Radiocarbon Chronology of Dolmens in the Iberian Southwest: Architectural Sequence and Temporality in the El Pozuelo Megalithic Complex (Huelva, Spain)

A groundbreaking radiocarbon analysis of the El Pozuelo megalithic complex in southern Spain reveals that dolmens in the Iberian southwest were used for over 2,000 years, from approximately 3970 to 1980 cal BC. The study identifies distinct architectural phases—simple chambers (3970–3760 cal BC), elongated chambers (3790–3620 cal BC), and multiple chambers (3660–3260 cal BC)—alongside continuous activity during the Copper Age (2980–2180 cal BC) and persistence into the Early Bronze Age (2230–1940 cal BC). By combining stratigraphic analysis with Bayesian modeling of 27 AMS radiocarbon dates, researchers establish a robust temporal framework for megalithism in the region. This work synthesizes 152 radiocarbon dates, offering new insights into the emergence, evolution, and reuse of dolmens as significant cultural monuments.

Linares-Catela, J. A. (2022). RADIOCARBON CHRONOLOGY OF DOLMENS IN THE IBERIAN SOUTHWEST: ARCHITECTURAL SEQUENCE AND TEMPORALITY IN THE EL POZUELO MEGALITHIC COMPLEX (HUELVA, SPAIN). Radiocarbon, 64(5), 989–1064. https://doi.org/10.1017/rdc.2022.48