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The goal of this paper is to establish a solid chronology which spans the earliest human presence in each of the three larger Balearic Islands. For this purpose, a review is undertaken of archaeological evidence and associated absolute dating related to the period before the 2nd millennium Cal BC. Additionally, palaeoecological, sedimentological and palaeocultural evidence for human absence on these islands during the middle Holocene is introduced. The most recent values for ranges of the earliest reliable radiocarbon dates relating to human occupation of the three islands indicate, with p > 95%, human presence on Mallorca before 2030 cal BC, on Menorca before ca. 1930 Cal BC, and on Eivissa before 1880 Cal BC. On the other hand, the evidence for human absence indicates that, on Mallorca and Menorca the human irruption must have occurred during the 3rd millennium cal BC, whereas on Eivissa it can only be said that this irruption was later than 6th millennium Cal BC.

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The purpose of this work is the application of non‐destructive analysis to differentiate underglaze and overglaze techniques used in the decoration of glazed ceramics from Valencia (Spain). This study was carried out by portable EDXRF spectrometry using an X‐ray tube and a thermoelectrically cooled semiconductor detector. From the EDXRF spectra we have identified the main elements present in the tin‐opacified lead glaze and in the cobalt pigments. The identification of the underglaze and overglaze decoration is based on the different ratios between the fluorescence line of the main component of the glaze (Pb‐Lα line) and the fluorescence lines of the main components of the pigment (Co‐Kα, Mn‐Kα, Ni‐Kα, … lines) when the incident angle of the X‐ray beam varies. If the position of the detector is fixed, these ratios (Pb/Co, Pb/Mn, Pb/Ni, …) increase with the angle for underglaze decoration, and decrease for overglaze decoration. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

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This contribution of the absolute chronology for the Beaker culture presents the results of archaeological research that took place at Coval Simó (Mallorca) between 1998 and 2008. Coval Simó is a rockshelter situated at the summit of one of the mountains that forms part of the northern mountain range of the Serra de Tramuntana. The site provided an exceptional undisturbed context, shielding a small space of only 25 m2. Thin sedimentary layers were deposited in a short timespan and later were sealed off by large blocks due to a rockslide falling from the top of the rockshelter. This site has offered significant information related to the occupation of a human group linked to the Bell Beaker culture, and users of other distinctive undecorated pottery vessels. Direct evidence of early island metallurgy was also obtained: smelting slags from local copper minerals. Regarding the methodology used for analysis, short-lived samples were chosen for radiocarbon dating, consisting of bone fragments identified and classified taxonomically. The samples were submitted alternately to two different14C laboratories and the obtained results point to a clear horizon for the early human occupation of the site, ranging between about 2300 and 1900 cal BC.

This contribution of the absolute chronology for the Beaker culture presents the results of archaeological research that took place at Coval Simó (Mallorca) between 1998 and 2008. Coval Simó is a rockshelter situated at the summit of one of the mountains that forms part of the northern mountain range of the Serra de Tramuntana. The site provided an exceptional undisturbed context, shielding a small space of only 25 m 2 . Thin sedimentary layers were deposited in a short timespan and later were sealed off by large blocks due to a rockslide falling from the top of the rockshelter. This site has offered significant information related to the occupation of a human group linked to the Bell Beaker culture, and users of other distinctive undecorated pottery vessels. Direct evidence of early island metallurgy was also obtained: smelting slags from local copper minerals. Regarding the methodology used for analysis, short-lived samples were chosen for radiocarbon dating, consisting of bone fragments identified and classified taxonomically. The samples were submitted alternately to two different 14 C laboratories and the obtained results point to a clear horizon for the early human occupation of the site, ranging between about 2300 and 1900 cal BC.