The chronology of megalithic funerary practices: a Bayesian approach to Grave 11 At El Barranquete necropolis (Almería, Spain)

• Published in: Journal of archaeological science 2014-10, Vol.50, p.369-382
• Main Authors: Aranda Jiménez, Gonzalo, Lozano Medina, Agueda
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Bayesian statistic; Bronze Age; Chalcolithic; Copper Age; Europe; Funerary ritual; Megalithic phenomenon; Metal Ages; Neolithic and chalcolithic; Prehistory and protohistory; Radiocarbon dating; South West Europe
• ISSN: 0305-4403; 1095-9238
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jas.2014.08.005

For the first time on the southern Iberian Peninsula it is possible to determine the timescale and funerary span of a single megalithic grave, as all the Minimum Number of Individuals identified by anthropological study have been dated. Thirteen radiocarbon measurements are now available from Grave 11 at El Barranquete necropolis. Two Bayesian models have been built on the basis of archaeological interpretations of the mortuary depositions. The results stress the late construction of the monument, probably in 2452–2316 cal BC, and the short, but intensive ritual use during the Chalcolithic period of between three and nine generations. The funerary reuse of the monument is one the most remarkable features of this tomb. According to the Bayesian models, these ritual practices began in 2154–2022 cal BC and spans a long period of at least half a millennium. The results are also discussed in the context of the megalithic phenomenon on the southern Iberian Peninsula. •We report a series of radiocarbon dates from a megalithic grave (tholos-type).•Radiocarbon dates are interpreted within a Bayesian statistical framework.•This grave is one of the latest megalithic monuments built in southern Iberia.•It was in use for a short period of time during Chalcolithic period.•It was also intensely reused for a long period of time during the Bronze Age.