The chalcolithic necropolis of los millares: Radiocarbon dating and an assessment of the diet and the environment from stable isotope analysis

Abstract

The results of the isotopic analyses performed on human remains from the Chalcolithic necropolis of Los Millares are presented in this paper. These are contextualized chronologically by a series of radiocarbon dates and, a review of the graves’ relative chronology. The dates show the megalithic necropolis was in use all along the occupation period of Los Millares, at least from 3100/3000 to 2200/2100 cal BC. The isotopic analysis results support the proposals for increasing aridity from 2400/2300 cal BC onwards. Diet is mainly based on land resources, proteins being usually taken from herbivores. However, a certain variability is found among sampled individuals because some of them may have consumed others products.