Patrones de distribución espacial en las necrópolis megalíticas de Majadillas y Hoyas del Conquín (Granada, España). Resultados preliminares

Abstract

En el presente trabajo se estudia a través de diversos análisis SIG y estadísticos la organización de las necrópolis megalíticas del río Gor, tomando como muestra dos conjuntos especialmente destacables dentro de las mismas: Majadillas y Hoyas del Conquín. A partir de los análisis llevados a cabo podemos observar que existe una planificación en la ubicación de los monumentos, así como ciertas variables que parecen indicar unos patrones de uso cambiantes a lo largo de la horquilla temporal en la que funcionaron los megalitos del río Gor como depósitos funerarios (finales del Neolítico – Edad del Bronce). Entre los resultados cabe destacar la preocupación por dominar visualmente todo el valle a partir de la adición de marcadores sagrados (los dólmenes) que, aun con una visibilidad generalmente reducida desde cada uno de ellos, configuran en su conjunto un sistema totalmente articulado de control visual ritualizado.

A model of spatial location: New data for the Gor River megalithic landscape (Spain) from LiDAR technology and field survey

“…Results from recent research in nearby Panoria necropolis (Darro, Granada) (Aranda et al, 2018, 2022) are a good example of a continuous project. The importance of these new discoveries is emphasized considering that the megalithic cluster in the Gor River valley is one of the biggest dolmenic groups in Europe, with important implications for understanding socioeconomic dynamics and changes that took place from the 4th millennium BC. The results indicate even more control of the territory than previously proposed (Cabrero et al, 2020), and may have other implications. On the one hand, the multiplication of cohesion and identity symbols, regarding the cult of ancestors, can be related to definition of the borderlands, especially as megaliths are unknown in eastern Granada.…”

“…The following are summary points from this work: LiDAR analysis suggests the existence of a larger network of burial mounds in the Gor River valley than previously recorded, suggesting that the proposed systems of territorial control from burial mounds and their function as territorial markers is more complex than previously thought (Cabrero et al, 2020; Spanedda et al, 2014). Similar spatial patterns were found for known dolmen and 230 new possible burial mounds. If the data confirmed by surface survey is taken into account, a minimum number of 83 new burial mounds is estimated (nine of them confirmed by surface survey in the sample areas). If we consider that the current catalogue includes 151 well‐preserved dolmens, the results would imply at least an increase of 55%.…”

“…1. LiDAR analysis suggests the existence of a larger network of burial mounds in the Gor River valley than previously recorded, suggesting that the proposed systems of territorial control from burial mounds and their function as territorial markers is more complex than previously thought (Cabrero et al, 2020;Spanedda et al, 2014). Similar spatial patterns were found for known dolmen and 230 new possible burial mounds.…”

“…Results of past research projects allow selection of areas to be visited (Manarqueoteca, 2001), definition of burial mound roles as displacement route markers from the ravines to the surrounding plateau (Afonso et al, 2006;Spanedda et al, 2014), discovery of a general intervisibility system throughout the valley (Cabrero et al, 2020) and documentation of reuse processes, mainly during the Final Bronze Age and Early Iron Age (around 1300-750 cal BC) (Lorrio, 2008).…”

“…Results of past research projects allow selection of areas to be visited (Manarqueoteca, 2001), definition of burial mound roles as displacement route markers from the ravines to the surrounding plateau (Afonso et al, 2006; Spanedda et al, 2014), discovery of a general intervisibility system throughout the valley (Cabrero et al, 2020) and documentation of reuse processes, mainly during the Final Bronze Age and Early Iron Age (around 1300–750 cal BC) (Lorrio, 2008). Although no radiocarbon dates are available, dates of nearby necropolises (Aranda et al, 2018, 2022) and materials recovered in tombs suggest a process of construction and initial use between the Late Neolithic and the Late Chalcolithic (around 3500–2200 cal BC).…”