Celtis remains from the Lower Pleistocene of Gran Dolina, Atapuerca (Burgos, Spain)

Abstract

In this paper we present the archaeobotanical record from level TD6 of the Gran Dolina site (Burgos, Spain). The results show the presence of mineralized Celtis (hackberry) seed remains – concentrated primarily in the area where most of the archaeological material was found. Spatial distribution data indicate that the seeds are associated with archaeological remains resulting from human occupation of the cave. Celtis remains were preserved due to biomineralization of seed endocarps. The results presented here contribute to analysis of archaeobotanical Celtis remains as part of the Pleistocene human plant food consumption.