Ceramic fragments from the Islet of Guidoiro Areoso (NW Spain), covering a wide range of cultural periods (Neolithic to Late Bronze Age), have been studied by color analysis, elemental analysis of carbon (C) and nitrogen (N), and molecular analysis (thermally assisted hydrolysis and methylation, THM-GC-MS), in order to identify the organic matter (OM) in the prehistoric pottery and reveal information on ceramic production techniques, food remains and post-depositional effects. Results showed that the strong marine influence (sherds recovered from coastal deposits) and microbial activity (recovery from waste deposits, “cuncheiros”) had a profound effect on C/N ratio and molecular composition (N-rich protein and chitin structures). Other organic ingredients originated from the material used for creating the ware (detected as pyrogenic OM) and possibly food remains (fatty acid fingerprints). Dark-colored ware was enriched in both pyrogenic OM from incomplete combustion and non-bacterial fatty acids. Fatty acid patterns could not be related to possible vessel use, and markers of aquatic resources were scarce, or absent. It is argued that THM-GC-MS of pottery fragments is useful for understanding how an archaeological deposit developed in time, what kinds of OM are present, and possibly to make a pre-selection of samples with high potential for more cost-demanding dietary molecular assessments.

Phosphorus is a key element for identifying past human activity. Recently, phosphorus analyses have been extended to archaeological objects, aiming at distinguishing how depositional contexts contribute to its enrichment. In archaeological pottery, phosphorus might depend on several manufacturing and postdepositional processes (i.e., addition of organic temper, pigments, diagenetic incorporation). We analyzed by XRD, XRF, and mid-infrared (FTIR-ATR) spectroscopy 178 pots from eight NW Spain archaeological sites. These sites encompass different chronologies, contexts, and local geology. The phosphorus content was highly variable (224–27,722 mg kg⁻¹) overall but also between archeological sites (1644 ± 487 to 13,635 ± 6623 mg kg⁻¹) and within archaeological sites (4–36, max/min ratio). No phosphate minerals were identified by XRD nor FTIR-ATR, but correlations between phosphorus content and MIR absorbances showed maxima at 1515 and 980 cm⁻¹, suggesting the presence of two sources: one organic (i.e., phosphorylated aromatic compounds) and another inorganic (i.e., albite and K-feldspar). Phosphorylated aromatics were most likely formed during pottery firing and were preserved due to their high resistance to temperature and oxidation. Meanwhile, albite and K-feldspar are among the P-bearing minerals with higher P concentrations. Our results suggest that P content is related to intentional and non-intentional actions taken in the pottery production process.

Understanding how the dispersal of cultural innovations intersects with the spread of genes remains a central challenge in prehistoric archaeology. Here, we examine how the third millennium BCE Corded Ware (CW) and Bell Beaker (BB) burial traditions disseminated across Europe and their relation to the influx of steppe ancestry. To investigate these spatiotemporal dynamics during one of Europe’s most transformative periods, we compiled a dataset of radiocarbon dates from 967 burials, applying kernel density estimation alongside optimal linear estimation. We show that the adoption of CW and BB funerary rites is not synchronized with, and often contradicts, the spread of steppe ancestry. Furthermore, we show that these burial traditions spread rapidly and polyfocally among dispersed communities before a brief yet continent-wide consolidation phase around 2600 BCE for CW and 2400 BCE for BB, suggesting broad, simultaneous societal changes among preliterate societies.

El presente trabajo realiza una aproximación arqueológica al Edificio de los Betilos (Castro de Elviña, A Coruña), una construcción de carácter cultual identificada en el año 2017. Con escasos ejemplos equiparables en el Noroeste de la Península, su estudio permite comprender el valor de las interacciones culturales con otros pueblos del sur peninsular como un elemento clave para el desarrollo de Elviña como asentamiento de gran complejidad interna. Este trabajo afronta un análisis arqueológico y arquitectónico, explorando cuestiones relativas a sus fases de ocupación, las actividades realizadas en cada área o su orientación funcional. Los resultados permiten comprender la dimensión simbólica del edificio, valorando las influencias endógenas y exógenas en su estructuración interna y comprendiéndolo como un elemento central para la sanción y legitimación de relaciones transculturales a larga distancia. Finalmente, se sugiere un análisis a escala macro, comprendiendo su génesis y desarrollo en el contexto de las relaciones atlánticas entre Gades, Roma y el Noroeste galaico

En este trabajo se presentan los primeros resultados de las excavaciones llevadas a cabo en el asentamiento de Castillejo (Villasbuenas de Gata, Cáceres). Las excavaciones han permitido exhumar un pequeño conjunto de estructuras domésticas, así como un potencial recinto amurallado en la zona más alta del enclave. Estas han podido ser adscritas a un momento del Calcolítico Pleno a través del estudio de la cultura material y de las dataciones radiocarbónicas. Así mismo, la abundancia de materiales arqueológicos ha posibilitado realizar un amplio abanico de análisis que incluye el repertorio cerámico, la industria lítica, los manteados constructivos de barro, los registros arqueobotánicos de carbones y semillas, así como un análisis arqueometalúrgico de una gota de cobre de fundición. Todas estas evidencias señalan a Castillejo como un relevante núcleo fortificado de articulación del territorio y control de la metalurgia de la zona, añadiendo una información muy valiosa a un territorio carente de ella para el período analizado.