Long term dynamics in a mediterranean mountainous landscape. Exploring land use and social strategies in Varica Virtudes (2nd-1st millennia BCE, Southeastern Iberia)

Abstract Research on Mediterranean mountain landscapes continues to be challenged by limited empirical knowledge and the persistence of traditional assumptions, such as their alleged isolation, statism and marginality. We present the results of a multiproxy and multiscale study in the Varica Virtudes mountain (Taibilla River Basin, southwestern Iberian Peninsula), integrating landscape studies and archaeological excavation, microstratigraphic techniques, phytoliths, pollen and anthracology. The results identify a long-term human occupation, from the end of the third to the mid-first millennia BCE. This surpasses the usual detection of short occupation sequences in mountain landscapes and includes chronological periods with less visibility. The results also show changes in the use of this space. During the Bronze Age we identified pastoral activities, including animal grazing and foraging. However, the Iron Age occupation is defined by a cyclical domestic occupation, with phases of use, destruction (including conflagration events) and abandonment. This points to long-term and dynamic use of Varica Virtudes landscape, with complex patterns of human-environment interactions that shaped the settlement patterns and spatial organization of these mountain communities.