Intriguing Occupations at Gran Dolina (Atapuerca, Spain): the Acheulean Subunits TD10.3 and TD10.4

A groundbreaking analysis of the Acheulean subunits TD10.3 and TD10.4 at Gran Dolina, Atapuerca, reveals evidence of complex hominin occupations dating to approximately 400,000 years ago. The study, combining zooarchaeological, technological, use-wear, and spatial analyses, identifies a pattern of short, sporadic occupations characterized by the presence of large-shaped tools, hammerstones, manuports, and possible thrusting stone spear tips—a first in the Pleistocene record at Atapuerca. Unlike other subunits, TD10.3 shows exceptional faunal preservation with minimal anthropogenic modifications, while both units exhibit well-developed Acheulean technology. The research suggests that these subunits formed during a period of cave reopening, supported by evidence of fallen blocks and low sediment disturbance. The findings are compared with other western European sites, including the nearby Galería, highlighting similarities in occupational models.

Mosquera, M., Ollé, A., Saladié, P., Arroyo, A., Asryan, L., Bargalló, A., de Lombera-Hermida, A., Fernández-Marchena, J. L., García-Medrano, P., Lombao, D., Rodríguez-Hidalgo, A., Soto, M., Vallverdú, J., Arteaga-Brieba, A., Villalobos, J., Yeşilova, G.-C., & Carbonell, E. (2024). Intriguing Occupations at Gran Dolina (Atapuerca, Spain): the Acheulean Subunits TD10.3 and TD10.4. Journal of Paleolithic Archaeology, 7(1). https://doi.org/10.1007/s41982-024-00171-5