A woman buried in Spain in the Bronze Age era

MDP002
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:
MDP002
Date:
2200 BCE - 1985 BCE
Biological Sex:
Female
mtDNA:
V
Y-DNA:
Not applicable
Cultural Period:
Early El Argar Culture Molinos de Papel, Spain
Location
Country:
Spain
Locality:
Murcia. Caravaca. Molinos del Papel
Coordinates:
38.1023, -1.8640
Map Location
Historical Timeline
Description

The Early El Argar Culture, particularly as observed at the archaeological site of Molinos de Papel in Spain, is a fascinating segment of the broader Iberian prehistory during the Bronze Age. This culture, which flourished approximately between 2200 and 1500 BCE, is recognized for its advanced societal structures and its significant contributions to the development of early European metallurgy and urbanization.

Geographical and Chronological Context

The El Argar civilization emerged in the southeastern part of the Iberian Peninsula, primarily in what is now the regions of Murcia and Almería in Spain. Molinos de Papel is one of several sites that provide valuable insights into the lifestyle, economy, and social organization of the Argaric people. The site, situated near the confluence of river systems and fertile lands, would have been conducive to agricultural activities and trade.

Settlement and Architecture

The Argaric settlements are known for their strategic locations, often on elevated terrains, which provided defensive advantages. The dwellings were typically constructed from stone and mud-brick, with some evidence suggesting the use of wooden elements in roofing. The architecture often included complex layouts with communal areas, dedicated workshops, and residential quarters, indicating a sophisticated understanding of urban planning.

Economy and Subsistence

Argaric society was agrarian, heavily relying on cereal cultivation, with evidence of wheat and barley being prominent staple crops. Additionally, they practiced animal husbandry, including cattle, sheep, goats, and pigs, which provided meat, milk, and other resources. The proximity to river systems facilitated fishing and contributed to a diverse diet. The economy was significantly bolstered by metallurgy, particularly the extraction and production of bronze tools and weapons, which played a crucial role in trade.

Social Structure and Burial Practices

The society was markedly hierarchical, as evidenced by burial customs and the distribution of grave goods. El Argar culture is noted for its use of large, communal graves, often in cists or stone tombs. High-status individuals were interred with ornate pottery, jewelry made from silver and gold, and bronze objects, indicating their wealth and social standing. This tiered social structure suggests the presence of leadership elites who controlled resources and trade networks.

Material Culture and Craftsmanship

The material culture of the Argarics was sophisticated, with a wide array of goods produced from locally sourced and imported materials. Pottery from this period often shows advanced techniques, with smooth finishes and geometric designs. Metalwork was advanced, with the development of bronze casting techniques that produced a variety of tools, weapons, and ornaments. Evidence of textile manufacturing has also been found, indicating the presence of weaving and spinning activities.

Trade and External Connections

The El Argar society engaged in trade both locally and with distant communities, as demonstrated by the variety of non-local materials found at archaeological sites such as Molinos de Papel. This includes the exchange of metals, pottery, and possibly textiles, suggesting a level of socio-economic interaction across the broader Mediterranean region.

Influence and Legacy

The El Argar culture is considered a crucial precursor to later Iberian cultures due to its advancements in metallurgy and urban development. Its decline around 1500 BCE, possibly due to environmental changes, social unrest, or external pressures, marked the end of a significant phase in Iberian prehistory. However, its influence can be seen in subsequent cultures in the region that continued to develop complex societies and technologies.

In summary, the Early El Argar Culture at sites like Molinos de Papel represents a period of innovation and complexity in prehistoric Iberia. Its contributions to metallurgy, urbanization, and societal organization provide important insights into the evolution of European prehistoric civilizations.

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Sample ID Culture/Period Date Location Action
MDP002 Early El Argar Culture Molinos de Papel, Spain 2200 BCE Murcia. Caravaca. Molinos del Papel, Spain View
MDP003 Early El Argar Culture Molinos de Papel, Spain 2197 BCE Murcia. Caravaca. Molinos del Papel, Spain View
MDP001 Early El Argar Culture Molinos de Papel, Spain 2297 BCE Murcia. Caravaca. Molinos del Papel, Spain View
Ancient Genetic Admixture

Ancient genetic admixture analysis compares the DNA profile of this individual (MDP002) 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 49%
European Hunter-Gatherers 28%
Western Steppe Pastoralists 23%
Modern Genetic Admixture

Modern genetic admixture analysis compares the DNA profile of this individual (MDP002) 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 100%
Southern European 82%
Iberian 46.8%
Sardinian 18.8%
Italian 12.9%
Balkan 3.5%
Northwestern European 18%
English 14.9%
Northwestern European 3.2%
G25 Coordinates

The G25 coordinates for the sample MDP002 are as follows. You can analyze its admixture using G25 Studio.

MDP002,0.12164344,0.15619586,0.04062416,-0.0117607,0.05495286,-0.00773178,-0.0010876,0.00585238,0.031586,0.05074904,-0.00669786,0.01315674,-0.02347722,-0.01097866,0.00264788,0.00190484,-0.00346802,-0.0009718,-0.0006739,-0.00214556,0.00366312,0.00538984,-0.01099234,-0.0127775,0.00317399
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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