Abstract:

In this paper we present the results of the charcoal analyses from eastern Pyrenees high mountain sites. This work forms part of a project of Landscape Archaeology. The areas of study are the southern slope of the Cadí Mountain Range (Vansa valley, Alt Urgell) located in the Pre-Pyrenees and the Madriu valley, located in Andorra, in the axial Pyrenees. The principal objective of this work is to understand the dynamics and relationships between the population and high mountain forests. Charcoals were recovered in archaeological structures associated with forestall management (charcoal kilns, resin furnaces), pastoral activities (enclosures and huts) and the mineral-metallurgical activities (mineral reduction furnaces). They have a chronological range that goes from the Early Neolithic to Modern Age (18-19th centuries). The anthracological results show us a poor taxonomical variability and Pinus is the most represented species. We have also identified a punctual presence of other shrubs like Ericaceae and Juniperus and trees like Betula alba and Abies alba. We have identified different vegetation formations of High Mountain depending on the orientation of the forest and the altitude. This forest has been exploited since the Antique Neolithic but the biggest human impact occurs with the charcoal kilns activity of the Modern Age.