Publications
Landscape evolution and chronostratigraphic correlations of the cave entrance depositional environments and palaeosols of the Gran Dolina unit TD10 (Sierra de Atapuerca, Spain)
A detailed analysis of the Gran Dolina Unit TD10 at the Atapuerca archaeological site reveals the complex evolution of cave entrance deposits, transitioning from talus scree to stratified slope deposits. The study identifies three distinct lithostratigraphic units (TD10a, TD10b, TD10c) and correlates them with marine isotopic stages using Bayesian chronostratigraphic modeling, providing insights into Middle Pleistocene palaeoenvironmental conditions. Field observations and microscopic analysis of sedimentary microfacies, combined with palaeoecological reconstructions, shed light on the formation processes of prehistoric soils and archaeological records. The research highlights chronological uncertainties between Bayesian dates and buried palaeosols, offering a refined understanding of the site's depositional history.
Southernmost Eurasian Record of Reindeer (Rangifer) in MIS 8 at Galería (Atapuerca, Spain): Evidence of Progressive Southern Expansion of Glacial Fauna Across Climatic Cycles
A reindeer (Rangifer) tooth from the Atapuerca site, Spain, provides the southernmost Eurasian record of glacial fauna during Marine Isotope Stage 8 (~300–243 ka), predating previous evidence by ~100,000 years. This discovery challenges assumptions about the timing and intensity of glacial conditions in the Iberian Peninsula, suggesting that cold-adapted ecosystems expanded earlier and more extensively than previously believed. The fossil's morphological analysis, alongside archaeological context—including human fossils and lithic artifacts from Units GII and GIII—reveals that early humans coexisted with these species during colder climates. This study advances understanding of biogeographical patterns in Pleistocene glacial fauna and human adaptability across climatic cycles.
Dogs from the past: Exploring morphology in mandibles from Iberian archaeological sites using 3D geometric morphometrics
Research reveals continuity in size and morphology of dogs from Chalcolithic and Bronze Age sites in Iberia, particularly in the M1 region, while fragmentary mandibles show slight differences behind it. The study used 3D geometric morphometrics to analyze nine dog hemimandibles, comparing them with modern Iberian wolves, dogs, and red foxes. It found that these ancient dogs retained diagnostic wolf traits in the carnassial zone, suggesting limited morphological change over time in inland regions, contrasting with coastal sites influenced by higher commercial activity.
Future climate risks to world cultural heritage sites in Spain: A systematic analysis based on shared socioeconomic pathways
Spain's UNESCO World Heritage Sites (WCHS) face significantly heightened climate risks by 2100, particularly under the high-emission SSP5-8.5 scenario, with three sites at risk of submergence due to sea level rise and extreme warming exceeding global averages. The study, using CMIP6 climate models, identifies critical threats including fire hazards (affecting eight WCHS, notably Atapuerca and Medina Azahara), hydrodynamic scouring, corrosion, biodegradation, and drought. While risks remain stable under the SSP1-2.6 scenario, they escalate dramatically under SSP5-8.5, emphasizing the need for carbon neutrality to mitigate impacts. The research combines historical fire risk data with future climate projections to prioritize protection measures for vulnerable sites.
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.
Palaeoclimatic analysis of Quaternary terrestrial small mammal assemblages from the Sierra de Atapuerca (Burgos, Spain)
A temperate climate, with variations between Mediterranean and boreal influences, has dominated the Sierra de Atapuerca for nearly one million years. This finding emerges from a palaeoclimatic analysis of small mammal assemblages across six archaeological sites spanning the Early Pleistocene to Late Holocene. Researchers applied the Bioclimatic Model (BM) to reconstruct qualitative and quantitative climatic conditions, revealing warmer-than-current conditions at the base of Sima del Elefante's sequence and thermal increases linked to glacial pulses in the Upper Pleistocene. The study also identified shifts in altitudinal belt boundaries, reflecting regional-scale climate changes. This diachronic analysis provides an updated synthesis of long-term climatic reconstruction over more than a million years.
An archaeostratigraphic consideration of the Gran Dolina TD10.2 cultural sequence from a quantitative approach
A groundbreaking study on the Gran Dolina TD10.2 site at Atapuerca reveals that advanced quantitative techniques, including supervised machine learning and lithic refits, can significantly enhance the temporal resolution of archaeological deposits. This approach has identified three distinct levels within the sub-unit, providing unprecedented clarity in delineating level boundaries in dense bison bone beds. The research suggests a minimum of two seasonal communal hunting events by hominins, reinforcing previous interpretations while offering new insights into their subsistence and behavioral strategies. This methodology not only automates and accelerates archaeostratigraphic analysis but also supports more robust qualitative data verification.
Low‐cost technologies in a rich ecological context: Hotel California open‐air site at Sierra de Atapuerca, Burgos, Spain
Neanderthals in the Sierra de Atapuerca, Spain, employed expedient lithic technologies consistently over tens of thousands of years (Marine Isotope Stages 5 to 3), contrasting with technological variability observed at other nearby sites. This pattern, characterized by local raw material use and non-hierarchical exploitation systems, suggests a stable adaptation to the region's rich ecological context. The study re-evaluates the chronology of nearby Fuente Mudarra, now exclusively dated to MIS 5, and compares it with Hotel California's lithic assemblages (levels 3–7) to assess regional technological trends. Findings indicate that open-air Neanderthal sites in this region maintained low-cost, expedient technologies despite broader shifts in other areas.
The Neandertal nature of the Atapuerca Sima de los Huesos mandibles
Newly recovered mandibular fossils from the Atapuerca Sima de los Huesos (SH) site reveal a strong Neandertal affinity, with the expanded sample exhibiting nearly all derived Neandertal features. Comparative analysis shows that while the SH hominins share key morphological traits with Neandertals—such as midfacial prognathism and specific ramus configurations—they differ in aspects like the mandibular foramen placement and gonial margin shape. The study suggests that multiple evolutionary lineages coexisted during the European middle Pleistocene, with the SH fossils representing an early divergence of the Neandertal clade. Unlike the Mauer mandible (type specimen of Homo heidelbergensis), which lacks these derived features, the SH sample demonstrates a distinct phylogenetic pattern. This research provides critical evidence for a cladogenetic model of Neandertal evolution, reconciling competing theories on the emergence of Neandertal morphology.
The shrews (Soricidae, Mammalia) of the Early and Middle Pleistocene of Gran Dolina (Atapuerca, Spain): reassessing their paleontological record in the Iberian Peninsula
A comprehensive reassessment of shrew fossils from Gran Dolina, Atapuerca, reveals nine distinct taxa, including the first record of Neomys cf. newtoni in the Iberian Peninsula and the youngest global occurrence of Asoriculus gibberodon. This study significantly expands the known paleontological record of Soricidae in the region, challenging previous assumptions about their distribution and survival during the Early-Middle Pleistocene. The research analyzed 200 fragmentary mandibles, providing insights into the evolutionary history and environmental adaptability of these small mammals. Notably, some taxa exhibit unique characteristics compared to their European counterparts, suggesting relict populations persisted in Iberia long after disappearing elsewhere.
Extended-range luminescence chronologies for the Middle Pleistocene units at the Sima del Elefante archaeological site (Sierra de Atapuerca, Burgos, Spain)
New luminescence dating reveals that the Sima del Elefante archaeological site in Spain's Sierra de Atapuerca was occupied between 576,000 and 237,000 years ago, with a significant cave entrance likely closing around 200,000 years ago. The study used single-grain TT-OSL and multi-grain pIR-IR chronologies to date the upper Middle Pleistocene units (TE18 and TE19), which contain Acheulean and transitional lithic assemblages, as well as fossil remains of large and small mammals. U-series dating of a stalagmitic crust further confirmed these findings. The research provides crucial insights into Lower Paleolithic technological dynamics and past human occupation patterns in the Atapuerca karst system.
Laser based intervention in archaeological materials and museum artifacts
A groundbreaking study demonstrates the potential of laser-based interventions to preserve and analyze archaeological materials, including human fossils from the UNESCO-listed Atapuerca site. The research, part of the ED-ARCHMAT project funded by the European Union's Marie Skłodowska-Curie program, employs advanced laser techniques to examine fragile artifacts without causing damage. This method offers a non-invasive alternative to traditional conservation approaches, enabling detailed studies on materials that are often too delicate for conventional analysis. The study highlights the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration, involving institutions such as the University of Burgos and the Museo de la Evolución Humana in Spain, to advance the preservation and understanding of cultural heritage.
Los arvicólidos (Rodentia, Mammalia) de los niveles inferiores de Gran Dolina (Pleistoceno inferior, Atapuerca, Burgos, España).
A study of the Arvicolidae (Rodentia, Mammalia) from the lower levels of Gran Dolina (TD3, TD4, and TD4B) at Atapuerca, Spain, reveals a diverse rodent assemblage characteristic of the late Bihariense (Cromeriense in broad sense), indicating a relatively warm and humid climate during an interglacial period. The research identified six taxa: Iberomys sp., Stenocranius gregaloides, Terrícola arvalidens, Allophaiomys chalinei, Mimomys savini, and Pliomys episcopalis. These findings provide insights into the environmental conditions of the Pleistocene Inferior in Europe, contributing to our understanding of the region's paleoecology during this critical period.
Perceptions of public communication on archaeology and heritage. The case of the scientists of Atapuerca (Spain)
Researchers at the UNESCO-listed Archaeological Site of Atapuerca (Spain) perceive public communication as a significant responsibility, shaping their engagement with heritage and scientific culture. This qualitative study, employing ethnographic methods, collected testimonies from scientists to assess the impact of dissemination efforts on archaeological research and societal awareness. Findings reveal that communication strategies are deeply intertwined with the site's scientific and management projects, highlighting stakeholders' commitment to public outreach. The study underscores the intrinsic link between academic rigor and heritage education, offering insights into how scientific institutions navigate the dual demands of research excellence and societal engagement.
Rodent gnawing over fresh, dry and thermo altered bones: an experimental study with archaeological implications at El Mirador Cave (Atapuerca, Spain)
A groundbreaking discovery reveals that rodents modify bones regardless of their state—whether fresh, boiled, carbonized, calcined, or dry. The study highlights that the most intense gnawing occurs on fatty bones, with pedestalling—a characteristic modification—observed exclusively in fresh and boiled samples. This finding challenges previous assumptions about rodent behavior and its impact on bone preservation. Researchers conducted an experimental study using Mus musculus to analyze modifications left by rodents on different bone states, providing new insights into archaeological taphonomy. The discovery of pedestalling in the human remains from El Mirador Cave (Atapuerca, Spain) suggests that fatty bones exposed on site surfaces may have influenced this modification.
Science Communication During the COVID-19 Pandemic Crisis: Archaeology and Archaeological Heritage in Atapuerca, Spain
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Atapuerca successfully maintained its public visibility through innovative science communication strategies. By leveraging technology and framing narratives around human evolution in relation to the pandemic, researchers minimized the impact of confinement on cultural heritage engagement. A qualitative study involving 116 interviews with scientists, communication professionals, and journalists revealed how Atapuerca adapted to the crisis by fostering interconnections between science and society. The findings highlight the multidimensional nature of contemporary scientific knowledge production, demonstrating its relevance across diverse social agents and levels.
The Technological Behaviours of Homo antecessor: Core Management and Reduction Intensity at Gran Dolina-TD6.2 (Atapuerca, Spain)
Research at the Gran Dolina-TD6.2 site (Atapuerca, Spain) reveals that Homo antecessor exhibited adaptive and situational knapping behaviors, demonstrating a nuanced understanding of raw material qualities and planning in Early Pleistocene Europe. Unlike previous assumptions, toolmakers did not follow rigid mental schemes but adapted continuously to material constraints and knapping conditions. The study, the first reduction approach for European Early Pleistocene assemblages, used the Volumetric Reconstruction Method (VRM) to quantify core reduction intensity and analyze patterns through Weibull probability distribution functions. Findings indicate differential raw material management based on lithological characteristics, suggesting a high degree of technical adaptability in Homo antecessor's technological behavior.
Functional analysis of Middle Palaeolithic flint tools through experimental use wear analysis: the case of Prado Vargas (Cornejo) and Fuente Mudarra (Atapuerca), northern Spain
A study reveals distinct functional differences in Middle Palaeolithic flint tools, linked to the unique characteristics of their respective settlements. Researchers analyzed use-wear traces on Neogene and Cretaceous flints from the Fuente Mudarra open-air site and Prado Vargas cave, respectively, in northern Spain. By comparing experimental data with archaeological findings, they assessed the reliability of traceological analysis for these sites. The experiment highlighted how material properties influence tool functionality, providing new insights into the adaptability and resource use of early human populations.
Magnetic properties of cave sediments at Gran Dolina site in Sierra de Atapuerca (Burgos, Spain)
Research at the UNESCO-listed Archaeological Site of Atapuerca reveals distinct magnetic properties in cave sediments that provide insights into Pleistocene paleoenvironmental conditions. Analyzing samples from Gran Dolina Cave, scientists found that cave-entrance sediments exhibit high concentrations of magnetic minerals, while interior sediments show greater variability. These differences, influenced by weathering and environmental factors, serve as proxies for reconstructing the conditions during early hominin migration into Europe. The study highlights the potential of rock magnetic analysis to deepen our understanding of past climates and landscapes at this significant archaeological site.
Sub-ns-pulsed laser cleaning of an archaeological bone from the Sierra de Atapuerca, Spain: a case study
Researchers have identified optimal parameters for sub-nanosecond pulsed laser cleaning of Pleistocene bones from the Sierra de Atapuerca, Spain, using near-infrared (1064 nm) burst pulse mode. This method efficiently removes contaminants and degradation products while minimizing damage to the underlying bone surface. The study employed Optical Microscopy (OM), Scanning Electron Microscopy–with Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectrometry (SEM–EDS), and X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) to characterize the bone's surface morphology and composition before and after laser treatment. By determining threshold cleaning and substrate damage values, the research paves the way for safer laser cleaning procedures, crucial for the conservation of fragile archaeological artifacts.
Archaeological chert artifacts from Atapuerca sites (Burgos, Spain): Characterization, causes of decay and selection of compatible consolidating products
Chert artifacts from the Atapuerca archaeological sites, particularly those containing moganite alongside quartz, exhibit significant weathering and decay, unlike their quartz-only counterparts. This study identifies the need for consolidation treatments specifically tailored to moganite-bearing cherts due to their powdery nature and greater susceptibility to deterioration. The research evaluates both traditional consolidants (acrylic resin and ethyl silicate) and novel nanoparticle-based products (SiO2 and a mixture of SiO2 and Ca(OH)2 nanoparticles) using non-destructive techniques such as peeling tests, spectrophotometry, and optical surface roughness analysis, followed by destructive methods like SEM and XRD. The findings aim to guide conservators in selecting the most compatible treatments to preserve these delicate artifacts while maintaining their physical and aesthetic properties.
Atapuerca Neanderthal landscape at Fuente Mudarra site in Burgos, Spain, during Marine Isotope Stages 5–3
Neanderthal groups, often underrepresented at cave sites, occupied the Sierra de Atapuerca region from the end of the middle Pleistocene through the upper Pleistocene. This is evidenced by findings from Fuente Mudarra, an open-air site near Burgos, Spain, where a 12-m² test pit excavated between 2012 and 2017 revealed multiple upper Pleistocene archaeological levels. The study suggests that Neanderthals used caves sporadically rather than as habitual dwellings, offering new insights into their spatial organization in the Atapuerca area.
Gameplay as Learning: The Use of Game Design to Explain Human Evolution
A groundbreaking approach to communicating human evolution through video games, exemplified by the project 'Ancestors: Stories of Atapuerca,' demonstrates that engaging gameplay can effectively convey complex scientific knowledge. The study highlights how game design principles—balancing scientific accuracy with entertainment—can create immersive learning experiences without sacrificing educational value. By focusing on player interaction and storytelling, this method addresses challenges in archaeological outreach, such as maintaining scientific integrity while ensuring the game remains captivating. This project serves as a model for future educational games, offering insights into how to merge learning objectives with engaging dynamics, even when competing with high-budget entertainment projects.
Pleistocene geodynamic evolution of the Arlanzón valley: implications for the formation of the endokarst system and the open air archaeological sites of the Sierra de Atapuerca (Burgos, España)
A new analysis of the Arlanzón valley's Pleistocene geodynamic evolution reveals that tectonic uplift accelerated incision rates, shaping the valley's fluvial terraces and influencing the formation of sub-horizontal cave levels in the Sierra de Atapuerca. This study links three key cave levels (T2, T3, and T4/T5) to specific terrace elevations, suggesting rapid phreatic passage development compared to slower vadose entrenchments. The research also highlights how the exhumation of a Neogene limestone layer provided Neanderthals with accessible flint sources during MIS 3 and 4. By integrating LiDAR-derived terrace heights and chronological data, the study reconstructs downcutting phases, offering insights into the valley's complex geological history and its archaeological significance.
New Luminescence Ages for the Galería Complex Archaeological Site: Resolving Chronological Uncertainties on the Acheulean Record of the Sierra de Atapuerca, Northern Spain
New luminescence dating techniques applied to the Galería Complex at Atapuerca reveal that the site's archaeological deposits are significantly younger (up to 50%) than previously estimated using polymineral thermoluminescence (TL) chronologies. The study employed post-infrared infrared stimulated luminescence (pIR-IR) and thermally transferred optically stimulated luminescence (TT-OSL) dating, which provided more precise ages for the Middle Pleistocene deposits. Key findings include an age of up to 370 thousand years (ka) for the basal sterile sands and a depositional period during Marine Isotope Stage (MIS) 9 (~313±14 ka) for the lowermost sub-unit containing Mode II Acheulean lithics. Overlying units, rich in archaeopalaeontological remains, were deposited during late MIS 8 or early MIS 7 (~240 ka). These results suggest that pIR-IR and single-grain TT-OSL dating are effective for resolving Middle Pleistocene chronologies at Atapuerca, offering a refined timeline for the site's Acheulean record.
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