Vegetational history during Bronze and Iron Ages in Portalón cave (Sierra de Atapuerca, Burgos, Spain)

Abstract

In this paper we present the obtained results from Portalón of Cueva Mayor (Sierra de Atapuerca, Burgos, Spain) which have allowed to reconstruct the vegetation composition as well as its relation with the climate and the human habitation of the site during 2000 years, from ca. 4000 to ca. 2000 yr. BP. An open landscape with Corylus, Juglans and Betula was developed at the base of the sequence, from 3910 ± 70 yr. BP to after 3680 ± 40 yr. BP (Pollen Zone I), which reflects humid and temperated climatic conditions. Before 3330 ± 70 yr. BP a mediterranean climate can be inferred by the presence of Olea and evergreen Quercus, with drier and warmer climatic conditions, leading to the expansion of shrub vegetation. The human activity is clearly detected along Portalón pollen sequence and the evidences of anthropogenic deforestation are shown by the presence of microcharcoal particles.