulo vamos a abordar las posibilidades que ofrecen al investigador las técnicas tridimensionales en cuanto a la obtención de un mejor conocimiento de los materiales arqueológicos de la Edad del Hierro meseteña relacionados, directa o indirectamente, con la construcción. Para ello, y como paso previo obligado, haremos una recopilación de dichos materiales de estudio, reunidos en tres categorías: elementos de carácter estructural, elementos decorativos y, en tercer lugar, útiles y herramientas. En segundo lugar, realizaremos una descripción de las técnicas tridimensionales y los resultados que se pueden obtener de su aplicación a estos materiales.
Anejos a CuPAUAM, 2021
La arquitectura en tierra y madera presenta una larga biografía en el norte de la península ibéri... more La arquitectura en tierra y madera presenta una larga biografía en el norte de la península ibérica. El empleo de estos materiales constructivos también ha sido ampliamente acreditado en los asentamientos cantábricos de la Edad del Hierro gracias al hallazgo de fragmentos de barro quemado con improntas de entramados vegetales y a la localización de estructuras negativas asociadas. Sin embargo, con algunas excepciones recientes, el estudio de las construcciones en tierra se ha limitado a la publicación de breves descripciones, fotografías o dibujos de los hallazgos.
Tras una revisión de datos recogidos en distintas campañas de excavación y un análisis de los fragmentos de barro con improntas identificados en los asentamientos de Picu Castiellu de Moriyón, Llagú y La Garba, en Asturias, y La Zamora, La Muela y La Ercina, en León, presentamos un estudio de materiales y técnicas constructivas en tierra identificadas en la fachada cantábrica a lo largo de la Edad del Hierro. Para ello, se ha realizado una caracterización formal básica de las piezas mediante una aproximación
macroscópica, así como una caracterización analítica a través de análisis arqueométricos. Asimismo, se han utilizado herramientas 3D, como la fotogrametría y la microfotogrametría, para complementar los análisis y comprobar hipótesis constructivas. Con este enfoque interdisciplinar se ha pretendido abrir nuevas perspectivas de investigación para analizar las arquitecturas cantábricas protohistóricas y caracterizar mejor los diferentes sistemas constructivos en tierra.
Anejos a CuPAUAM, 2021
El proyecto que promueve este coloquio se ha desarrollado sobre tres líneas de investigación en l... more El proyecto que promueve este coloquio se ha desarrollado sobre tres líneas de investigación en las que la tecnología 3D y las aplicaciones digitales a la arquitectura de la Edad del Bronce Final y de la Edad del Hierro han marcado las pautas a seguir. Con el objetivo de obtener información técnica de calidad sobre los procesos y las tradiciones constructivas, especialmente sobre aquellos en los que el contexto arqueológico no se ha conservado, hemos aplicado una batería de técnicas de arqueotopografía, incluyendo imágenes LiDAR, a una serie de grandes poblados de la Edad del Hierro en la meseta occidental española. Estos oppida han sido analizados, también, desde la óptica de la arqueometría, para conocer las composiciones químicas y los procesos de fabricación de sus materiales de construcción y, con ellos, se han elegido edificios singulares de los oppida de La Mesa de Miranda y Ulaca (Ávila) para aplicar técnicas de fotogrametría capaces de general modelos 3D y posibilitar un proceso de prueba y acierto sobre diferentes hipótesis de reconstrucción de tales edificios.
Les espaces fortifiés à l'âge du Fer en Europe. Actes du 43e colloque international de l’AFEAF (Le Puy-en-Velay, 30 mai-1er juin 2019), 2021
The existence of an internal timberwork architecture in Iberian Iron Age ramparts has been widely... more The existence of an internal timberwork architecture in Iberian Iron Age ramparts has been widely discussed. During the last decades, new data is changing our understanding about this building design in the Iberian Peninsula. In addition to some singular sites, such as Chao de Samartín, there is a small number of vitrified walls in Spain and Portugal. Thanks to geo-chemistry analyses and micro-photography, we have been able to identify timbers and nails impressions in the masonry. Furthermore, developed 3D virtual restitutions of buildings with evidence of the use of timber, such as the so-called ‘Cuerpo de Guardia’ of the oppidum of La Mesa de Miranda (Ávila, Spain). Excluding the Late Bronze Age Chao Samartín’s timber wall, all other cases are dated between the Late Iron Age and the earliest presence of the Roman army in Western Iberia and therefore we propose that these ramparts could have been built following a murus celticus design.
Ramírez Galán, M. & Sandifer Bard, R. (Eds.): Studies in Archaeometry. Access Archaeology, Archaeopress, 2020
A r c h a eop r e s s Acc e s s A rch a e o l o gy A
Delfino, D.; Coimbra, F.; Cardoso, D. & Cruz, G. (Eds.): Late Prehistoric Fortifications in Europe: Defensive, Symbolic and Territorial Aspects from the Chalcolithic to the Iron Age. Archaeopress Archaeology, 2020
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Papers by Lucía Ruano Posada
La mayoría son toros situados en el valle Amblés, centro de la cultura que los produjo, mientras que el resto, cerdos o jabalíes, se localizan principalmente en la cuenca del río Tajo. También se incluyen otros ejemplares rechazados o todavía sin confirmar.
are large ramparts, and big animal sculptures, both of which were usually made in granite. The latter, known as
‘verracos’, are representations of male boars and bulls. A characteristic of these ‘verracos’ is their lack of original
context, thus leading to mere speculation regarding their dates and functions. The aim of this paper is to find an
answer to this dilemma using archaeometric methods. This document proposes an approach through geochemical
and petrological analyses, as well as statistical analyses using variables. Our target tries to recognize any differences
in the making of these sculptures that might help explain functional and symbolic changes to help in
understanding their unknown original contexts. For this purpose we arranged 84 sculptures by sizes, technical
features and anatomical detail using a Correspondence multivariate analysis and, with the results by series, observed
their spatial relationship with 34 quarries too, through kernel density applications. In order to know
the origins of the stones of each sculpture, we have made geochemical characterization by mineral and chemical
analyses of mayor and minor elements. Therefore, we looked for quarries around the finding place of the
verracos. When the possible places were found by lithological affinities, we took samples from those, mostly
granite rocks. These geochemical and petrological analyses of the sculptures have contributed towards identifying
the potential locations of the quarries of origin,which coincidewith the analyses of ‘verracos’ found far away
from those quarries and that are completely decontextualized. Therefore, we could obtain least-cost paths distances
between quarries and matched sculptures by GIS software (over a digital elevation map) and, then, calculate
averages distances per series and quarries. Sizes, shapes and spatial relationships with quarries and nearby
oppida, big fortified settlements of Iron Age, allow us to identify oldest verracos as symbols of the emergence
of ethnical and communal values, as a result of the impact of the first Mediterranean people arriving to the Spanish
plateau, such as the Punic and Roman armies. In this way, big verracos were transported 'till 20 and 30 km
away from the quarries. However, with the Roman rule over this region, verracos became smaller and simpler,
and displacements were outstandingly smaller. This is related with a change of functions, from protection symbols
of the communities to funerary stelae of individual graves.
Book Chapters by Lucía Ruano Posada
The transition between the Late Bronze Age (LBA) and the Early Iron Age (EIA) on the northern plateau of the Iberian Peninsula (ca. 1100-600 BC) is a period of transformation, marked by a major change in the socio-economic structure of local groups, promoted by southern and eastern contacts. This process is reflected in agricultural practices, as well as in the emerge of a renewed ceramic repertoire and new construction techniques: while LBA sites are characterised by wattle-and-daub huts, EIA settlements are dominated by mudbrick buildings. However, this is not a radical change, as the new techniques were experimented with for three centuries, an idea that is supported by the presence of both systems in the same settlements, as well as mixed techniques. Although much has been written about these changes, earthen architecture has been little studied in this context, leading to a conceptual confusion that overlooks the socio-economic practices involved in the different construction processes. In this paper we review the published and grey literature published on sites with these remains, with the aim of finding out what evidence we have to characterise the building traditions used in the Northern Plateau throughout Late Prehistory. Discerning the techniques and their respective operational chains can help us to better understand these social and demographic changes, which seem to indicate a progressive adaptation of local traditions to outside innovations.
Tras una revisión de datos recogidos en distintas campañas de excavación y un análisis de los fragmentos de barro con improntas identificados en los asentamientos de Picu Castiellu de Moriyón, Llagú y La Garba, en Asturias, y La Zamora, La Muela y La Ercina, en León, presentamos un estudio de materiales y técnicas constructivas en tierra identificadas en la fachada cantábrica a lo largo de la Edad del Hierro. Para ello, se ha realizado una caracterización formal básica de las piezas mediante una aproximación
macroscópica, así como una caracterización analítica a través de análisis arqueométricos. Asimismo, se han utilizado herramientas 3D, como la fotogrametría y la microfotogrametría, para complementar los análisis y comprobar hipótesis constructivas. Con este enfoque interdisciplinar se ha pretendido abrir nuevas perspectivas de investigación para analizar las arquitecturas cantábricas protohistóricas y caracterizar mejor los diferentes sistemas constructivos en tierra.
La mayoría son toros situados en el valle Amblés, centro de la cultura que los produjo, mientras que el resto, cerdos o jabalíes, se localizan principalmente en la cuenca del río Tajo. También se incluyen otros ejemplares rechazados o todavía sin confirmar.
are large ramparts, and big animal sculptures, both of which were usually made in granite. The latter, known as
‘verracos’, are representations of male boars and bulls. A characteristic of these ‘verracos’ is their lack of original
context, thus leading to mere speculation regarding their dates and functions. The aim of this paper is to find an
answer to this dilemma using archaeometric methods. This document proposes an approach through geochemical
and petrological analyses, as well as statistical analyses using variables. Our target tries to recognize any differences
in the making of these sculptures that might help explain functional and symbolic changes to help in
understanding their unknown original contexts. For this purpose we arranged 84 sculptures by sizes, technical
features and anatomical detail using a Correspondence multivariate analysis and, with the results by series, observed
their spatial relationship with 34 quarries too, through kernel density applications. In order to know
the origins of the stones of each sculpture, we have made geochemical characterization by mineral and chemical
analyses of mayor and minor elements. Therefore, we looked for quarries around the finding place of the
verracos. When the possible places were found by lithological affinities, we took samples from those, mostly
granite rocks. These geochemical and petrological analyses of the sculptures have contributed towards identifying
the potential locations of the quarries of origin,which coincidewith the analyses of ‘verracos’ found far away
from those quarries and that are completely decontextualized. Therefore, we could obtain least-cost paths distances
between quarries and matched sculptures by GIS software (over a digital elevation map) and, then, calculate
averages distances per series and quarries. Sizes, shapes and spatial relationships with quarries and nearby
oppida, big fortified settlements of Iron Age, allow us to identify oldest verracos as symbols of the emergence
of ethnical and communal values, as a result of the impact of the first Mediterranean people arriving to the Spanish
plateau, such as the Punic and Roman armies. In this way, big verracos were transported 'till 20 and 30 km
away from the quarries. However, with the Roman rule over this region, verracos became smaller and simpler,
and displacements were outstandingly smaller. This is related with a change of functions, from protection symbols
of the communities to funerary stelae of individual graves.
The transition between the Late Bronze Age (LBA) and the Early Iron Age (EIA) on the northern plateau of the Iberian Peninsula (ca. 1100-600 BC) is a period of transformation, marked by a major change in the socio-economic structure of local groups, promoted by southern and eastern contacts. This process is reflected in agricultural practices, as well as in the emerge of a renewed ceramic repertoire and new construction techniques: while LBA sites are characterised by wattle-and-daub huts, EIA settlements are dominated by mudbrick buildings. However, this is not a radical change, as the new techniques were experimented with for three centuries, an idea that is supported by the presence of both systems in the same settlements, as well as mixed techniques. Although much has been written about these changes, earthen architecture has been little studied in this context, leading to a conceptual confusion that overlooks the socio-economic practices involved in the different construction processes. In this paper we review the published and grey literature published on sites with these remains, with the aim of finding out what evidence we have to characterise the building traditions used in the Northern Plateau throughout Late Prehistory. Discerning the techniques and their respective operational chains can help us to better understand these social and demographic changes, which seem to indicate a progressive adaptation of local traditions to outside innovations.
Tras una revisión de datos recogidos en distintas campañas de excavación y un análisis de los fragmentos de barro con improntas identificados en los asentamientos de Picu Castiellu de Moriyón, Llagú y La Garba, en Asturias, y La Zamora, La Muela y La Ercina, en León, presentamos un estudio de materiales y técnicas constructivas en tierra identificadas en la fachada cantábrica a lo largo de la Edad del Hierro. Para ello, se ha realizado una caracterización formal básica de las piezas mediante una aproximación
macroscópica, así como una caracterización analítica a través de análisis arqueométricos. Asimismo, se han utilizado herramientas 3D, como la fotogrametría y la microfotogrametría, para complementar los análisis y comprobar hipótesis constructivas. Con este enfoque interdisciplinar se ha pretendido abrir nuevas perspectivas de investigación para analizar las arquitecturas cantábricas protohistóricas y caracterizar mejor los diferentes sistemas constructivos en tierra.
En nuestra comunicación, tratamos la denominada Household Archaeology como marco teórico desde el cual analizar los espacios domésticos de la Edad del Hierro en el Cantábrico Occidental, examinando los resultados desde el ámbito de la teoría social. Nuestro argumento es que se pueden superar los enfoques tradicionales de la
investigación arqueológica del espacio doméstico en estos territorios, introduciendo nuevas herramientas teórico-metodológicas que nos permitan maximizar la información obtenida en el registro arqueológico.
EL ESTUDIO DE LA MUERTE, REFLEXIONES SOBRE SIMBOLOGÍA Y RITUALIDAD. EL EJEMPLO DE LOS HIPOGEOS PÚNICOS EN EL MEDITERRÁNEO OCCIDENTAL
Actualmente, se están explorando nuevos (y no tan nuevos) marcos teóricos que nos permiten conceptualizar el pasado, sus formas y manifestaciones desde posiciones que hace años eran impensables. Del mismo modo, nuevos métodos y técnicas procedentes de la colaboración entre disciplinas se están testando, refinando y finalmente integrando en una nuestra metodología arqueológica que avanza a pasos agigantados.
Este hecho nos está permitiendo prestar atención a elementos arqueológicos y cuestiones en las que nunca antes se había puesto el foco, o al menos no con tanta intensidad. Todo ello abre las puertas a repensar las interpretaciones tradicionales y a formular nuevos interrogantes para aproximarnos a las comunidades del pasado.
El propósito de este congreso es crear un espacio de discusión destinado a debatir las tendencias teóricas y metodológicas actuales que confluyen en la generación de interpretaciones sociales sobre la Prehistoria Reciente y la Protohistoria. Especialmente, se busca abordar temas relacionados con modelos de organización de las comunidades, identidades, parentesco, prácticas sociales y/o simbólicas, cosmogonías, entre otros. Aunque el marco regional de referencia propuesto sea la península ibérica, son bienvenidas propuestas de otros territorios.
The mud remains preserved in museums or described in reports or publications are often true unsolved cases as they are insufficiently described. When confronted with these artefacts, some questions arise, such as whether these remains were part of the rooftops, other building sections, or some kind of furniture, who made them, and so on. With these concerns in mind, we are searching for case studies that address enigmatic fragments, undetermined earthen elements, to try to propose a function. Additionally, attending the different life stages of the buildings, we would like to discuss examples of repairing, rebuilding and abandonment processes.
How will we work at this special session? It aims to be a practical workshop where participants share archaeological materials and discuss them together. At this point, we refer to the identification of earthen materials (from a macroscopic view to a microscopic approach, including XRD, XRF, FTIR, petrology, etc.), paying attention to imprints, decoration and composition to understand the different construction techniques (wattle and daub, cob, mud brick, plasters, etc.), as well as earthen furniture (ovens, grills, benches, shelves, buckets, ornaments, etc.). We welcome papers from any era, as long as the material presented is raw earth. We aspire to collectively solve our cases, strengthening individual research and shedding light on this fundamental part of humanity's material past.
André Leroi-Gourhan used to say that “civilization stands on the craftsman”. Through time, crafts and craftsmanship have always been an essential part of human life and the foundation of civilizations. They offer us a view of the technological and artistic level of each society and give us the opportunity to understand their social organization. For this session, we would like to invite scholars dealing with craftsmanship to share their research. Aiming to discover other traditions and create discussion around the topic, the session will cover a broad geographical and chronological range from the Mediterranean to Northern Europe and from the Copper Age to the Roman period. The session will be divided into three different themes.
1. The first theme will address traditional archaeological studies, such as chronological issues or technological as well as artistic aspects.
2. The second theme will focus on archaeometric aspects. The scope of processed materials to be considered is deliberately broad and can include: metal, ceramics, stone, glass, wood, amber, etc. Another key intention is to focus on natural resources and their availability, such as material deposits or resources needed for craftsmanship, but also the ecological relations with the environment.
3. The third theme will focus on getting a more comprehensive picture of craftsmanship and its impact on the organisation of societies. This can include questions such as the place of craftsmen in society, the identification of social groups but also operational sequences, or the functioning of trade networks.
The main goals of the session are to present new research data on chronological, technological, and artistic aspects as well as facilitate a forum for comparisons between Mediterranean and continental European craftsmanship. Along with the research on natural resources and social and economic backgrounds, the focus will be on the transformation and development of crafts and craftsmanship through the Metal Ages.
The Annual Meeting (conference) online registration is now open: https://www.e-a-a.org//EAA2023/Registration.aspx
Call for papers is open until 9 February 2023.
Please note that you need to be a current EAA Member before you register for the Annual Meeting.
Useful link of general info (venue, deadlines, registration policy and guidelines): https://tinyurl.com/3jk2mw47
The Annual Meeting (conference) online registration is now open: https://www.e-a-a.org//EAA2023/Registration.aspx
Call for papers is open until 9 February 2023.
Please note that you need to be a current EAA Member before you register for the Annual Meeting.
Useful link of general info (venue, deadlines, registration policy and guidelines): https://tinyurl.com/3jk2mw47
--#202 "Using Earthen Architecture as an Excuse: Productive and Social Practices in Prehistoric and Protohistoric Building" and
--#303 "Unsolved Case Studies of Earthen Architectural Remains: A Workshop to Share Experiences"
The Annual Meeting (conference) on line registration is now open:
https://www.e-a-a.org//EAA2023/Registration.aspx
Please note that you need to be a current EAA Member before you
register for the Annual Meeting.
Call for papers is now open until 9 February 2023.
Useful link of general info (venue, deadlines, registration policy and
guidelines): https://tinyurl.com/3jk2mw47
--#202 "Using Earthen Architecture as an Excuse: Productive and Social Practices in Prehistoric and Protohistoric Building" and
--#303 "Unsolved Case Studies of Earthen Architectural Remains: A Workshop to Share Experiences"
The Annual Meeting (conference) on line registration is now open:
<https://www.e-a-a.org//EAA2023/Registration.aspx>
Please note that you need to be a current EAA Member before you
register for the Annual Meeting.
Call for papers is now open until 9 February 2023.
Useful link of general info (venue, deadlines, registration policy and
guidelines): <https://tinyurl.com/3jk2mw47>.
The call for abstracts will be closed on the 25th of March, 2020.
more info: https://eventos.uam.es/42733/detail/proyectando-lo-oculto.-tecnologias-lidar-y-3d-aplicadas-a-la-arqueologia-de-la-arquitectura-de-las-.html
En esta contribución, nos centramos en el yacimiento de La Peña del Castro (León, España), ubicado en las estribaciones meridionales de la Cordillera Cantábrica, una zona a medio camino entre la alta montaña y la meseta. Aunque el asentamiento fue ocupado a lo largo de toda la Edad del Hierro, su destrucción violenta durante la conquista romana ha permitido la excepcional conservación del horizonte de ocupación comprendido entre los siglos II-I a. C. Gracias a ello contamos con un amplio registro de material arquitectónico (piedra, tierra y madera), que hemos examinado empleando un enfoque multidisciplinar y multiescalar, analizando tanto los materiales constructivos como las técnicas empleadas, con el objetivo de determinar cómo estas poblaciones erigieron y mantuvieron las distintas estructuras, de acuerdo a su localización y función. Con este trabajo queremos contribuir al desarrollo de un protocolo adecuado para analizar e interpretar estas frágiles evidencias arqueológicas, incluyendo el norte peninsular en el ámbito de la investigación en arquitectura de tierra.
In light of this background, the Archterra research group was founded, in an effort to connect these young researchers who share a common study period (Prehistory), regions (northern Iberian Peninsula), and subject of inquiry (earthen architecture). Our main objective is to foster synergies, collaboratively enhance our understanding of different techniques and building remains from the past and collectively characterize this underexplored archaeological heritage. In this communication we summarize our achievements as a group, while also addressing the difficulties we have faced and the opportunities we have encountered in our research journey.
In this presentation, we provide an overview of the construction techniques employed along the Cantabrian coast during the first millennium BC, prior to the arrival of Rome. Our aim is to emphasize the significance of earth as a traditional building material in humid climates, such as the one found in the Cantabrian region, while highlighting how this architecture can reflect the social and cultural organization of past communities. To achieve this, we propose a comprehensive methodology for the collection and analysis of architectural remains, both macroscopic and microscopic, integrating perspectives from geoarchaeology and archaeobotany. This methodology enables us to conduct a thorough investigation of these fragile remains, establishing a solid foundation for future research on Iron Age architecture along the Cantabrian coast.
Although much has been written about these changes, earthen architecture has been dramatically understudied in this context, which leads to a conceptual confusion that overlooks the socio-economic practices involved in the different construction processes. Through a multidisciplinary study of a selection of earthen remains from several settlements, this contribution aims to characterise the building traditions used in the Northern Plateau during Late Prehistory. Discerning the operational construction chains and their implementation can help us to better understand these social and demographic changes, which seem to indicate a progressive adaptation of local traditions to outside innovations.