Research (2005-2007)

This site was excavated between 2005 and 2007 and contains a long stratigraphic sequence extending from the late Lower to the early Middle Pleistocene. Evidence of human occupation comes in the shape of lithic tools and fauna with cut marks, which have been identified in levels with reversed polarity from the Early Pleistocene (units EVT7/4) and levels with normal polarity from the start of the Middle Pleistocene (units EVT3/2). The most important archaeological levels are 10 and 10c (EVT7), whose more than 780 m2 have already been the subject of anarea excavation in.

The work resulted in the documentation of an abundant Mode 1 lithic assemblage associated with numerous anthropized faunal remains, which were dated by palaeomagnetism and biostratigraphy of macro and micro-mammalian fauna to the upper limit of the Jaramillo (c. 0.98 Ma) and by ESR/U-series to 0.83 + 0.13 Ma. The unit EVT7 tools are of small format and made with local raw materials. The chaînes opératoires show weakly-developed carving sequences based on bipolar-on-anvil methods and the shaping of lithic flakes, denticulate tools, scrapers and becs on pebbles, clasts, fragments and stone chips, and also a chopper. A technological comparison with Lower Pleistocene sites in Europe would suggest that they all share the same technology (Mode 1) with slight variations. Similarly, the taphonomic and archaeozoological analyses from Vallparadis, Orce and Atapuerca indicate that they have common adaptive strategies. All these technological and adaptive characteristics made it possible for the human populations of the Iberian Peninsula to compete for resources with large carnivores and adapt to different ecosystems and changes in climate.

Archaeological work on the upper sequence (units EVT4/2) brought to light a lithic assemblage made using longer chaînes opératoires. It also showed an increase in the size of the artefacts and a better choice of raw materials for carving. This would indicate changes in collection areas frequented by the hominids related to the appearance of Mode 2.

In order to complete the chronostratigraphic framework, datings were carried out on samples of quartz grains extracted from sediment and tooth fossils using ESR (Electron Spin Resonance) and ESR combined with uranium-thorium. The results are very significant and tally with those obtained using biochronology and palaeomagnetism. The Vallparadis site now has an accurate, consistent chronostratigraphic framework that enables it to be placed chronologically at the end of the Lower Pleistocene, within a time scale running between the Jaramillo and Brunhes geomagnetic events. Along with the TD-6 Gran Dolina and the TE-9 Sima del Elefante in the Atapuerca Mountains (Burgos), this is a key site for studying the earliest human settlements in Europe.