Presentation of the lithic assemblage of the toriles Cave arqueopaleontological site (Carrizosa, Ciudad Real, Spain)

Abstract

The La Mancha plain in Spain has yielded significant insights into the Paleolithic sequence, particularly in the Upper and Middle Guadiana Basin region. This study focuses on the discoveries and explorations surrounding the Cueva de los Toriles, highlighting its importance within the regional archaeological context. The area's Quaternary deposits have facilitated the identification of numerous Paleolithic sites, predominantly featuring lithic materials crafted from quartzite. The Lower Paleolithic record, primarily found on the terraces of the Guadiana River and its tributaries, reveals Acheulean assemblages characterized by large tools such as bifaces and chisels. In contrast, the Middle Paleolithic is marked by an increase in Mousterian sites distributed across the region, demonstrating varied lithic exploitation strategies including discoid debitage and Levallois techniques. Cueva de los Toriles stands out due to its exceptional preservation of a diverse lithic assemblage, despite the challenges posed by disturbed sediments from previous human occupation. This site has provided insights into technological adaptations and cultural practices from the Middle Paleolithic to recent times, evidenced by the presence of tools like bifacial implements and agricultural instruments such as threshing blades. The complex stratigraphic layers within the cave present a unique challenge for archaeological interpretation, offering a rich tapestry of successive human activities. Overall, this study contributes valuable data to understanding the prehistoric occupation in La Mancha, emphasizing the significance of Cueva de los Toriles as a key site for exploring human cultural evolution over millennia