Taphonomic data from the transitional Aurignacian of El Castillo cave (Spain) reveals the role of carnivores at the Aurignacian Delta level

A taphonomic analysis of the Aurignacian Delta level at El Castillo cave, Spain, reveals that carnivores played a more significant role in bone accumulations during this transitional period (46-42 ka uncal BP) than previously thought. Contrary to earlier interpretations based solely on recent excavations, this study—conducting the first comprehensive taphonomic assessment of faunal remains from the 1910–1914 excavation phase—shows that carnivore activity was more pronounced. The research combines taxonomic and taphonomic analyses to reconstruct human-carnivore interactions, challenging assumptions about Aurignacian subsistence strategies at this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Sanz-Royo, A., Terlato, G., & Marín-Arroyo, A. B. (2024). Taphonomic data from the transitional Aurignacian of El Castillo cave (Spain) reveals the role of carnivores at the Aurignacian Delta level. Quaternary Science Advances, 13, 100147. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.qsa.2023.100147