The megalithic necropolis of Panoria, Granada, Spain: Geoarchaeological characterization and provenance studies

Abstract

The characterization of materials used in the construction of megalithic monuments can be considered a key aspect for a better understanding of the social behavior of past societies. The excavation of four dolmens and one small cist in 2015 at the megalithic necropolis of Panoria (Granada, Spain) offered an excellent opportunity to explore the geological properties and potential source area(s) of the uprights used in their construction. All the stone slabs came from the same raw material: fine‐grained, beige to pink limestones that occasionally show red and black chert nodules, with wavy stratifications and a packstone texture. Comparison with the geological properties of the surrounding outcrops matches a lithostratigraphy known as the Ammonitico Rosso Formation. Thus, it seems safe to say that the quarry area was located next to the necropolis. Explanations other than the traditional practical reasons have been put forward to understand why the stone slabs were quarried from the same mountain in which the tombs were located.

Moving megaliths in the Neolithic - a multi analytical case study of dolmens in Freixo-Redondo (Alentejo, Portugal)

“…The order of magnitude of the values obtained for this study (less than 4 km) are in agreement and within the radius usually attributed to these megalithic buildings of about 5 km Jiménez et al, 2017;Vicens et al, 2010). Moreover, contrary to Jiménez et al (2017), the data obtained do not suggest the existence of a single quarry that would provide the generality of the blocks but rather the use of several outcrops dispersed throughout the area.…”

Chronology of Megalithic Funerary Practices in Southeastern Iberia: The Necropolis of Panoria (Granada, Spain)

“…This paper is specifically aimed at discussing the 14 C dates obtained for the necropolis of Panoria (Darro, Granada) (Benavides et al 2016; Aranda Jiménez et al 2017b). In the following pages, a new chronological series will be analyzed in a Bayesian framework and the social and cultural implications of these results will be discussed in the context of the megalithic societies of the region.…”

A Radiocarbon Dating Approach to the Deposition and Removal of Human Bone Remains in Megalithic Monuments

“…Although most of the bones were scattered, in several cases complete individuals or specific anatomical parts appeared in an articulated or semi-articulated position, which means the tomb was a place for primary depositions later disturbed by different factors. Despite the scattered and fragmented nature of the bone remains, primary depositions reach 10.5% of the entire bone assemblage (Díaz-Zorita Aranda Jiménez et al 2018a, 2018b.…”

“…The recent excavation of the megalithic cemetery of Panoría offers an excellent opportunity to avoid several of these restrictions because an undisturbed megalithic burial was found (Benavides López et al 2016;Aranda Jiménez et al 2018a, 2018b. The anthropological deposit of Tomb 10 showed a remarkable state of preservation without major post-ritual disturbances.…”