High Resolution Archaeology and Neanderthal Behavior

This book offers insights on Neanderthal behavior using data recovered in level J of the Romaní rockshelter in northeastern Spain. The sediment layers here show high temporal resolution, making it easier to interprete archaeological data in behavioral terms.

The aim of this book is to provide a new insight on Neanderthal behaviour using the data recovered in level J of Romaní rockshelter (north-eastern Spain). Due to the sedimentary dynamics that formed the Romaní deposit, the occupation layers are characterized by a high temporal resolution, which makes it easier to interprete the archaeological data in behavioural terms. In addition, the different analytical domains (geoarchaeology, lithic technology, zooarchaeology, taphonomy, anthracology, palaeontology) are addressed from a spatial perspective that is basic to understand human behaviour, but also to evaluate the behavioural inferences in the framework of the archaeological formation processes.

1 . Introduction: Neanderthal Behavior and Temporal Resolution of Archeological Assemblages. PART I. THE ABRIC ROMANI AND THE ARCHEOLOGICAL LEVEL J (CA. 50 KA). - 2. The Abric Romaní Site and the Capellades Region (Barcelona, Spain). - 3. Spatial patterns in level J: travertine blocks, combustion activity areas, and archeological remains. - 4. Microstratigraphic Analysis of the Level J Deposits. A Dual Paleoenvironmental-Paleoethnographic Contribution to the Paleolithic Archaeology at the Abric Romani Site. - 5. Neanderthal Landscapes and Their Home Environment: Floral and Faunal Records from Level J. - 6. Level J Taphonomy. - PART II. HUMAN ACTIVITY. - 7. The Lithic Assemblage of Level J. - 8. Occupational patterns and subsistence strategies at Level J. - 9. Hearth Functioning and Forest Resource Exploitation Based on the Archeobotanical Assemblage from Level J. - PART III. CONCLUSIONS. - 10. Conclusions: Landscapes, Campsites, Time, and Neanderthal Behavior.