The Prehistoric and Protohistoric landscape on the Mazarron coast (Murcia) according to the anthracoanalysis from Punta de Los Gavilanes

Abstract

Punta de Los Gavilanes is a coastal promontory located in Puerto de Mazarrón (South-Eastern Spanish coast), which presents an occupation from 2nd millenium BC to the middle of the first century BC. In this paper we present the anthracological sequence obtained from the study of the charred wood sampled in this archaeological site from 1998 to 2006 digging works. The diagram, divided in two parts, shows the development of halophyle communities near the site, which does not undergo big distortions during the sequence. The saline composition of the substratum must have act as a limiter factor in its evolution, preventing its alteration because of climatic reasons. On the other hand, we observe a degradation process in the structure of the Mediterranean vegetation, specially around the IV century BC, probably in association with the anthropogenic activity on this area.