The Early Paleolithic in the Duero basin: the Ecological Unit of Plateaus

Abstract

The aim of this paper is to summarize or study of the Paleolithic remains retrieved from the Ecological Unit of Plateaus, divided in plateaus and valleys. The lithic remains of both environments have been collected by different survey strategies. Unlike the valleys, we have undertaken an intense and complex survey program in the plateaus, accompanied by a rigorous control of the taphonomic processes that have influenced the formation of the lithic assemblages. The regional settlement pattern observed in the plateaus has provided a perfect opportunity to test the techno-economical interpretations that allow us to link and explain the technological variability of the Ecological Unit of Plateaus.

Keywords

• cuenca del duero
• páramos del duero
• paleolítico antiguo
• arqueología distribucional
• patrones de ocupación
• prospección