The Sala del Llac: a Protohistoric shrine in the Font Major Cave (L'Espluga de Francolí, Conca de Barberà, Tarragona)

Identifier:  imarina:9462801

Handle: https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11797/imarina9462801

Authors:  Martinez, Ernest Capella; Serret, Ivan Cots; Fons, Jordi Diloli; Painous, Marc Prades; Seuma, Samuel Sarda; Bosch, Josep Maria Verges

Abstract:
In this article, we present the results obtained from the archaeological interventions carried outby the research group GRESEPIA-URV, in collaboration with IPHES-CERCA, between 2019 and 2021 in the Sala del Llac of Cova de la Font Major (Espluga del Francoli). The Sala del Llac, which had already been the subject of various archaeological campaigns led by Salvador Vilaseca between 1959 and 1964, yielded multiple pottery vessels, metal artifacts, and bone remains. These findings were assigned a broad chronology and an unclear function, combining ritual activities with aburial site. Our recent investigation in the Sala del Llac aimed to update the data regarding the chronological sequence of stratigraphy, as well as to refine the interpretation of the cavity's function. In this regard, we placed special emphasis on the study of the excavated materials, providing a new hypothesis regarding the use of this space during Protohistoric times.