Wooden beams from Talayot 1 of Sant Agustí Vell (Menorca): Taxonomical identification and radiocarbon dating

A groundbreaking discovery at the UNESCO-listed Talayotic settlement of Sant Agustí Vell, Menorca, reveals that wooden beams from Talayot 1—dated between 1259–1123 cal BC—were crafted from olive trees (Olea europaea L.). This marks the first radiocarbon dating of construction elements in a Menorcan talayot, providing critical insights into prehistoric architectural practices. The study analyzed samples from three well-preserved beams and two partial fragments, confirming their species origin through taxonomic identification. These findings not only advance our understanding of ancient timber sourcing but also offer a rare glimpse into the chronology of Menorca’s talayotic period.

Boudin, M., Anglada Fontestad, M., Ferrer, A., Riudavets González, I., Van Strydonck, M., Picornell-Gelabert, L., Ramis, D., Ruiz Pastor, R., & Moll Pelegrí, I. (2026). Wooden beams from Talayot 1 of Sant Agustí Vell (Menorca): Taxonomical identification and radiocarbon dating. Radiocarbon, 68(2), 211–223. https://doi.org/10.1017/rdc.2026.10193