Repositori URV

Identifier: TDX:402

Handle: https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11797/TDX402

Authors:
Euba Rementeria, Itxaso

Abstract:
In this paper we present the results of the charcoal analyses obtained during the first stage of the project called Ocupació del sòl i formes del paisatge de muntanya als Pirineus orientals de l'Antiguitat a l'època medieval, directed by J.M. Palet (ICAC) and S. Riera (SERP-UB). The studied areas are two: southern slope of the Cadi mountain range, specifically Vansa valley (Vansa-Fórnols and Josa-Tuixén, Alt Urgell) located in the Cadi Natural Park, and Madriu valley, located in Escaldes (Andorra).Antracological studies have a fundamental role in the constitution of this project, since the charcoal residues are present and particularly abundant in all the structures. The objective of this work is to understand and learn the dynamics and relationship of the population that occupied these valleys with the high mountain and, in particular, with its forests. The recorded structures were charcoal kilns, furnaces and cattle constructions. We analysed levels from an ample chronological range; starting from Neolithic Antique and going all the way to Modern Age. From Neolithic Antique to Modern Age, cattle populations that rose to these altitudes searching for summer meadows collected wood from their immediate surroundings. The main purpose of these shepherds was to obtain good meadows to feed their cattle. The wood was solely used as building material for houses and other structures. During Roman times, mainly in Cadi, the metallurgical activity (at least one part of it, as it is the first transformation of the iron) gains importance. Although we still have not proved the existence of charcoal kilns during this period, we suppose that the fuel of choice for this purpose was coal. Nevertheless, the majority of data obtained regarding the use of wood belongs to the charcoal kilns