Forest resources exploitation in the Late Mesolithic and Early Neolithic site of Cova Fosca (Ares del Maestre, Castelló, Spain)

ANTOLIN, FERRAN; CARUSO FERME, LAURA; MENSUA, CARMEN; OLÀRIA, CARME; PIQUÉ, RAQUEL; ALONSO, NATÀLIA

Antibes

Encuentro; Des Hommes et des Plantes. Explotation du milieu et des ressources végétales de la prhéhistoire à nos jours; 2009

Centre d'études Prhéhistoire, Antiquité, Moyen Âge

Cova Fosca is located in el Maestrat, an area that is very well-known for its richness in archaeological sites dating from the Upper Paleolithic, Mesolithic and Neolithic periods. The archaeobotanical macro remains found after the excavation of the site has led us to an initial understanding concerning the strategies of forest management of both the last hunters and gatherers and the first farmers of the area. Carpological remains mainly consist of wild fruits, especially Quercus sp., but also several types of Rosaceae. Among the charcoal remains, both deciduous and evergreen Quercus and Pinus sylvestris-nigra types are the most frequent taxa in all these periods. Our aim is to evaluate the economical significance of these remains, with especial attention to the signification of carbonized wild fruit in the archaeological context.