Intra-Site changes in seasonality and their consequences on the faunal assemblages from Abric Romaní (Middle Palaelithic, Spain).

Abstract

The Middle Palaeolithic site of Abric Romaní (North Eastern Spain) was selected to test the hypothesis that seasonal behaviour of Neanderthal groups will induce differences in the faunal assemblages. The site has a long stratigraphical sequence representing a short chronology, but we focused on levels K, L, and M. The study of seasonality in ungulates indicates that the game was hunted at different periods of the year in each level. Combination of zooarchaeological analyses shows that in all levels the pattern of game procurement and transport to the shelter is similar. In the same way, there is no significant difference related to animal processing. The carcasses introduced into the shelter are used in an exhaustive and systematic way. Although seasonality in the occupation are changing, there are no significant differences in the activities of the Neanderthal groups in the three levels. We conclude that the presence of Neanderthals at Abric Romaní is highly seasonal and their displacements are strongly conditioned by the presence of game preys in the territory.