Isotopic evidence for mobility at large-scale human aggregations in Copper Age Iberia: the mega-site of Marroquíes. (22nd August 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Díaz-Zorita Bonilla, Marta; Beck, Jess; Bocherens, Hervé; Díaz-del-Río, Pedro
• Is Part Of: Antiquity. Volume 92:Number 364(2018)
• Page Start: 991
• Page End: 1007
• Publication Date: 2018-08-22
• Subjects: Iberia, -- Marroquíes, -- Copper Age, -- mobility, -- isotope analysis; Archaeology -- Periodicals; Antiquities -- Periodicals; 930.05
• DOI: 10.15184/aqy.2018.33
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0003-598X

Abstract

Abstract : Settlements incorporating large-scale human aggregations are a well-documented but poorly understood phenomenon across late prehistoric Europe. The authors' research examines the origins and trajectory of such aggregations through isotope analysis of human skeletal remains from the mega-site of Marroquíes in Jaén, Spain. The results indicate that eight per cent of 115 sampled individuals are of non-local origin. These individuals received mortuary treatments indistinguishable from those of locals, suggesting their incorporation into pre-existing social networks in both life and death. This research contributes to our understanding of the extent and patterning of human mobility, which underlies the emergence of late prehistoric mega-sites in Europe.