Revisiting the 40,000 BP crisis in Iberia : a study of selected transitional industries and their significance
This thesis focuses on the Mid/Upper Palaeolithic Transition in the Iberian Peninsula, and questions whether this process took place as hitherto widely claimed, by testing the validity of the traditional characteristics said to portray this event throughout Europe. Research was carried out at different levels: old archaeological collections from two transitional sites (Abric Romani and Reclau Viver), previously unstudied, were systematically analysed and specific organic components (perforated shells) were radiocarbon dated. A thorough bibliographic database including information on these and all other Iberian sites was complied, in order to extend the study. The theoretical perspective of the topic was also investigated, to assess epistemological factors which are so often overlooked in this field of study. The socio-political events that have marked Spain and Portugal's contemporary histories, were also studied, since they played a crucial role in shaping Palaeolithic Research in both countries. The so-called '40,000 BP Crisis', specifically located in northern Iberia, was revisited by studying not only the traditional sites which have produced chronometric readings around that date, but also others in the
Camps i Calbet, Marta
Industries, Prehistoric ; Paleolithic period ; Antiquities ; Portugal ; Spain
Revisiting the 40,000 BP crisis in Iberia : a study of selected transitional industries and their significance. This thesis focuses on the Mid/Upper Palaeolithic Transition in the Iberian Peninsula, and questions whether this process took place as hitherto widely claimed, by testing the validity of the traditional characteristics said to portray this event throughout Europe. Research was carried out at different levels: old archaeological collections from two transitional sites (Abric Romani and Reclau Viver), previously unstudied, were systematically analysed and specific organic components (perforated shells) were radiocarbon dated. A thorough bibliographic database including information on these and all other Iberian sites was complied, in order to extend the study. The theoretical perspective of the topic was also investigated, to assess epistemological factors which are so often overlooked in this field of study. The socio-political events that have marked Spain and Portugal's contemporary histories, were also studied, since they played a crucial role in shaping Palaeolithic Research in both countries. The so-called '40,000 BP Crisis', specifically located in northern Iberia, was revisited by studying not only the traditional sites which have produced chronometric readings around that date, but also others in the
revisiting crisis iberia study select transitional industry significance focus mid upper_palaeolithic transition iberian_peninsula question_whether process take_place hitherto widely claim test_validity traditional characteristic say portray event throughout_europe carry different_level old archaeological_collection transitional site previously_unstudied systematically analyse specific organic component shell radiocarbon_date thorough database include information iberian sit comply order extend study theoretical_perspective topic also_investigate assess epistemological factor often_overlook field study socio_political event mark spain portugal contemporary history also study since play_crucial role_shape palaeolithic country so_called crisis specifically locate northern iberia revisit study traditional site produce reading around date also others