Variability of limestone knapping methods in Middle Palaeolithic levels M and Ob of Abric Romaní (Barcelona, Spain)

This paper presents the limestone reduction sequences documented in levels M and Ob at Abric Romaní from a technological point of view. At level M, a recurrent knapping system has been identified, resulting in the frequency of pseudo-Levallois blanks. At archaeolevel Ob, the presence of Levallois methods are observed in association with this knapping system. In both cases, retouched tools are rare and dominated by notches and denticulates. Although it is not well-known the degree of similarity and difference between the two levels in relation to occupational patterns is not well understood, Neanderthals employed more opportunistic knapping strategies, investing less time and energy in the procurement of raw materials including for chert. In level Ob, although limestone is still collected in the local fluvial deposits, differences in raw material procurement have been identified for chert. Results show the plasticity and versality that Neanderthals had and how they took advantage of the different abiotic resources they had around them. In this paper, we discuss the limestone technology at Abric Romaní in the context of the Iberian Peninsula.

Paleoclimate and vegetation reconstruction of Abric Romani (Capellades, Spain) during MIS-3, 4, and MIS-5 (a-d)

<p><strong>Paleoclimate and vegetation reconstruction of Abric Romani (Capellades, Spain) during MIS-3, 4, and MIS-5 (a-d)</strong></p><p>Demet Biltekin<sup>1,2</sup>, Francesc Burjachs<sup>1,3,4</sup>, Josep Vallverdú<sup>1,4</sup>, Warren D. Sharp<sup>5</sup>, Regina Mertz-Kraus<sup>6</sup>, M. Gema Chacón<sup>1,4</sup>,  Palmira Saladié<sup>1,4</sup>, James L. Bischoff<sup>5</sup>, Eudald Carbonell<sup>1,4</sup></p><p> </p><p><sup>1</sup>Institut Català de Paleoecologia Humana i Evolucio Social (IPHES), Zona Educacional 4, Campus Sescelades URV, edifici W3, 43007 Tarragona, Spain.</p><p><sup>2</sup>Istanbul Technical University, Eurasia Institute of Earth Sciences, Ayazağa Campus, Maslak, Sarıyer, 34469, Istanbul/Turkey</p><p><sup>3</sup>ICREA, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain.</p><p><sup>4</sup>URV, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Facultat de Lletres, Avinguda Catalunya, 35, 43002 Tarragona, Catalonia, Spain.</p><p><sup>5</sup>Berkeley Geochronology Center, Berkeley, CA 94709, United States.</p><p><sup>6</sup>Institute for Geosciences, Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany.</p><p> </p><p>This new pollen data provides the vegetation and climate history during ca. 110 ka-55 ka BP from Abric Romaní archaeological site using pollen analysis of a 30 m-long sedimentary sequence. The beginning of the MIS 3 starts an abundance in steppes and herbs, indicating cold and dry climate in the region. However, this was replaced by a slight increase in deciduous Quercus and Mediterranean trees. During the MIS 4, the pollen records reflect a predominance of Artemisia steppes and herbaceous communities (Poaceae and Asteraceae families), indicating dry and cold conditions in Abric Romaní. The MIS 5 was well recorded with its substages, including 5a, 5b, 5c and 5d. The MIS 5d is characterized by Pinus and Artemisia steppes with herbaceous assemblages. The higher abundance of Artemisia during the second part of the MIS 5b, reflecting cold and dry climate, while temperate forest and Mediterranean trees decline. Mélisey II stadial was marked by an increase in Artemisia and herbs. This suggests that cold climatic conditions existed during this time period. The abundance of oaks during the MIS 5c indicate warmer and humid climate in the region. Other deciduous and broadleaved forest developed as well, including Ulmus, Viburnum, Juglans and Castanea. A short cooling Montaigu event was also recorded within this interstadial, which is dominated by a high percentage of Ericaceae with Artemisia. The first part of the MIS 5a is characterized by Corylus, Carpinus, Hedera, Ulmus, Betula, pointing to warmer climatic conditions. In contrast, the high amount of Artemisia steppes may indicate an enhanced degree of continentality during the second half of the MIS 5a in the north-eastern Iberian Peninsula.</p><p><strong>Keywords:</strong> paleovegetation, climate, pollen analysis, Late Pleistocene, Spain</p>