A woman buried in Spain in the Copper Age era

MON013
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:
MON013
Date:
3300 BCE - 1500 BCE
Biological Sex:
Female
mtDNA:
H3
Y-DNA:
Not applicable
Cultural Period:
Chalcolithic Southwest Iberia
Location
Country:
Spain
Locality:
Sevilla. Valencina de la Concepción. PP4-Montelirio
Coordinates:
37.4109, -6.0590
Map Location
Historical Timeline
Description

The Chalcolithic period, also known as the Copper Age, in Southwest Iberia (modern-day Portugal and parts of Spain) represents a significant transitional phase between the Neolithic and the Bronze Age, roughly dating from 3000 to 2200 BCE. This era is characterized by the introduction and use of copper tools alongside stone implements, marking a critical advancement in technology and society. Here is an extensive and detailed description of this fascinating era and culture.

Geography and Environment

Southwest Iberia during the Chalcolithic was a region with diverse landscapes that included river valleys, rolling plains, and mountainous areas. The climate was relatively temperate, supporting a variety of flora and fauna. This environment allowed for mixed agriculture, pastoralism, and exploitation of maritime resources, which were central to the region's subsistence strategies.

Settlements and Architecture

The Chalcolithic period saw the development of increasingly complex settlements. Villages were often strategically located on elevated ground, near water sources, or along trade routes. Settlements varied in size and complexity, from small hamlets to larger fortified communities.

A notable architectural feature of this era is the construction of megalithic structures. These include dolmens, menhirs, and stone circles, which were used for ceremonial and funerary purposes. The sophistication in construction techniques suggests a well-organized labor force and a society capable of undertaking large-scale projects.

Economy and Subsistence

The economy during this period was characterized by a mixed subsistence strategy, combining agriculture, animal husbandry, hunting, and gathering. Main agricultural products included cereals like wheat and barley, and legumes such as peas and lentils. Livestock, particularly cattle, sheep, and goats, played a significant role in the economy, providing meat, milk, wool, and hides.

The introduction of copper metallurgy was transformative. Southwest Iberia was rich in copper ore, and communities engaged in mining and metallurgy. This led to the development of specialized skills and trade networks, as copper tools and ornaments were exchanged over long distances, indicating a growing complexity in social and economic interactions.

Social Organization and Culture

The society in Chalcolithic Southwest Iberia was likely organized into tribes or chiefdoms, with emerging social stratification. The presence of elaborate burial sites and grave goods suggests distinctions in status and wealth. The megalithic tombs often contained multiple burials, with grave goods like pottery, tools, and ornaments, pointing to beliefs in an afterlife and the significance of ancestral veneration.

Cultural practices also included artistic expression, evident in the pottery styles, with decorations ranging from simple geometric designs to more intricate motifs. The artwork on ceramic vessels and the carving of idols and figurines reflect a complex symbolic and ritualistic life.

Religion and Belief Systems

Religion and spirituality played a significant role in Chalcolithic societies. The construction of megalithic monuments is often interpreted as a reflection of religious beliefs, possibly related to solar and lunar cycles, fertility, and ancestor worship. These structures served as focal points for community gatherings, religious ceremonies, and burial rites.

Trade and External Connections

Chalcolithic Southwest Iberia was not isolated; it was part of broader interaction networks that extended across the Iberian Peninsula and into the wider Mediterranean world. The exchange of goods, such as copper, pottery, and crafted items, facilitated cultural and technological exchanges, contributing to the complexity and dynamism of the region.

Legacy and Transition

The Chalcolithic period laid the foundations for subsequent developments in the Bronze Age. The advancements in metallurgy, social organization, and trade networks continued to evolve, leading to even more complex societies. Understanding this era provides crucial insights into the cultural and technological transformations that shaped prehistoric Europe.

In summary, the Chalcolithic Southwest Iberia was a period of technological innovation, social complexity, and cultural richness, marked by the beginning of metallurgical practices and the construction of monumental megalithic architecture, which continue to fascinate archaeologists and historians today.

Related Samples
Sample ID Culture/Period Date Location Action
ALM035 The Argaric Culture of Spain 2000 BCE Murcia. Pliego. La Almoloya, Spain View
ALM047 The Argaric Culture of Spain 2000 BCE Murcia. Pliego. La Almoloya, Spain View
ALM053 The Argaric Culture of Spain 1750 BCE Murcia. Pliego. La Almoloya, Spain View
ALM056 The Argaric Culture of Spain 2000 BCE Murcia. Pliego. La Almoloya, Spain View
ALM062 The Argaric Culture of Spain 2000 BCE Murcia. Pliego. La Almoloya, Spain View
ALM069 The Argaric Culture of Spain 1750 BCE Murcia. Pliego. La Almoloya, Spain View
ALM070 The Argaric Culture of Spain 1750 BCE Murcia. Pliego. La Almoloya, Spain View
ALM071 The Argaric Culture of Spain 2000 BCE Murcia. Pliego. La Almoloya, Spain View
ALM075 The Argaric Culture of Spain 2000 BCE Murcia. Pliego. La Almoloya, Spain View
ALM079 The Argaric Culture of Spain 2000 BCE Murcia. Pliego. La Almoloya, Spain View
ALM084 The Argaric Culture of Spain 1750 BCE Murcia. Pliego. La Almoloya, Spain View
ALM088 The Argaric Culture of Spain 1750 BCE Murcia. Pliego. La Almoloya, Spain View
ALM073 The Argaric Culture of Spain 1889 BCE Murcia. Pliego. La Almoloya, Spain View
ALM060 The Argaric Culture of Spain 1878 BCE Murcia. Pliego. La Almoloya, Spain View
ALM001 The Argaric Culture of Spain 1960 BCE Murcia. Pliego. La Almoloya, Spain View
ALM002 The Argaric Culture of Spain 1943 BCE Murcia. Pliego. La Almoloya, Spain View
ALM004 The Argaric Culture of Spain 2000 BCE Murcia. Pliego. La Almoloya, Spain View
ALM006 The Argaric Culture of Spain 1919 BCE Murcia. Pliego. La Almoloya, Spain View
ALM007 The Argaric Culture of Spain 2000 BCE Murcia. Pliego. La Almoloya, Spain View
ALM008 The Argaric Culture of Spain 2000 BCE Murcia. Pliego. La Almoloya, Spain View
ALM014 The Argaric Culture of Spain 2000 BCE Murcia. Pliego. La Almoloya, Spain View
ALM015 The Argaric Culture of Spain 1898 BCE Murcia. Pliego. La Almoloya, Spain View
ALM016 The Argaric Culture of Spain 1945 BCE Murcia. Pliego. La Almoloya, Spain View
ALM017 The Argaric Culture of Spain 1882 BCE Murcia. Pliego. La Almoloya, Spain View
ALM018 The Argaric Culture of Spain 2000 BCE Murcia. Pliego. La Almoloya, Spain View
ALM019 The Argaric Culture of Spain 2127 BCE Murcia. Pliego. La Almoloya, Spain View
ALM020 The Argaric Culture of Spain 2000 BCE Murcia. Pliego. La Almoloya, Spain View
ALM021 The Argaric Culture of Spain 2000 BCE Murcia. Pliego. La Almoloya, Spain View
ALM024 The Argaric Culture of Spain 2000 BCE Murcia. Pliego. La Almoloya, Spain View
ALM025 The Argaric Culture of Spain 2000 BCE Murcia. Pliego. La Almoloya, Spain View
ALM026 The Argaric Culture of Spain 2000 BCE Murcia. Pliego. La Almoloya, Spain View
ALM027 The Argaric Culture of Spain 2000 BCE Murcia. Pliego. La Almoloya, Spain View
ALM028 The Argaric Culture of Spain 2000 BCE Murcia. Pliego. La Almoloya, Spain View
ALM040 The Argaric Culture of Spain 2012 BCE Murcia. Pliego. La Almoloya, Spain View
ALM041 The Argaric Culture of Spain 1944 BCE Murcia. Pliego. La Almoloya, Spain View
ALM042 The Argaric Culture of Spain 2000 BCE Murcia. Pliego. La Almoloya, Spain View
ALM043 The Argaric Culture of Spain 1882 BCE Murcia. Pliego. La Almoloya, Spain View
ALM044 The Argaric Culture of Spain 1896 BCE Murcia. Pliego. La Almoloya, Spain View
ALM046 The Argaric Culture of Spain 1883 BCE Murcia. Pliego. La Almoloya, Spain View
ALM048 The Argaric Culture of Spain 2000 BCE Murcia. Pliego. La Almoloya, Spain View
ALM049 The Argaric Culture of Spain 2000 BCE Murcia. Pliego. La Almoloya, Spain View
ALM050 The Argaric Culture of Spain 2000 BCE Murcia. Pliego. La Almoloya, Spain View
ALM034 The Argaric Culture of Spain 1954 BCE Murcia. Pliego. La Almoloya, Spain View
ALM003 The Argaric Culture of Spain 2000 BCE Murcia. Pliego. La Almoloya, Spain View
ALM029 The Argaric Culture of Spain 2000 BCE Murcia. Pliego. La Almoloya, Spain View
ALM032 The Argaric Culture of Spain 1750 BCE Murcia. Pliego. La Almoloya, Spain View
ALM036 The Argaric Culture of Spain 2000 BCE Murcia. Pliego. La Almoloya, Spain View
ALM039 The Argaric Culture of Spain 1739 BCE Murcia. Pliego. La Almoloya, Spain View
ALM051 The Argaric Culture of Spain 2000 BCE Murcia. Pliego. La Almoloya, Spain View
ALM055 The Argaric Culture of Spain 2000 BCE Murcia. Pliego. La Almoloya, Spain View
ALM057 The Argaric Culture of Spain 1874 BCE Murcia. Pliego. La Almoloya, Spain View
ALM063 The Argaric Culture of Spain 1750 BCE Murcia. Pliego. La Almoloya, Spain View
ALM064 The Argaric Culture of Spain 2000 BCE Murcia. Pliego. La Almoloya, Spain View
ALM067 The Argaric Culture of Spain 1750 BCE Murcia. Pliego. La Almoloya, Spain View
ALM068 The Argaric Culture of Spain 1750 BCE Murcia. Pliego. La Almoloya, Spain View
ALM076 The Argaric Culture of Spain 2000 BCE Murcia. Pliego. La Almoloya, Spain View
ALM078 The Argaric Culture of Spain 1750 BCE Murcia. Pliego. La Almoloya, Spain View
ALM081 The Argaric Culture of Spain 2000 BCE Murcia. Pliego. La Almoloya, Spain View
ALM086 The Argaric Culture of Spain 1932 BCE Murcia. Pliego. La Almoloya, Spain View
ALM087 The Argaric Culture of Spain 2000 BCE Murcia. Pliego. La Almoloya, Spain View
I1304 The Argaric Culture of Spain 1741 BCE Murcia. La Almoloya. El Argar, Spain View
ALM080 The Argaric Culture of Spain 1750 BCE Murcia. Pliego. La Almoloya, Spain View
ALM031 The Argaric Culture of Spain 1750 BCE Murcia. Pliego. La Almoloya, Spain View
ALM030 The Argaric Culture of Spain 2000 BCE Murcia. Pliego. La Almoloya, Spain View
ALM058 The Argaric Culture of Spain 2000 BCE Murcia. Pliego. La Almoloya, Spain View
ALM077 The Argaric Culture of Spain 2000 BCE Murcia. Pliego. La Almoloya, Spain View
ALM052 The Argaric Culture of Spain 1884 BCE Murcia. Pliego. La Almoloya, Spain View
EFA006 Late Bronze Age Spain 1200 BCE Balearic Islands. Menorca. Ciutadella. Es Forat de ses Aritges, Spain View
EFA008 Late Bronze Age Spain 1200 BCE Balearic Islands. Menorca. Ciutadella. Es Forat de ses Aritges, Spain View
EFA009 Late Bronze Age Spain 1200 BCE Balearic Islands. Menorca. Ciutadella. Es Forat de ses Aritges, Spain View
EFA010 Late Bronze Age Spain 1200 BCE Balearic Islands. Menorca. Ciutadella. Es Forat de ses Aritges, Spain View
EFA011 Late Bronze Age Spain 1200 BCE Balearic Islands. Menorca. Ciutadella. Es Forat de ses Aritges, Spain View
EFA007 Late Bronze Age Spain 1200 BCE Balearic Islands. Menorca. Ciutadella. Es Forat de ses Aritges, Spain View
BAS003 The Argaric Culture of Spain 2023 BCE Murcia. Totana. La Bastida, Spain View
BAS022 The Argaric Culture of Spain 1750 BCE Murcia. Totana. La Bastida, Spain View
BAS023 The Argaric Culture of Spain 2130 BCE Murcia. Totana. La Bastida, Spain View
BAS024 The Argaric Culture of Spain 2192 BCE Murcia. Totana. La Bastida, Spain View
BAS025 The Argaric Culture of Spain 2134 BCE Murcia. Totana. La Bastida, Spain View
BAS027 The Argaric Culture of Spain 2000 BCE Murcia. Totana. La Bastida, Spain View
BAS002 The Argaric Culture of Spain 1620 BCE Murcia. Totana. La Bastida, Spain View
BAS018 The Argaric Culture of Spain 1865 BCE Murcia. Totana. La Bastida, Spain View
BAS026 The Argaric Culture of Spain 2000 BCE Murcia. Totana. La Bastida, Spain View
BAS017 The Argaric Culture of Spain 1871 BCE Murcia. Totana. La Bastida, Spain View
LHO002 Bronze Age La Horna, Spain 1620 BCE Alicante. Aspe. La Horna, Spain View
LHO001 Bronze Age La Horna, Spain 1611 BCE Alicante. Aspe. La Horna, Spain View
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
MIV001 Neolithic to Bronze Age Transition in Iberia 2200 BCE Barcelona. Terrasa. Miquel Vives, Spain View
CBR004 Bronze Age Cabezo Redondo, Southeast Spain 1538 BCE Alicante. Villena. Cabezo Redondo, Spain View
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
LHO003 Bronze Age Southeast Iberia 1669 BCE Alicante. Aspe. La Horna, Spain View
PLZ001 Bronze Age Southeast Iberia 3300 BCE Alicante. Villena. Peñón de la Zorra, Spain View
PUC001 Bronze Age Southeast Iberia 1879 BCE Alicante. Villena. Puntal de los Carniceros, Spain View
PUC002 Bronze Age Southeast Iberia 1741 BCE Alicante. Villena. Puntal de los Carniceros, Spain View
PUC003 Bronze Age Southeast Iberia 1882 BCE Alicante. Villena. Puntal de los Carniceros, Spain View
PUC004 Bronze Age Southeast Iberia 1748 BCE Alicante. Villena. Puntal de los Carniceros, Spain View
CDM001 Chalcolithic Southeast Iberia 2559 BCE Murcia. Caravaca. Camino del Molino, Spain View
CDM002 Chalcolithic Southeast Iberia 2579 BCE Murcia. Caravaca. Camino del Molino, Spain View
CDM003 Chalcolithic Southeast Iberia 3300 BCE Murcia. Caravaca. Camino del Molino, Spain View
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
CDP001 Chalcolithic Southeast Iberia 3300 BCE Alicante. Planes. Cova d' En Pardo, Spain View
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
CLL001 Chalcolithic Southeast Iberia 3300 BCE Alicante. Villena. Cueva de las Lechuzas, Spain View
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
CLL010 Chalcolithic Southeast Iberia 3300 BCE Alicante. Villena. Cueva de las Lechuzas, Spain View
CLL011 Chalcolithic Southeast Iberia 3300 BCE Alicante. Villena. Cueva de las Lechuzas, Spain View
CDP003 Chalcolithic Southeast Iberia 3300 BCE Alicante. Planes. Cova d' En Pardo, Spain View
CDP009 Chalcolithic Southeast Iberia 3300 BCE Alicante. Planes. Cova d' En Pardo, Spain View
MON013 Chalcolithic Southwest Iberia 3300 BCE Sevilla. Valencina de la Concepción. PP4-Montelirio, Spain View
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
MON013 Chalcolithic Southwest Iberia 3300 BCE Sevilla. Valencina de la Concepción. PP4-Montelirio, Spain View
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
Ancient Genetic Admixture

Ancient genetic admixture analysis compares the DNA profile of this individual (MON013) 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 60%
European Hunter-Gatherers 22%
Western Steppe Pastoralists 18%
Modern Genetic Admixture

Modern genetic admixture analysis compares the DNA profile of this individual (MON013) 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 98%
Iberian 51.0%
Sardinian 31.1%
Italian 15.8%
Northwestern European 2%
Northwestern European 2.0%
G25 Coordinates

The G25 coordinates for the sample MON013 are as follows. You can analyze its admixture using G25 Studio.

MON013,0.12033972,0.16062068,0.03002876,-0.03349552,0.05762948,-0.01729444,-0.00196188,0.00600836,0.03765884,0.06560844,-0.005209,0.0145688,-0.02591296,-0.013285,-0.00649344,0.00405864,0.00701748,-0.00057124,-0.00077104,-0.00344388,0.00126644,0.00500052,-0.01201964,-0.0183576,0.00425129
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:
View Publication
Save 85% coupon: CYBERWEEK85

Valid until April 29 2025