Publications
Genetic and historical perspectives on the early medieval inhumations from the Menga dolmen, Antequera (Spain)
A groundbreaking genetic analysis of ancient DNA from the Menga dolmen, part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site at Antequera, Spain, reveals that this Neolithic monument, built around 4000 BCE, was reused as a burial site during the early medieval period (8th–11th centuries CE). The study identified distinct North African and Levantine ancestry contributions in one individual, Menga1, alongside typical European uniparental lineages. This finding highlights complex migration patterns in medieval Iberia and underscores the cultural significance of prehistoric monuments in later historical contexts. The research employed SNP-enrichment techniques to extract highly degraded DNA, offering new insights into the genetic diversity and historical reuse of this iconic site.
The Menhir as an Oral Tradition in Cattle-Raising Territories: First Geological Provenance Analyses at the Antequera Heritage Site, Spain
Geological provenance analysis reveals that menhirs at the Antequera Dolmens Site, Spain, were strategically sourced from specific outcrops, suggesting their role as navigational markers and cultural references in cattle-raising territories. The study combines archaeological field surveys, oral tradition testimonies, GIS mapping, geophysical prospection, photogrammetry, and RTI techniques to identify engravings and paintings on landmarks. This interdisciplinary approach provides the first detailed geological data for menhirs in the region, offering new insights into their historical significance and functionality beyond mere monumentality.
A very personal semblance of archaeoastronomy pioneer Professor Michael Hoskin, colleague, mentor and friend
This homage celebrates the pioneering contributions of Professor Michael Hoskin, a leading figure in archaeoastronomy and cultural astronomy. Hoskin's extensive research on megalithic monuments across the Mediterranean basin, including the dolmens of Antequera (Spain) and Talayotic Menorca, established their significance as World Heritage Sites. His work spanned over 2000 monuments, demonstrating the scientific value of archaeoastronomy in cultural heritage preservation. As editor of The Journal for the History of Astronomy for 45 years, Hoskin championed interdisciplinary collaboration, advocating for archaeoastronomy's role as a vital archaeometry tool. His legacy includes foundational texts like Tombs, temples and their orientations, which redefined our understanding of megalithic orientations and their cultural importance.
Muerte compartida. Arquitecturas megalíticas en Europa
European megalithic structures, long understood as repositories for collective burials since the Neolithic period, exhibit far more complex social and symbolic connections than previously assumed. Radiocarbon dating (C14) and archaeological analysis reveal that these sites were integrated into broader prehistoric networks, surpassing basic maritime diffusion models. The study highlights intricate relationships between architectural evolution, funerary practices, and symbolic manifestations across Europe, challenging earlier interpretations of isolation or limited interaction among megalithic communities.
The provenance of the stones in the Menga dolmen reveals one of the greatest engineering feats of the Neolithic
A groundbreaking study reveals that the massive stones used to construct the Menga dolmen, Europe's most colossal Neolithic monument (c. 3800-3600 BC), were quarried from a rocky outcrop approximately 1 km away. The research, employing high-resolution geological mapping and petrographic analyses, identifies these stones as calcarenites—poorly cemented sedimentary rocks akin to 'soft stones' in modern engineering. This finding underscores the advanced technological prowess of Neolithic societies, demonstrating their ability to transport and manipulate stones weighing up to 150 tons using innovative wood and stone techniques. The study not only sheds light on the construction methods of this UNESCO-listed monument but also contributes to its preservation by providing precise geological insights.
A multimethod approach to the genesis of Menga, a World Heritage megalith
A groundbreaking multimethod approach has successfully established the construction date of Menga, one of Europe's most remarkable megaliths and part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site Antequera Dolmens. This study overcame longstanding challenges in determining the temporality of Neolithic monuments that were not primarily used for burial and experienced prolonged use, which often obscures early material records. By analyzing 29 fresh numerical ages—including radiocarbon dating, optically stimulated luminescence, thermoluminescence, and uranium-thorium dating—the research team pinpointed Menga's genesis and contextualized it within its social and cultural milieu. This breakthrough offers new interpretations of the dolmen's role in local and supralocal processes, providing critical insights into early social complexity during the Neolithic period.
The Antequera megalithic site in the work of Georg and Vera Leisner: a review
A groundbreaking study by Georg and Vera Leisner, published in 1943, remains pivotal in understanding the Antequera Dolmens Site. Despite its limited accessibility due to being written in German, their work provided the most comprehensive analysis of the site during the mid-20th century. Recent research reaffirms the relevance of their findings, addressing enduring questions about these megalithic monuments. The study also includes full English and Spanish translations of the Leisners' text on Antequera, ensuring broader accessibility for future scholars.
Der Name des bedeutendsten steinzeitlichen Baudenkmals der Iberischen Halbinsel
A mythical female figure lies at the heart of the name 'Menga,' attributed to the most significant megalithic monument on the Iberian Peninsula, the Cueva de Menga in Antequera (Malaga). This study reveals that the name stems from an anthroponym linked to popular traditions, where medieval Castilian settlers credited this enigmatic figure with constructing dolmens. By analyzing similar place names and archaeological documentation, researchers uncovered a widespread onomastic mechanism rooted in folklore across Iberia and parts of Europe, shedding light on how myth and history intertwine in the naming of prehistoric sites.
Lienzos del Salón de Abd al-Rahman III Madinat al-Zahra (Córdoba) y Dolmen de Menga en Antequera (Málaga), experiencias sobre digitalización 3D y divulgación de la documentación gráfica obtenida.
This study demonstrates the significant advantages of combining 3D digitalization with traditional graphic documentation techniques for archaeological research. The research highlights how photorealistic models derived from these methods can provide reliable, detailed representations of historical sites, facilitating both scientific analysis and public dissemination. Two case studies are presented: the wall faces of Abd al-Rahman III's Madinat al-Zahra in Córdoba and the Dolmen of Menga in Antequera, Spain. The approach involves advanced 3D digitalization techniques that enhance the documentation process, offering new possibilities for preserving and studying these UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The findings underscore the potential of these methods to support future interventions and deepen our understanding of archaeological heritage.
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