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This paper presents the use of soil charcoal analyses in order to identify the origin of a Nardus stricta grassland in a mountain system (Mont Lozere, France), and the use of environmental resources and the construction of a cultural landscape. Two opposing theories have been proposed to explain the origin of this open landscape (1450–1700 m altitude): natural or anthropogenic. The identification and radiocarbon dates of charcoal fragments of Fagus sylvatica, which were found in all of the pits located in the current grassland area and dated to 3695–3633 cal BC, demonstrate that this species has been present on the upper part of Mont Lozere since the Middle Neolithic. In addition, the presence of pioneer species (Betula, Salix, Corylus avellana), as well as mid- (Prunus cf avium) and late-successional species (F. sylvatica) supports the hypothesis that the grassland contained both pioneer and mature phases of forest landscapes. The 14C dates, ranging from c. 4200 cal BC to 1200 cal AD, show that fire events occurred with different climatic influences. Fire events may correspond to one or several fires in a short period at the scale of the slope. Moreover, the dates coincide with the early and extensive human impact detected in the Massif Central and Mont Lozere. To explain the regular occurrences of fire events from the Middle Neolithic to the Central Middle Ages, agro-pastoral clearings have been postulated, as have been identified in other areas in the Pyrenees and in the Alps. Such human impact may have been magnified, or least facilitated, by climatic conditions. Comparison with additional data (pollen, archaeology, ecology) demonstrates that this grassland area is not natural and corresponds to an ancient forested system that has been used and transformed by societies since the Neolithic, although climate change may have certainly affected this transformation. The aim of this research is to promote this cultural heritage in collaboration with the National Park of the Cevennes in order to protect its future.

International audience; This article uses a method that combines pedoanthracological and pedo-archaeological approaches to terraces, complemented with archaeological pastoral data, in order to reconstruct the history of ancient agricultural terraces on a slope of the Enveitg Mountain in the French Pyrenees. Four excavations revealed two stages of terrace construction that have been linked with vegetation dynamics, which had been established by analyses of charcoal from the paleosols and soils of the terraces. Pedo-archaeological descriptions of these terrace soils reveal their ancient origins and their long-term use. Their chronology was established by radiocarbon dating of single charcoal fragments and charcoal lenses originating in the paleosols. Combining radiocarbon dating with pedo-archaeology resulted in a more reliable chronology. Moreover, the Bronze Age was found to be a crucial period in the history of land-use. This study also highlights the role of fire in the construction of this land-use pattern.

[EN] Archaeological survey and test excavations were conducted at high altitude in the western Catalan Pyrenees since 2001 to 2010. Together with palaeoecological studies of lake cores and peat bogs, these studies (including a series of 27 radiocarbon dates) permit one to discuss human occupations of the high mountains from Mesolithic times to the early Bronze Age. We evaluate the role played by mountain areas in the development of prehistoric communities with particular attention to the process of postglacial colonization, the introduction and development of farming and other agricultural practices, as well as complementary economic activities like mining, charcoal-burning and lumber production, with particular attention to the relation of mountain communities to those of other regions., [ES] Este artículo presenta los resultados de las campañas realizadas desde 2001 a 2010 en áreas de alta montaña del Pirineo axial occidental de Catalunya, que han generado unos registros arqueológicos extensos y detallados, así como diversos análisis paleoecológicos de turberas y contextos lacustres. Gracias a las 27 fechas radiocarbónicas obtenidas, se documenta la secuencia del poblamiento prehistórico en medios alpinos y subalpinos desde las primeras evidencias de su ocupación, en el Mesolítico, hasta el inicio de la Edad del Bronce, fundamentalmente. Se proponen nuevas hipótesis para su explicación. Se ha prestando especial interés a los procesos de colonización postglacial de estos espacios, a la introducción de prácticas ganaderas e, hipotéticamente, agrícolas y a su evolución. Se han considerado además actividades complementarias como la minería, la producción de carbón y la extracción de madera, así como las relaciones de las comunidades humanas de ámbitos de montaña con las de otras áreas geográficas., Esta investigación ha sido financiada por los proyectos Prospeccions a l’alta muntanya del Pallars Sobirà (2002ACOM 00028), subvencionados por el Consell Comarcal del Pallars Sobirà y la Generalitat de Catalunya, y Arqueologia de l’Alta muntanya Pirinenca. Ocupació Humana i canvi climàtic al llarg de l’Holocè (2006EXCAVA00022) de la Agència de Gestió d’Ajuts Universitaris i de Recerca (AGAUR) de la Generalitat de Catalunya, dirigidos por Ermengol Gassiot Balbè (UAB). También se ha contado con aportaciones directas del Parc Nacional d’Aigüestortes i Estany de Sant Maurici entre los años 2004 y 2012 y de otras entidades de ámbito regional.