A woman buried in Spain in the Bronze Age era

CMO003
Portrait reconstruction
Disclaimer: The portrait shown is a speculative reconstruction and not the actual face of the ancient sample. It represents an artistic interpretation based on archaeological data.
Specimen Details
Sample ID:
CMO003
Date:
1750 BCE - 1550 BCE
Biological Sex:
Female
mtDNA:
J2b1a2
Y-DNA:
Not applicable
Cultural Period:
The Argaric Culture of Southeast Iberia
Location
Country:
Spain
Locality:
Murcia. Moratalla. Cerro del Morrón
Coordinates:
38.1847, -1.8862
Map Location
Historical Timeline
Description

The Argaric culture, also referred to as the Argaric society, flourished in Southeast Iberia during the Early Bronze Age, approximately between 2200 BC and 1550 BC. This culture is named after the type site El Argar, located in what is now the province of Almería, Spain. The Argaric culture represents one of the most complex societies of prehistoric Iberia, marked by its distinctive socio-political structures, advanced metalworking, and unique settlement patterns.

Geographic and Environmental Context

The Argaric society developed in the semi-arid region of Southeast Iberia, encompassing parts of modern-day Murcia and Almería. The geography of the region, characterized by mountainous terrain and fertile valleys, played a crucial role in shaping the Argaric way of life. The presence of mineral resources, especially copper and silver, facilitated their development into one of the first state-level societies in the Iberian Peninsula.

Settlement Patterns and Architecture

Argaric settlements were typically located on elevated terrains, including hilltops and plateaus, which offered natural defenses. These settlements ranged from small hamlets to larger fortified sites. One of the most significant aspects of Argaric architecture was the use of stone and mud-brick for constructions. Buildings were often rectangular and tightly clustered, reflecting a well-organized urban planning system.

Notable sites like El Argar and La Bastida are exemplary of the culture's architectural prowess. La Bastida, in particular, is notable for its advanced fortifications, including defensive walls and towers, which indicate an emphasis on defense and social control.

Social Structure and Economy

The Argaric society is marked by a hierarchical social structure. Archaeological evidence suggests the presence of a ruling elite who managed the society's complex economy and controlled the production and distribution of goods. This is evidenced by the variation in grave goods, with elites being buried with luxury items such as weapons, jewelry, and elaborate pottery.

The economy was primarily based on agriculture, metallurgy, and trade. The Argaric people practiced advanced agricultural techniques, including irrigation, which allowed them to cultivate cereals, legumes, and fruits. Animal husbandry was also significant, with sheep, goats, and cattle being the primary livestock.

Metallurgy was a cornerstone of the Argaric economy. The culture is renowned for its proficient metalworking skills, producing tools, weapons, and ornaments from copper, bronze, and silver. The control over metal resources and production likely contributed to the society's hierarchical structure and its expansion.

Burial Practices

Argaric burial customs are among the most well-documented aspects of their culture, providing insight into their social organization and beliefs. The dead were often buried within the settlement, under the floors of houses, or in communal areas, indicating a close connection between the living and the deceased.

Grave goods varied significantly, with wealthier individuals being interred with an array of prestigious items such as metal weapons, jewelry, and pottery, while others were buried with more modest goods. This clear differentiation underscores the existence of social stratification within Argaric society.

Art and Pottery

The Argaric culture is noted for its distinctive pottery, which includes bowls, cups, and storage vessels with polished surfaces and simple geometric decorations. Although not as elaborate as the ceramics from other Iberian cultures, Argaric pottery reflects the practicality and functional needs of their society.

Interactions and Influence

The Argaric society engaged in trade with neighboring cultures, facilitating the exchange of goods and ideas. This interaction not only spread their influence across the Iberian Peninsula but also allowed them to incorporate external elements into their culture.

Decline

The decline of the Argaric culture around 1550 BC is not completely understood. Potential reasons include environmental changes, resource depletion, or conflicts. Following the collapse, their territories were gradually occupied by other emerging Iberian cultures.

In conclusion, the Argaric culture of Southeast Iberia was a highly organized society characterized by its advancements in metallurgy, unique burial practices, and a hierarchical social structure. Its contributions to the Bronze Age world, particularly in terms of social organization and resource management, make it a pivotal subject of study for understanding the prehistoric development of the Iberian Peninsula.

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CDM002 Chalcolithic Southeast Iberia 2579 BCE Murcia. Caravaca. Camino del Molino, Spain View
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CDM004 Chalcolithic Southeast Iberia 3300 BCE Murcia. Caravaca. Camino del Molino, Spain View
CDM005 Chalcolithic Southeast Iberia 3300 BCE Murcia. Caravaca. Camino del Molino, Spain View
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CDP002 Chalcolithic Southeast Iberia 3300 BCE Alicante. Planes. Cova d' En Pardo, Spain View
CDP006 Chalcolithic Southeast Iberia 3300 BCE Alicante. Planes. Cova d' En Pardo, Spain View
CDP008 Chalcolithic Southeast Iberia 3300 BCE Alicante. Planes. Cova d' En Pardo, Spain View
CDP011 Chalcolithic Southeast Iberia 3300 BCE Alicante. Planes. Cova d' En Pardo, Spain View
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CLL002 Chalcolithic Southeast Iberia 3300 BCE Alicante. Villena. Cueva de las Lechuzas, Spain View
CLL003 Chalcolithic Southeast Iberia 3300 BCE Alicante. Villena. Cueva de las Lechuzas, Spain View
CLL004 Chalcolithic Southeast Iberia 3300 BCE Alicante. Villena. Cueva de las Lechuzas, Spain View
CLL005 Chalcolithic Southeast Iberia 3300 BCE Alicante. Villena. Cueva de las Lechuzas, Spain View
CLL006 Chalcolithic Southeast Iberia 3300 BCE Alicante. Villena. Cueva de las Lechuzas, Spain View
CLL008 Chalcolithic Southeast Iberia 3300 BCE Alicante. Villena. Cueva de las Lechuzas, Spain View
CLL009 Chalcolithic Southeast Iberia 3300 BCE Alicante. Villena. Cueva de las Lechuzas, Spain View
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CDP009 Chalcolithic Southeast Iberia 3300 BCE Alicante. Planes. Cova d' En Pardo, Spain View
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MON015 Chalcolithic Southwest Iberia 3300 BCE Sevilla. Valencina de la Concepción. PP4-Montelirio, Spain View
MON016 Chalcolithic Southwest Iberia 3300 BCE Sevilla. Valencina de la Concepción. PP4-Montelirio, Spain View
MON017 Chalcolithic Southwest Iberia 3300 BCE Sevilla. Valencina de la Concepción. PP4-Montelirio, Spain View
MON029 Chalcolithic Southwest Iberia 3300 BCE Sevilla. Valencina de la Concepción. PP4-Montelirio, Spain View
MON014 Chalcolithic Southwest Iberia 1750 BCE , Spain View
MON019 Chalcolithic Southwest Iberia 3300 BCE , Spain View
MON020 Chalcolithic Southwest Iberia 3300 BCE , Spain View
MON021 Chalcolithic Southwest Iberia 3300 BCE , Spain View
MON033 Chalcolithic Southwest Iberia 3300 BCE , Spain View
MON036 Chalcolithic Southwest Iberia 2893 BCE , Spain View
ZAP002 The Argaric Culture of Spain 2200 BCE Murcia. Lorca. Zapatería, Spain View
Sample ID Culture/Period Date Location Action
CMO001 The Argaric Culture of Southeast Iberia 1881 BCE Murcia. Moratalla. Cerro del Morrón, Spain View
CMO002 The Argaric Culture of Southeast Iberia 1888 BCE Murcia. Moratalla. Cerro del Morrón, Spain View
CMO003 The Argaric Culture of Southeast Iberia 1750 BCE Murcia. Moratalla. Cerro del Morrón, Spain View
LOT001 The Argaric Culture of Southeast Iberia 2021 BCE Murcia. Lorca. Los Tintes, Spain View
MMI004 The Argaric Culture of Southeast Iberia 2000 BCE Murcia. Lorca. Madre Mercedarias Iglesias, Spain View
Ancient Genetic Admixture

Ancient genetic admixture analysis compares the DNA profile of this individual (CMO003) with present-day reference populations. These results show what percentage of the individual's genetic makeup resembles ancient populations from different geographic regions.

Neolithic Farmers 45%
European Hunter-Gatherers 28%
Western Steppe Pastoralists 24%
Ancient Asians 2%
Modern Genetic Admixture

Modern genetic admixture analysis compares the DNA profile of this individual (CMO003) with present-day reference populations. These results show what percentage of the individual's genetic makeup resembles modern populations from different geographic regions.

These results complement the ancient ancestry components shown in the previous section, offering a different perspective on the individual's genetic profile by comparing it with modern reference populations rather than prehistoric ancestral groups.

Europe 99%
Southern European 91%
Iberian 58.8%
Sardinian 16.7%
Italian 15.9%
Northwestern European 7%
Northwestern European 4.5%
English 2.8%
Africa 1%
North African 1%
Egyptian 1.3%
G25 Coordinates

The G25 coordinates for the sample CMO003 are as follows. You can analyze its admixture using G25 Studio.

CMO003,0.12119488,0.15860694,0.04327464,-0.00986334,0.05615686,-0.00690508,-0.00124998,0.00704278,0.03329182,0.0518865,-0.00785498,0.0138839,-0.02419404,-0.00985956,0.0044972,0.00220006,-0.00790972,-0.0017294,-0.00162716,-0.00208112,0.00513908,0.00656698,-0.01168462,-0.01538414,0.00382918
Analyze it in G25 Studio
Scientific Papers References
Genomic transformation and social organization during the Copper Age-Bronze Age transition in southern Iberia
Authors:
Villalba-Mouco V, Oliart C, Rihuete-Herrada C
Abstract:

The emerging Bronze Age (BA) of southeastern Iberia saw marked social changes. Late Copper Age (CA) settlements were abandoned in favor of hilltop sites, and collective graves were largely replaced by single or double burials with often distinctive grave goods indirectly reflecting a hierarchical social organization, as exemplified by the BA El Argar group. We explored this transition from a genomic viewpoint by tripling the amount of data available for this period. Concomitant with the rise of El Argar starting ~2200 cal BCE, we observe a complete turnover of Y-chromosome lineages along with the arrival of steppe-related ancestry. This pattern is consistent with a founder effect in male lineages, supported by our finding that males shared more relatives at sites than females. However, simple two-source models do not find support in some El Argar groups, suggesting additional genetic contributions from the Mediterranean that could predate the BA.

Link:
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