In a groundbreaking archaeological discovery nestled within the rugged beauty of the Huescan Pyrenees, researchers have unearthed compelling evidence reshaping our understanding of early high mountain societies during the Neolithic period. Published in Frontiers in Environmental Archaeology, a pioneering study has unveiled sophisticated livestock management strategies and feeding practices, challenging the conventional wisdom that these societies were solely focused on seasonal transhumance of sheep and goats.
Led by a collaborative team from the Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), the University of Évora, the Milà i Fontanals Institution-CSIC, and the General Directorate of Cultural Heritage of the Government of Aragon, this multidisciplinary endeavor marks a significant milestone in the field of environmental archaeology. By integrating carbon and nitrogen stable isotope analysis with archaeozoological methods, researchers delved into the intricate world of early mountain dwellers, shedding light on their complex relationship with livestock and farming activities.
The study, centered on the Coro Trasito archaeological site in the region of Sobrarbe, Aragon, uncovered a wealth of insights into the lives and practices of Neolithic communities inhabiting high mountain regions more than 6,500 to 7,500 years ago. Contrary to previous assumptions of seasonal occupation and reliance on wild resources, the research reveals a sophisticated society engaged in advanced agricultural and livestock practices.
Traditionally, the role of sheep and goat transhumance has loomed large in our understanding of high mountain societies. However, this study challenges the notion of their exclusive dominance, shedding light on the nuanced role of other livestock activities. Through meticulous analysis of stable carbon and nitrogen isotopes in bone collagen, researchers documented distinct management and feeding strategies across different animal flocks, painting a picture of diversified agricultural practices.
The findings illustrate that early settlers in the Huescan Pyrenees maintained small, multifaceted flocks comprising cows, goats, sheep, and notably, pigs (Bos taurus, Capra hircus, Ovis aries, and Sus domesticus). These animals were primarily utilized for their meat and milk production, highlighting the economic importance of pigs during the Neolithic period—a revelation that challenges previous assumptions.
Furthermore, the study elucidated the diverse approaches to livestock management and feeding practices employed by these early mountain societies. From access to varied pastures to the provision of forage, researchers uncovered a complex interplay between agricultural practices and environmental adaptation. Notably, the presence of transformation activities related to dairy products and fat, alongside the existence of storage structures within the cave, underscores the sophistication of Neolithic economies in the Central Pyrenees.
Ultimately, the research at Coro Trasito offers a glimpse into the dynamic and adaptive nature of early high mountain societies, providing valuable insights into the complexity of neolithization processes in the region. As these findings continue to reverberate through the corridors of academia, they underscore the resilience and ingenuity of our ancient ancestors, whose legacy persists in the mountain landscapes of today.