Search

Through a case study of the coastal Mesolithic site of Port Neuf (Hoedic), this article aims to introduce archaeologists to the use of geomagnetic prospection methods in the context of irregular vegetation cover and topography inherent to this type of coastal site. The constraints and limitations of the method are discussed, e.g. the negative influence of pollution by a large metal mass on the information obtained. The data processing carried out to attenuate the disturbance induced by this magnetic pollution does not allow relevant information to be extracted over the entire polluted area. It is also shown that in the context of the presence of dune cover, such as that covering the archaeological levels, it is necessary to study the variation in magnetic field intensity rather than its vertical gradient by gradiometry. The use of other complementary geophysical methods provides information to refine the proposed interpretations, particularly concerning the presence of hearths. For example, electromagnetic methods, such as the use of conductivity meters, provide information on the spatial variation of the substrate's capacity to conduct electricity or a magnetic field at the site scale, or the use of contact sensors, which at the scale of the excavation help to determine areas of potential hearths by detecting zones of magnetic enhancement. The need for archaeologists and geophysicists to work together and for excavators to adopt these tools is discussed.

International audience; This paper examines an alternative approach to previously proposed models of prehistoric exchange such as the law of monotonic decrement or the down-the-line exchange model developed by Renfrew (Proceedings of the Prehistoric Society 34: 319–331, 1968, Renfrew 1977) to explain the distribution of obsidian across the Near East during the Neolithic period. Renfrew’s down-the-line model, which results in a very regular and clustered network, does not permit the circulation of obsidian to regions of the Near East that are further than 300 km from the source zones, as is shown in the archaeological data available. Obsidian exchange is a complex system where multiple factors interact and evolve in time and space. We therefore explore Agent- Based Modelling (ABM) so as to get a better understanding of complex networks. ABM simulations of an exchange network where some agents (villages) are allowed to attain long-distance exchange partners through correlated random walks are carried out. These simulations show what variables (population density, degree of collaboration between villages…) are relevant for the transfer of obsidian over long distances. Moreover, they show that a type of small-world exchange network could explain the breadth of obsidian distribution (up to 800 km from source) during the Near Eastern Neolithic.

les innovations économiques et sociales qui ont conduit à l'émergence du Néolithique. Pendant le Natoufien, les petits groupes de cabanes qui constituaient les habitats épipaléolithiques antérieurs, comme à Ohalo II1 ou à Kharaneh IV2, sont devenus des hameaux qui regroupaient un nombre plus important d'habitants. Les structures des cabanes sont aussi devenues plus complexes par leur plan et les matériaux de construction, utilisant la pierre, sous forme de murets ou radiers, pour construire des lieux d'habitation plus permanen

The results of the fieldwork at Qarassa 3 have considerably widened the knowledge of the Natufian occupation of southern Syria and northern Jordan. The data currently available indicate that the structures that have been documented correspond to a Natufian occupation. The layout of the huts, in line next to each other, forming an arc, would suggest that they belong to a contemporary occupation. It is clear that the building and maintenance of these structures is a large task, involving choosing the place for building, preparing the ground, obtaining the rock to be used in precise tasks, choosing the most suitable stones for each function, etc. This shows a mastery of building knowledge and techniques, for example, to level out surfaces, build platforms and paved floors, and construct walls. There is no doubt that this is not the result of improvisation, but a skill, the consequence of a long and steady process towards sedentism.

International audience; Entre septiembre y octubre de 2011, un equipo libano-español realizó investigaciones arqueológicas en el yacimiento neolítico de Tell Labwe, situado a 30 km al norte de Baalbek, en la Bekaa libanesa. El yacimiento fue sondeado por D. Kirkbride en 1966, documentando ocupaciones del Neolítico Precerámico B Reciente y de los inicios del Neolítico Cerámico. Se trata del yacimiento más antiguo del Líbano con ocupaciones de agricultores y ganaderos al aire libre. Hemos trabajado sobre un amplio corte estratigráfico de 47 m de largo y 4 metros de profundidad, creado durante la construcción de la carretera Baalbek-Homs, durante el siglo xx. Hemos documentado cuatro niveles arqueológicos con arquitecturas y abundante material de todo tipo, fechado por C14 entre 8100 ± 40 BP (base) y 7640 ± 40 BP (nivel superior).

De cazadores-recolectores a agricultores y ganaderos en Siria Centro-Occidental y del Sur: campaña de 2010

De cazadores recolectores a agricultores y ganaderos: investigaciones arqueológicas en Qarassa (Siria del sur), campaña de 2009