3.1.1. Temporal Slice 1: 8800–8600 cal BP. Early Mesolithic Industries

The geographic distribution of archaeological sites dated to the first temporal bin (TS1: 8800–8600 cal BP) is shown in Figure 2. A total of 17 radiocarbon dated lithic assemblages are found at the coastal regions of Iberian Central Mediterranean coast, east of Cantabrian façade and south-central coast of Portugal, as well as in the inland territories of the Lower-Aragón (in the central-south Ebro Valley), the Central Pyrenean and pre-Pyrenean mountain ranges and the Upper Ebro Valley (in the Álava province). It should be stressed the lack of dated assemblages from the northwestern section of Iberia (Galicia and northern Portugal), the northeastern sector, Andalusia and the Iberian interior (northern and southern plateau).

Figure 2 Spatial distribution of archaeological sites in temporal slice 1 (TS1). 70: El Espertín. 82: Santa Catalina. 122: Alloru. 124: El Collado. 136: Cocina. 143: São Julião. 165: Montes de Baixo. 166: Castelejo. 173: El Esplugón. 175: La Peña. 176: Fuente Hoz. 210: Arenal de la Virgen. 212: Kanpanoste. 217: Los Baños. 218: Pontet. 223: Espantalobos. 295: Estany de la Coveta.

All the lithic assemblages considered in this temporal slice are technologically characterized by flake debitage systems, and reduced typological repertoires clearly dominated by notched and denticulated tools. These industries have been assigned to different taxonomic units according to different historiographic traditions (Asturian in the Cantabrian fringe or Macrolithic Epipalaleolithic). Since 2006, the Mediterranean and Ebro valley regions are taxonomically termed as ‘Notched and Denticulated Mesolithic’ technocomplex (Alday Reference Alday2006).

No archaeological deposit has provided reliable dated industries with trapezes within this temporal bin. Just two sites located in the Ebro Valley—La Peña de Marañón and Los Baños—have provided lithic assemblages with trapezes and radiocarbon dates falling within TS1. However, the critical evaluation of the microlithic component and radiocarbon record of both assemblages cast doubts on the stratigraphic association between the first trapezes documented in the stratigraphic sequence and the radiocarbon dated samples.

At the Upper Ebro Valley, two assemblages, levels d and dsup from La Peña de Marañón site (ID175) (hereafter La Peña), have yielded a relative rich collection of 22 trapezes, microburins (30) and notched blades (18) (Cava y Beguiristain Reference Cava and Beguiristain1991: 84). The only radiocarbon date available for the Late Mesolithic occupation of this site, BM-2363 7890 ± 120 BP (9012–8429 cal BP; 8743 median cal BP), was obtained using the conventional ¹⁴C method on a single bone sample (classified as herbivorous) recovered in level d. This level d has a maximum thickness of 95 cm and has also provided younger archaeological materials such as early neolithic pottery in its upper section (Cava y Beguiristain Reference Cava and Beguiristain1991: 76).

A closer view of the detailed publication allows to evaluate the stratigraphic relationship between the dated sample and the trapezes from level d found in the bands A/B. It shows how the radiocarbon dated sample was recovered at approximately depth –375 cm (Cava and Beguiristain Reference Cava and Beguiristain1991: 114, Figure 28), whereas the vertical distribution of trapezes shows the highest representation of trapezes come from the spits at depths –350–360 cm (Cava and Beguiristain Reference Cava and Beguiristain1991: 103, Figure 26), 25–15 cm above the depth of the dated sample. According to this, the relationship between the dated sample and the trapezes found at the same depth, which follows a clear decreasing pattern, opens the possibility that the second ones were associated to the radiocarbon sample by percolation. Supporting this hypothesis, it must be noted that other close sites such as Kanpanoste (ID212) have provided a statistically similar radiocarbon age for the lithic assemblage of Lanhi base level 7920 ± 100 (9020–8484 cal BP), which typologically corresponds to the Notched and Denticulates Mesolithic.

Therefore, the single radiocarbon date from the basal level d in La Peña site, considering the stratigraphic association of the sample with the trapeze microliths discussed above, overestimates the age of the first trapeze industries.

The second possible occurrence of trapezes falling within the TS1 is found at Los Baños site (ID217), in the central Ebro valley. Here, trapeze microliths appear in level 2b1 (Utrilla y Rodanés Reference Utrilla and Rodanés2004: 31–40), a transitional level of only 15 cm depth, containing both Early Mesolithic artifacts (endscrapers, denticulated flakes, outils écaillées) and a reduced set of 10 geometric microliths composed by small and short trapezes with abrupt retouch (or tranchets) (Utrilla and Rodanés Reference Utrilla and Rodanés2004: 37). This level has three radiocarbon dates on individual charcoal samples with unknown taxonomic identification, retrieved from different squares of the excavation area during different fieldwork campaigns. Two are AMS radiocarbon dates (GrA-21556: 8080 ± 50 BP and GrA-21552: 7740 ± 50 BP), and one was obtained by ¹⁴C conventional method (GrN-24299: 7840 ± 100 BP). This radiocarbon evidence indicates a wide chronological range for the formation of the archaeological level 2b1, composed by different occupation episodes within the same level without stratigraphic differentiation (Utrilla and Rodanés Reference Utrilla and Rodanés2004: 93). However, while the stratigraphic association of tranchets or short trapezes (whose length < to width) to the radiocarbon dated samples is uncontestable, the position of the oldest dated sample (GrA-21556: 8080 ± 50 BP), at the base of level 2b1 in square 4A, barely 10 cm above of the underlying level 1b, from the Notches and Denticulates Mesolithic, suggests the presence of older inherited material from this level 1b into the level 2b1. Also, in square 1A, the oldest radiocarbon date—GrN-24299: 7840 ± 100 BP—has a broad probability distribution (see Table 2). Only the most recent radiocarbon date (GrA-21552: 7740 ± 50 BP; 8510 median cal BP), found in square 1A without any other overlying archaeological level, can provide the most accurate chronology for this level 2b1 referring to the middle of IX millennium cal BP for the appearance of trapeze industries at Los Baños rockshelter.

3.1.2. Temporal Slice 2: 8600–8400 cal BP. First Appearance and Rapid Expansion of the Late Mesolithic Trapeze Industries

Regarding TS1, on TS2, both the number of archaeological sites and archaeological assemblages, increases from 17 to 31 sites, and from 27 to 71 assemblages (Figure 3). Fifteen assemblages have provided lithic industries with trapezes, with a geographic distribution that covers the Western Pyrenees, the Ebro Valley, the southern and eastern Mediterranean provinces of Valencia, Alicante, Jaén, Murcia and Málaga, and the Western area of Cantabrian façade.

Figure 3 Spatial distribution of archaeological sites in temporal slice 2 (TS2). Archaeological sites with trapezes, group 1: 42. Peña 14. 89: El Mazo. 136: Cocina. 173: El Esplugón. 215: Botiquería. 222: Artusia. Archaeological sites with trapezes, group 2: 39: Mendandia. 124: El Collado. 63: Tossal de la Roca. 67: Nerja. 105: Cueva Blanca. 177: Aizpea. 217: Los Baños. 297: Cueva del Nacimiento. Archaeological sites without trapezes, group 3: 15. Rei Cintolo. 26. Atxoste. 80: La Garma. 91: Cova Foradada. 100: Prazo. 109: Mazaculos II. 118: Kobeaga II. 120: J3. 135: Font del Ros. 143: São Julião. 171: Berroberría. 174. Kanpanoste Goikoa. 178: Ekain. 182: Serrat del Pont. 210: Arenal de la Virgen. 212: Kanpanoste. 225: Carabión.

The stratigraphic sequences of archaeological sites included TS2 present two different cases: stratigraphic sequences with previous occupations associated to the Notched and Denticulated Mesolithic; and archaeological sites whose stratigraphic sequences began during Geometric Mesolithic. In comparison to TS1, the Late Mesolithic geographic distribution continues located in the same regions inhabited before, becoming denser in some particular areas, especially in the western Pre-Pyrenees sector and the central Mediterranean area. In recent years, western Cantabrian façade shell middens are providing relevant information, as exemplified by El Mazo site (ID89) shell midden. In other areas such as Andalusia, the re-evaluation of radiocarbon dates and lithic materials from old excavations of Cueva del Nacimiento (ID 295), in the Subbaetic system, and Nerja cave (ID 167) in the Malaga coast, provide chronometric evidence of the first appearance of trapeze industries in southern Iberian Peninsula.

The most reliable chronological evidence (group 1) dated to the TS2 (8600–8400 cal BP) (Table 3) is limited to 6 assemblages, which have provided statistically similar radiocarbon ages. Below, we describe them according to the representativeness and/or the size of lithic assemblage and following a northeastern-southwestern geographic gradient.

In the Pre-Pyrenees area, three rockshelters, El Esplugón (ID173), Artusia (ID222) and Peña 14 (ID42), have yielded lithic assemblages with trapezes (Utrilla et al. Reference Utrilla, Berdejo, Obón, Laborda, Domingo and Alcolea2016; García-Martínez et al. Reference García-Martínez de Lagrán, Rojo-Guerra, Iriarte, García-Gazólaz, Tejedor-Rodríguez, Gibaja-Bao, Moreno-García, Pérez-Jordà, Ruiz-Alonso, Sesma-Sesma, Garrido-Pena, Carrancho-Alonso and Peña-Chocarro2014; Montes Reference Montes2001). El Esplugón (Unit III), has contributed with the most numerous dataset (47 trapezes), whereas Artusia (unit III) and Peña 14 (level a), have yielded a very modest collection of trapezes (4 and 2, respectively).

The Geometric Mesolithic has been recognized at El Esplugón archaeological phase III (ID173), composed by level 3 inferior and level 4. The typological analysis of lithic assemblages from these levels has led researchers to identify two phases in the Geometric Mesolithic occupation: phase A of trapezes in level 4 and phase B of triangles in level 3 inferior (Utrilla et al. Reference Utrilla, Berdejo, Obón, Laborda, Domingo and Alcolea2016: 95). We focus on level 4, where there is a predominance of trapezes (n = 17), versus a testimonial and minority presence of triangles (n = 6). The high percentage of microburins (n = 30) (Obón et al. Reference Obón, Berdejo, Laborda, Sierra, Alcolea, Bea, Domingo and Utrilla2019) should also be mentioned. Short trapezes with one or two concave sides are the most common type (Utrilla et al. Reference Utrilla, Berdejo, Obón, Laborda, Domingo and Alcolea2016: 84). The oldest ¹⁴C AMS radiocarbon date available for Level 4, on a single charcoal sample of Pinus sylvestris, around a hearth or combustion area (Alcolea Reference Alcolea2017: 41–42), provides a consistent chronology for this Mesolithic phase of trapezes (GrA-59632: 7620 ± 40 BP, 8409 median cal BP).

Farther west, in the Upper Ebro Valley, the unit III from Artusia rockshelter (ID222) and level a from Peña 14 (ID42), have yielded a discrete but noteworthy representation of trapezes: n = 4 in the former (García-Martínez et al. Reference García-Martínez de Lagrán, Rojo-Guerra, Iriarte, García-Gazólaz, Tejedor-Rodríguez, Gibaja-Bao, Moreno-García, Pérez-Jordà, Ruiz-Alonso, Sesma-Sesma, Garrido-Pena, Carrancho-Alonso and Peña-Chocarro2014: 34; 2016: 159), and n = 2 in the latter (Montes Reference Montes2001: 294 and 302). Levels from both sites are associated with two radiocarbon dates on single charcoal samples, the one from Artusia III (Beta-374431: 7680 ± 40 BP, 8466 median cal BP) comes from a short-lived sample (Corylus avellana) on a hearth context, whereas the one from Peña 14 comes from one single charcoal in level a, taxonomically unidentified (GrN-25094: 7660 ± 90 BP, 8462 median cal BP).

In the North Atlantic coast of Iberia, in eastern Asturias, El Mazo shell-midden (ID89) has provided new evidence about the presence of trapeze industries in the Cantabrian Mesolithic. Although lithic analyses have just been preliminary reported and the assemblage size is discrete (Fuertes et al. Reference Fuertes, Rissetto, Gutiérrez, Cuenca and González2021: 474), two trapezes and two microburins have been recovered in SU105 associated to a radiocarbon date on a single charcoal sample (UGAMS-5408:7640 ± 30 BP, 8419 median cal BP).

In the lower Ebro Valley, Botiquería de los Moros rockshelter (ID215) (hereafter Botiquería), is a key archaeological site of the Geometric Mesolithic of the Iberian Peninsula for its prolific lithic assemblage and the rigorous excavation methodology (Barandiarán Reference Barandiarán1978). The oldest fertile archaeological level, Level 2, has provided a rich lithic assemblage dominated by notched blades (82), geometric microliths (74), and microburins (29). From a typological point of view, trapezes (57) predominate over triangles (10) that will be more abundant in subsequent level 4 (Barandirán Reference Barandiarán1978: 71–73). Interestingly, the most represented type corresponds to short trapezes with abrupt retouch and one concave side, followed by symmetric trapezes, asymmetric trapezes and trapezes with two concave sides, in descending order of cases. Level 2 has provided two radiocarbon dates: the oldest one, comes from an aggregate sample of charcoals recovered from a combustion feature and dated by the conventional ¹⁴C method (Ly-1198:7550 ± 200). The most reliable radiocarbon date stratigraphically associated with trapeze industries was obtained by AMS, and corresponds to an individual sample, a red deer metapodium fragment found at depth –178/173 cm. (GrA-13265:7600 ± 50; 8399 median cal BP) (Barandiarán and Cava, Reference Barandiarán and Cava2000: 297). According to the depth distribution of retouched lithic pieces published, the abruptly retouched trapezoids are almost exclusively ascribed to the lower half of Level 2 stratigraphic deposit, reaching their maximum concentration between the spits –190/–185 and –160/–155, which is consistent with the depth where radiocarbon sample was recovered (Barandiarán Reference Barandiarán1978: 121–122).

Further south, in the central Mediterranean area of the Iberian Peninsula, one site has provided significant information about the Mesolithic period: Cueva de la Cocina (ID136) (hereafter Cocina). First excavated in the 40’s of the XXth century, the study of lithic assemblages from Cocina (ID136) established a first correlation with the Mesolithic of Castelnovian tradition (Pericot Reference Pericot1945).

Lithic assemblages of Cocina have been analyzed by Fortea (Reference Fortea1971), Sectors E I and E II, excavated by Pericot in 1945, and García-Puchol (Reference García-Puchol2005), Sectors D1, D2, C1 and C2, excavated by Pericot in 1943, to establish the techno-typological evolutionary trends in the stratigraphic sequence. More recently, radiocarbon studies based on extensive sampling, and Bayesian chronological modeling have been undertaken to define the chronological boundaries of each Mesolithic phase (García-Puchol et al. Reference García-Puchol, McClure, Juan-Cabanilles, Diez-Castillo, Bernabeu-Aubán, Martí-Oliver, Pardo-Gordó, Pascual-Benito, Pérez-Ripoll, Molina-Balaguer and Kennett2018; Reference García-Puchol, McClure, Juan-Cabanilles, Cortell-Nicolau, Diez-Castillo, Pascual-Benito, Pérez-Ripoll, Pardo-Gordó, Gallello, Ramacciotti, Molina-Balaguer, López-Montalvo, Bernabeu-Aubán, Basile, Real-Margalef, Sanchis-Serra, Pérez-Fernández, Orozco-Köhler, Carrión-Marco, Pérez-Jordà, Barrera-Cruz, Escribá-Ruiz and Jiménez-Puerto2023) and discuss site formation processes for the Mesolithic-Neolithic transition (Pardo-Gordó et al. Reference Pardo-Gordó, García-Puchol, Diez-Castillo, McClure, Juan-Cabanilles, Pérez-Ripoll, Molina-Balaguer, Bernabeu-Aubán, Pascual-Benito, Kennett, Cortell-Nicolau, Tsante and Basile2018).

The new radiocarbon studies focused on the Pericot’s excavations, sectors excavated in 1941 and 1945, have differentiated two phases (García-Puchol et al. Reference García-Puchol, McClure, Juan-Cabanilles, Diez-Castillo, Bernabeu-Aubán, Martí-Oliver, Pardo-Gordó, Pascual-Benito, Pérez-Ripoll, Molina-Balaguer and Kennett2018): Phase A/ Cocina I, characterized by the predominance of trapezes (Subphases A1 and A2 in the Bayesian models); and Phase B/ Cocina II (Subphases B1 and B2), where triangles are the most common geometric type over trapezes and abruptly retouched segments (García et al. Reference García-Puchol, McClure, Juan-Cabanilles, Diez-Castillo, Bernabeu-Aubán, Martí-Oliver, Pardo-Gordó, Pascual-Benito, Pérez-Ripoll, Molina-Balaguer and Kennett2018: 266). According to these models, phase A1 (Phase A of trapezes) is represented by the radiocarbon dates from the 1941 sector, layer 11 (UCIAMS-14734: 7415 ± 35 BP; 8259 calibrated median), and 1945 layer 17 (Beta-267440: 7610 ± 40 BP; 8403 calibrated median). Since Bayesian models were built assuming a contiguous order, the transition between Sub-phase A0, the first evidence of human occupation in the cavity according to current radiocarbon dates and sub-phaseA1, with predominance of trapezes, is situated between 8614–8400 cal BP (García-Puchol et al. Reference García-Puchol, McClure, Juan-Cabanilles, Diez-Castillo, Bernabeu-Aubán, Martí-Oliver, Pardo-Gordó, Pascual-Benito, Pérez-Ripoll, Molina-Balaguer and Kennett2018: 268). The new studies have reported that asymmetrical trapezes with abrupt and concave edges are dominant in the initial phase (García-Puchol et al. Reference García-Puchol, Juan-Cabanilles, McClure, Pascual-Benito, Martí-Oliver, Pérez-Ripoll, Bernabeu-Aubán, Pardo-Gordó, Molina-Balaguer, Carrión-Marco and Diez-Castillo2014).

Nine assemblages have been ranked in group 2 for the TS2 (8600–8400 cal BP): 177: Aizpea. 39: Mendandia. 212: Kanpanoste. 217: Los Baños. 124: El Collado. 63: Tossal de la Roca. 67: Nerja. 105: Cueva Blanca. 297: Cueva del Nacimiento.

In the Upper Ebro Valley, Aizpea I, Mendandia levels IV and IIIinf, and Kanpanoste level Lanhs, have provided geometrics (Alday and Cava Reference Alday and Cava2006: 290). The site of Aizpea (ID177) has been considered as a paradigmatic site to define chronological evolution between the two geometric industrial horizons, trapezes and triangles phases (Alday and Cava Reference Alday and Cava2009: 118), given its rich collection of geometric microliths (48), trapezes with abrupt retouch included. The trapeze microliths have been recovered from level I of 80 cm depth (named level b in previous publications c.f. Cava Reference Cava1994), which has been radiocarbon dated in its upper and lower section.

A careful review of Aizpea publication shows that the geometric microliths are absent in the lower section of Aizpea I, and on the contrary, the flake debitage and denticulates are of relative importance. Furthermore, the oldest radiocarbon date for Aizpea I (GrN-16620: 7790 ± 70BP) corresponds to an aggregated sample, composed by bones gathered from layers between 135–100 cm depth below datum, that encompassed the lower part of the sequence—without geometrics, but with some backed bladelets (Alday and Cava Reference Alday and Cava2006: 293), providing a wide range of chronological uncertainty. The upper section of Level I has provided an important set of trapezes (n = 32) and it is dated to 7190 ± 140 (GrN-16621), by a radiocarbon sample composed by different bone fragments recovered at 80–90 cm depth below datum. Therefore, the evidence of Aizpea clearly shows a diagnostic component of trapeze microliths with notched blades and microburins, recovered in the upper section of the cultural horizon Aizpea I, but cannot be directly associated to the oldest radiocarbon date of Aizpea I, within TS2.

Mendandia level IIIinf has provided a very diagnostic assemblage of trapezes with abrupt retouch: 22 trapezes (symmetric, asymmetric and with concave sides), 9 notched blades and 20 microburins (Alday Reference Alday2005: 71), that have been radiocarbon dated to 7620 ± 50 BP (GrA-22743; 8413 median cal BP) from an aggregate sample of bones (Alday Reference Alday2002: 41; Alday Reference Alday2005: 106). Despite the aggregated nature of this radiocarbon sample, its age is consistent with the chronology of other assemblages from nearby sites such as Artusia and indicates the first appearance of trapeze industries at the end of TS2. However, the three trapeze microliths documented in the underlying level IV, with two radiocarbon dates GrA-22744: 7810 ± 50 BP and GrA-22745: 7780 ± 50 BP), should be considered with caution considering the overwhelming dominance of notched and denticulated tools and the aggregated nature of the radiocarbon samples. While the median of both radiocarbon dates falls within our TS2 (8583 cal BP and 8554 cal BP, respectively), the intrusive character of the three trapezes documented in level IV migrating from level IIIinf cannot be completely ruled out, especially considering the depth of this level (25–30 cm) (Alday Reference Alday2005:68).

A similar argument could be raised in the case of Kanpanoste Lanhs level (GrN-22440: 7620 ± 70BP, 8589–8219 cal BP), where the lithic industry presents a majority component of typological groups from the Notched and Denticulates Mesolithic (Alday and Cava Reference Alday and Cava2006: 229–232), and the scarce geometrics (3 trapezes), could have migrated from the contact with the upper level Clag. The possibility of a partial removal of the archaeological deposits has been pondered by researchers (Cava Reference Cava2004: 103), although they finally validate the integrity of Lanhs lithic assemblage, arguing that laminar knapping has been also documented in the same level, and trapezes are completely different from the ones found in the upper Clag level. Ultimately, researchers compare level Lanhs from Kanpanoste with Los Baños level 2b1, where trapezes are small and short, representing an initial glimpse of the Geometric Mesolithic phase (Cava Reference Cava2004: 103).

In any case, the low representativity of trapezes on these assemblages, the wide chronological range on radiocarbon dates provided by samples composed by bone aggregates and the application of the conventional ¹⁴C method, does not allow to account them as an accurate archaeological context to assess the first appearance of trapeze-based industries like those archaeological sites from group 1.

In the central Ebro Valley, there is an occurrence of trapeze-based industries at Los Baños site (ID217). As we have mentioned in TS1, techno-typological categories related to trapeze-based industries appear in level 2b1 (Utrilla y Rodanés Reference Utrilla and Rodanés2004: 31–40). The fact that this level contains both Early Mesolithic artifacts (endscrapers, denticulated flakes, outils écaillées) and a reduced set of geometric microliths composed by small and short trapezes with abrupt retouch (or tranchets) (Utrilla and Rodanés Reference Utrilla and Rodanés2004: 37), has led us to rank the reliability of the archaeological context in group 2. However, the youngest radiocarbon date of level 2b1 (GrA-21552: 7740 ± 50 BP; 8510 median cal BP), can provide the most consistent chronology for the appearance of trapeze industries at Los Baños.

In the central Mediterranean area of the Iberian Peninsula two sites have provided trapezes in archaeological levels dated in TS2 (8600–8400 cal BP): El Collado (ID124) and Tossal de la Roca (ID63). El Collado site holds one of the most important Mesolithic necropolises in the Western Mediterranean area and also presents lithic assemblages with trapezes whose chronological position within TS2 is discussed for the first time in the present study. In the monographic volume of El Collado site, Aparicio just provides a very summary description of the lithic assemblages, referring to a generic classification of “Geometrics” among other typological groups (Aparicio Reference Aparicio Pérez2008: table on p. 53). More recently, a new study focused on the radiocarbon dating of faunal remains of El Collado associated to different layers established a preliminary chrono-stratigraphic sequence of the archaeological deposit (Fernández-López de Pablo 2016). A close examination of the lithic assemblages’ illustrations allows a tentative correlation with the radiocarbon record of the site stratigraphy (Fernández-López de Pablo 2016). From top to bottom, trapezes are present in the Surface Level (n = 4) (Aparicio Reference Aparicio Pérez2008: 58–60, Figs. 27–29), in layer C-1 from Level 1 (n = 4) (Aparicio Reference Aparicio Pérez2008: 68, Fig. 37; 71, Fig. 40; 73, Fig. 42), and layer C-2 from Level II (n = 1) (Aparicio Reference Aparicio Pérez2008: 81, Fig. 50). The vertical distribution shows that trapezes with concave sides are concentrated in the Surface Level, whereas from Layer C-1, Level I we find symmetric and asymmetric trapezes. The isolated trapeze found at layer C-2 of Level II has a clear intrusive character (Vertical distribution is presented in Supplementary Figure S3). Therefore, the radiocarbon date on a bone fragment (Cervus elaphus) from layer C1, Level I (UBA-27478: 7660 ± 44 BP, 8542–8383 cal BP) should be considered a maximum age for the first trapeze industries at the site. This chrono-stratigraphic attribution is fully consistent with that of the underlying Level II with the Notched and Denticulated Mesolithic (Aura et al. Reference Aura-Tortosa, Carrión-Marco, García-Puchol, Jardón-Giner, Jordá-Pardo, Molina-Balaguer, Morales-Pérez, Pascual-Benito, Pérez-Jordà, Pérez-Ripoll, Rodrigo-García and Verdasco-Cebrián2006; Gibaja et al. Reference Gibaja, Subirà, Terradas, Santos, Agulló, Gómez-Martínez, Allièse and Fernández-De Pablo2015; Fernández-López de Pablo 2016).

Level I from the exterior sector of Tossal de la Roca (ID63) has yielded a lithic assemblage composed by trapezes with abrupt retouch, also abundant flakes with notches and denticulates, endscrapers and backed bladelets, but any microburins (Cacho et al. Reference Cacho, Fumanal, López, López and Pérez1995: 83). There is one radiocarbon date for this level on aggregate bone sample whose calibrated median falls at the end of TS2 (Gif-6898: 7660 ± 60 BP, 8588–8370 cal BP 2σ, 8455 median cal BP). Considering the variable thickness of level I, from 50 cm to 110 cm in different sectors, and its sedimentological characteristics, a high presence of cobbles in a silty-clayish matrix with a stepped tilt, the stratigraphic relationship between trapezes and this radiocarbon date with a wide probability distribution, cannot be establish in an unambiguous way.

Besides, Cueva Blanca rockshelter (ID105) is situated in the foothills of an interior middle altitude mountain range, in Albacete province. Level Ib has been considered from the Geometric Mesolithic period because of the identification of blade knapping and 3 trapezes with abrupt retouch (Mingo et al. Reference Mingo, Barca, Mas, López, Benito, Uzquiano, Yravedra, Cubas, Avezuela, Martín and Bellardi2012). Two radiocarbon dates on individual charcoal and statistically different, correspond to level Ib (Beta-288287: 7610 ± 40 BP, 8403 median cal BP, and Beta-288288: 6730 ± 40 BP) provided a wide chronological interval for the formation of this level. Moreover, researchers admit the chronocultural interpretation of level Ib is problematic because two fragments of pottery were found in its upper part, and researchers did not detect intrusions from more recent periods into it (Mingo et al. Reference Mingo, Barca, Mas, López, Benito, Uzquiano, Yravedra, Cubas, Avezuela, Martín and Bellardi2012: 71). In summary, even though the conditions of synchrony and archaeological association could have been fulfilled (Uzquiano et al. Reference Uzquiano, Casas-Gallego, Mingo, Barba and Yravedra2016), the fact that the lithic assemblage is not quantitatively significant, and the radiocarbon dates associated display a broad chronological range, led us to consider this assemblage in group 2.

Further south, in the Jaén province, eastern Andalusia, Cueva del Nacimiento (ID295) provides evidence of trapeze industries that come from late 70’s excavations. The stratigraphic sequence was originally published by Rodríguez (Reference Rodríguez1979) and subsequently revised by Asquerino and López (Reference Asquerino and López1981) (see correlation in Supplementary Table S4). In the first publication, the stratigraphic sequence of El Nacimiento was divided in three levels, with different layers included (Rodríguez Reference Rodríguez1979, 34): Level A. Layer 1 and Layer 2; Level B. Layer III; Level D. Layer V. This stratigraphy was associated to 3 radiocarbon dates, all obtained from charcoal associated with hearths, and dated by the conventional ¹⁴C method: GIF-1368:6780 ± 130 (layer 2); GIF-3471: 7620 ± 140 (layer III) and GIF-3472:11200 ± 200 (layer V).

Later, Asquerino and López renamed archaeological levels and subdivided former Layer 2 into five sublevels, due to its thickness (50 cm). Before that, the stratigraphic sequence merged Layer 2 and Layer III from Rodríguez’s publication, and correlated it with Level II (sublevels 2A, 2B, 2C, 2D and 3), from Asquerino and López’s publication (Reference Asquerino and López1981). Then, this Level II was associated with two radiocarbon dates, GIF-1368:6780 ± 130 and GIF-3471: 7620 ± 140, originally circumscribed only to Layer 2 (Rodríguez Reference Rodríguez1979). Level II in Asquerino and López (Reference Asquerino and López1981: 116), was associated with trapezes and microburins from level B in a subsequent publication (Rodríguez Reference Rodríguez1997: 407). The geometric microliths of the lithic assemblage published in Asquerino and López (Reference Asquerino and López1981) are reproduced in Supplementary Figure S5. From a techno-typological perspective, the lithic assemblage of Level II is very diverse and lacks any internal chronological consistency: a clear Early Neolithic trapeze with a Jean Cross retouch is found at the bottom of Level II (sublevel 3) whereas trapezes of concave sides and abrupt retouch (supposedly Geometric Mesolithic) are documented in all layers except from sublevel 2c.

In summary, the data from Nacimiento provides typological evidence of trapezes whose typology could be related with the trapezes phase of the Geometric Mesolithic. Even though the lithic assemblage integrity remains low, with a clear mixed component of Neolithic materials throughout the sublayers, the radiocarbon age retrieved from a combustion feature must be considered as maximum age for presence of trapezes in this site (Rodríguez Reference Rodríguez1979; Reference Rodríguez1997).

Finally, in the southern Iberian coast, in the Malaga coast near to the Gibraltar Strait Nerja Cave (ID67) has also provided lithic assemblages with trapezes. This paradigmatic prehistoric site presents several areas or rooms (Vestibule, Torca, and Mina). The study of lithic assemblages from Mesolithic occupations are still in progress, for example, no studies are still available for the Torca room. In levels NM12, NM11 from Mina room, and level NV3 from Vestibule room, 6 trapezes with abrupt retouch, some microburins and notched blades have been classified (Aura et al. Reference Aura, Jordá, García-Borja, García-Puchol, Badal, Pérez-Ripoll, Pérez-Jordá, Pascual, Carrión and Morales2013: 60). The identification of blade knapping with Montbani blades have allowed to propose the presence of Geometric Mesolithic trapeze-based industries at Nerja Cave. The most reliable radiocarbon date from a Geometric Mesolithic occupation comes from level NV3(IIIc) of the Vestibule room that corresponds to a pinecone scale (GifA-102010: 7610 ± 90 BP, 8412 median cal BP). Nevertheless, as the researchers have cautiously admitted, it has not been possible to stratigraphically individualize a Mesolithic horizon in NV3, due to the lateral discontinuities, and Neolithic intrusions that resulted in a mixed multicomponent layer with Epipaleolithic and Neolithic materials (Aura et al. Reference Aura, Jordá, Pérez, Morales, García, González and Avezuela2009: 349–350). Therefore, the association of these lithic assemblages with a precise radiocarbon framework still needs to be evaluated, but in any case, situates the trapeze industries at the end of TS2.

Ultimately, there is a group of lithic assemblages whose radiocarbon calibrated median falls into the TS2 (8600–8400 cal BP), nevertheless they have not provided trapeze microliths. These are sites classified at group 3 (see Figure 3): Rei Cintolo, camarín S3 (ID15). Atxoste, level V (ID26). La Garma, level Q (ID80). Cova Foradada, level II (ID91). Prazo, U4a/MF (ID100). Mazaculos II, level 1.3 (ID109). Kobeaga II, level Amck-h (ID118). J3, level D (top) (ID120). Font del Ros, SG-6 (ID135). São Julião (ID143). Berroberría, unit B (ID171). Kanpanoste Goikoa, level IIIinf (ID174). Ekain, charcoal from horse II-45 (ID178). Serrat del Pont, unit IV.2 (ID182). Arenal de la Virgen, SU604-hearth (ID210). Carabión, C5_N1 (ID225). Most of them correspond to lithic assemblages from Notched and Denticulates tecno-complex (Atxoste—level V, Font del Ros—unit SG-6, Berroberría—unit B, Kanpanoste Goikoa-level III inf, Serrat del Pont—unit IV.2, or Arenal de la Virgen—SU604), or flake industries sensu lato (Mazaculos II—level 1.3). Others have some microliths, not trapezes, with a doubtful stratigraphic association (Kobeaga II—unit Amck-h, Carabión-C5_N1). In the remaining sites (C. Rei Cintolo, La Garma, Cova Foradada, J3, Prazo, São Julião, Ekain), the Mesolithic radiocarbon date has no relationship with any lithic assemblages.

In short, the chronostratigraphic data previously presented and analyzed enable us to build a more accurate radiocarbon framework fundamental to trace the first appearance of Late Mesolithic blade and trapeze industries. First, we can point out that radiocarbon signal of archaeological assemblages with trapezes cannot be traced back beyond 8550–8450 median cal BP (depending on whether we considered sites ranked in group 2 or 1). From a typological point of view, short trapezes with abrupt retouch and one or two concave sides are the majority, as in the case of Esplugón, level 4, Artusia, level III, Botiquería, level 2, or Cocina, layers 12 to 9 (1941 trench), to name a few between the most quantitatively representative.

Likewise, a quick glance at the generic typological data available for archaeological assemblages of this TS2, brings to light the scarcity of detailed technological studies which hampers intersite comparisons.

3.1.3. Temporal Slice 3: 8400–8200 cal BP. Consolidation of Late Mesolithic Industries

Within the chronological interval of TS3 3 (8400–8200 cal BP), we find a slight decline in the number of lithic assemblages (n = 23). The main geographic distribution of archaeological sites shows a continuity pattern regarding the TS2, however we observe few changes such as the nucleation of Mesolithic settlements around the Atlantic rich estuarine areas of Portugal (Bicho et al. Reference Bicho, Umbelino, Detry and Pereira2010; McLaughlin et al. Reference McLaughlin, Gómez-Puche, Cascalheira, Bicho and Fernández-López de Pablo2021), and the coast of eastern Asturias (García-Escárzaga et al. Reference García-Escárzaga, Gutiérrez-Zugasti and Marín-Arroyo2022). The most significant change of TS3 is the first documentation of trapeze industries in Portugal (Figure 4).

Figure 4 Spatial distribution of archaeological sites in temporal slice 3 (TS3). Archaeological sites with trapezes, group 1: 26. Atxoste. 78: Bajondillo Cave. 89: El Mazo. 136: Cocina. 137: Falguera. 211: Benàmer. 215: Botiquería. 217: Los Baños. Archaeological sites with trapezes, group 2: 63: Tossal de la Roca. 124: El Collado. 129: Moita do Sebastião. 160: Vale Romeiras. 213: Ángel 1. Archaeological sites without trapezes, group 3: 11. Buraca Grande. 87: Tito Bustillo. 102: Pareko Landa. 103: La Fragua. 116: Sierra Plana. 143: São Julião. 166: Castelejo. 167: Armação Nova. 188: Santimamiñe. 210: Arenal de la Virgen.

Most of the archaeological assemblages in group 3, are not relevant in the assessment of the consolidation of trapeze industries in TS3, because they correspond either to collections without techno-typological categories related to trapeze-based lithic industries: Buraca Grande, unit 8c (ID11); Tito Bustillo, rock art pigment (ID87); Pareko Landa, l-Smk(h2) (ID102); Sierra Plana, level IC (ID116); São Julião (ID143), Santimamiñe, H-Sln (ID188); or archaeological sites where the information is not available: La Fragua, level 1 inf (ID103); Castelejo, middle levels (ID166); Armação Nova, level 4b (ID167). However, Arenal de la Virgen, SU615 (ID210) deserves a special mention, since a recent detailed technological analysis has characterized the most recent Notched Mesolithic lithic assemblage of the eastern Iberian Peninsula, contemporaneous to the first trapeze industries from archaeological sites in the regional context such as Cocina, Falguera, El Collado or Tossal de la Roca (Rabuñal Reference Rabuñal2021).

According to the assemblage reliability index followed in this study, the assemblages displaying the most reliable relationship of trapeze industries with accurate radiocarbon dates are, from north to south: El Mazo, SU105 (ID89); Atxoste, level IV (ID26); Los Baños, level 2b3inf (ID217); Botiquería, level 2 (ID215); Cocina, layer 8 (1941) (ID136); Falguera, layer VIII (ID137); and Benàmer, SU2578 (ID211).

In the eastern coast of Asturias, the SU105 from El Mazo shell midden (ID89) has provided a short collection of geometric armatures, limited to two trapezes (Fuertes et al. Reference Fuertes, Rissetto, Gutiérrez, Cuenca and González2021: 473). However, this archaeological level corresponding to the central section of a shell midden deposit, concentrates the majority of the lithic artifacts and trapezoidal microlith armatures (Fuertes et al. Reference Fuertes, Rissetto, Gutiérrez, Cuenca and González2021: 472). All the geometric microliths were produced with abrupt retouch and the microburin technique. A radiocarbon date on a short-lived sample bounds the chronology of this level to the end of the ninth millennium cal BP (OxA-30535: 7380 ± 55 BP, 8195 cal BP calibrated median).

In the Upper Ebro Basin, Level IV from Atxoste rockshelter (ID26), with 88 geometric microliths, most of them trapezes (n = 66), is one of the main lithic assemblages of the TS3. The detailed analysis of the lithic collections (Soto Reference Soto2014: 705–707) shows the prevalence of asymmetric trapezes with one or two concave sides. Four radiocarbon dates have been published for this level: two of them, GrA-13470: 8080 ± 50 BP, and GrA-13419: 6970 ± 40 BP, have been dismissed by the researchers because they are the result from a single sample, evaluated by the laboratory according to two different procedures, providing anomalous results separated by a millennium (Alday and Cava Reference Alday and Cava2006: 293); the other two radiocarbon dates were also produced on a single bone collagen sample, recovered at the same depth as the highest density of geometric microliths (Alday Reference Alday2002: 39; Soto Reference Soto2014: 730; Pérez et al. Reference Pérez-Fernández, Ligouis and Alday2020: 4), are GrA-13469: 7480 ± 50 BP and GrA-13418: 7340 ± 50 BP. Since both dates come from the same sample (Alday Reference Alday2002: 40), we have considered the oldest one, GrA-13469: 7480 ± 50 BP (8288 calibrated median), as representative of the beginning of the trapeze phase in Atxoste. In any case, both dates, statistically similar (χ²-test: df = 1 T = 2.6, 5% 3.8) forward to the end of TS3, around the 8.2 ka climatic event.

In the lower Ebro Valley, the occupation at Los Baños rockshelter (ID217), documented in TS1 and TS2, continues during the TS3. Level 2b3 has provided a lithic assemblage of 5 notched blades, 8 microburins and 17 trapezes, of short size and mostly asymmetric and with one or two concave sides (Utrilla and Rodanés Reference Utrilla and Rodanés2004: 22, 34–35; Utrilla et al. Reference Utrilla, Montes, Martínez-Bea, Domingo, Utrilla and Montes2009: 156–160). As the Level 2b3 is difficult to detect in the whole excavated area, the researchers opted to subdivide it into 3 sublevels: 2b3 inferior, medium and upper, being 2b3medium archaeologically sterile. The stratigraphic association between trapezes and radiocarbon dates can be established in both level 2b3 inferior and 2b3 upper. We consider the oldest radiocarbon date from level 2b3inf (square 4A’) indicates a consolidated presence of trapeze industries at this site in TS3 (GrA-21551: 7550 ± 55BP, 8362 median cal BP), confirmed by another radiocarbon date statistically similar (χ²-test: df=1 T=0.0, 5% 3.8) from level 2b3 generic (GrA-24300: 7570 ± 100BP), retrieved from another sector (square 1A) and associated to short size and asymmetric trapezes.

Trapeze industries can also be considered consolidated in Level 2 of Botiquería (ID215) during TS3. The radiocarbon date Ly-1198:7550 ± 200 BP (8359 median cal BP) (Barandiarán Reference Barandiarán1976: 184; Barandiarán Reference Barandiarán1978: 132), can be regarded as a terminus ante quem expanding the occurrence of trapezes up to the end of IX millennium cal BP, when the rockshelter occupation was interrupted as evidenced by the superimposed level 3, barely sterile from the archaeological point of view (Barandiarán Reference Barandiarán1978: 62).

In the central sector of the Iberian Mediterranean region, Geometric Mesolithic occupation of Cocina (ID136) within 8400–8200 cal BP, is associated to lithic industry from layer 8, 1941 trench, that has a predominance of trapezes, but also a few Cocina type triangles documented for the first time in the archaeological sequence (García-Puchol et al. Reference García-Puchol, McClure, Juan-Cabanilles, Diez-Castillo, Bernabeu-Aubán, Martí-Oliver, Pardo-Gordó, Pascual-Benito, Pérez-Ripoll, Molina-Balaguer and Kennett2018: 262). There is one radiocarbon date from an individual Capra pyrenaica bone sample on that layer 8 (UCIAMS-145195: 7475 ± 25 BP, 8287 calibrated median).

In the southeastern Mediterranean region of Iberia, two Late Mesolithic archeological sites in the interior valleys of Polop and Serpis rivers–Falguera rockshelter (ID137), and open-air site of Benàmer (ID211)– have provided lithic assemblages with trapezes dated during the TS3. The Falguera rockshelter (ID137), excavated between 1998 and 2001, has provided interesting data for reconstructing the dynamics of phase A or trapeze phase of the Geometric Mesolithic. The archaeological sequence starts with level VIII. The lithic assemblage from this level has 4 trapezes with abrupt retouch, two of them correspond to short asymmetric trapezoids of small size, whereas the other two respond to an asymmetrical trapezoid with a concave side, and a fragment of trapeze (García et al. Reference García-Puchol and Aura2006: 130–131). Notched blades are also present (Martí et al. Reference Martí-Oliver, Aura-Tortosa, Juan-Cabanilles, García-Puchol and Fernández-López de Pablo2009: 223). However, the microburin technique has not been documented. Level VIII is associated with a radiocarbon dated on a short-lived sample (pinecone scale) (AA-59519: 7526 ± 44 BP, 8345 calibrated median), which is fully consistent with the Geometric Mesolithic in the regional context.

Finally, the open-air site of Benàmer (ID211) has provided data from the Geometric Mesolithic in this southeastern Mediterranean region of Iberia (Torregrosa et al. Reference Torregrosa, Jover and López2011). The Geometric Mesolithic Phase A of trapezes has been identified in the occupation phase Benàmer I. Notched blades predominate, followed by trapezes with abrupt retouch particularly with one concave side and to a lesser extent, with two concave sides. Few short size trapezes have also been documented. The microburin technique seems little representative (Jover et al. Reference Jover, Rodríguez and Molina2012: 117, 122). There is one radiocarbon date on a short-lived wood charcoal from SU2578 is stratigraphically associated with 3 trapezes of one concave side (Jover et al. Reference Jover2011: 163), that dates trapeze industries during the TS3 (Beta-287331: 7480 ± 40 BP, 8290 calibrated median).

Six additional assemblages should be mentioned within the chronological range of TS3, although ranked in group 2. These assemblages are Ángel 1, level 8c (ID213); El Collado (ID124); Tossal de la Roca, level I (ID63); and Bajondillo Cave, level 3 (ID68), in the Ebro valley and the Mediterranean coast, and two Portuguese shell middens, Moita do Sebastião (ID129), and Vale de Romeiras (ID160). In the Ángel 1 rockshelter (ID213), the lithic assemblage of Level 8c is characterized by trapezoids with abrupt retouch, both short and elongated and microburins. Triangles are less numerous, being more abundant the segments and the small-curved backed bladelets or elongated crescents (Utrilla et al. Reference Utrilla, Domingo and Martínez Bea2003: 303). However, the relationship between the trapeze microliths and the radiocarbon record requires to be discussed. This site was excavated by different research teams during several fieldwork campaigns (Utrilla et al. Reference Utrilla, Domingo and Bea2017). The most updated archaeological sequence is the result of the correlation between different levels and contexts previously differentiated to which the lithic assemblages were attributed. From this Level 8c two radiocarbon dates are available, both on a single charcoal sample. The oldest one, GrA-27278: 7955 ± 45 BP, entirely falls within the chronological boundaries of the Notches and Denticulates Mesolithic, hence we have taken the most recent one as valid, for the beginning of trapeze phase at Ángel 1 rockshelter during TS3: GrA-27274: 7435 ± 45 BP, 8263 calibrated median.

In the central Mediterranean coast, a new radiocarbon date on a Cervus elaphus bone with anthropic fractures from the Surface Level of the open-air site of El Collado (ID124), has recently confirmed the continuity of Geometric Mesolithic trapeze-based industries, already detected in TS2, during TS3 (Ua-72903: 7484±38 BP, 8295 median cal BP). The provenance of the sample from the Surface level, is associated to the presence of trapezes with concave sides (see Figure S3), however we rank this case at group 2 because the limited information about the stratigraphic sequence.

Also, in the central Mediterranean region of Iberia, the lithic assemblage from level I (exterior sector) at Tossal de la Roca rockshelter (ID63), has been ascribed to the Geometric Mesolithic, Phase A or trapezes phase (Martí et al. Reference Martí-Oliver, Aura-Tortosa, Juan-Cabanilles, García-Puchol and Fernández-López de Pablo2009: 222). Level I (exterior sector) has yielded trapezes of abrupt retouch but also abundant notches and denticulates pieces, although no microburins have been recovered (Cacho et al. Reference Cacho, Fumanal, López, López and Pérez1995: 83). This level has two radiocarbon dates on aggregate bones sample: Gif-6898: 7660 ± 60 BP; 8455 calibrated median date, that was in the chronological span of TS2, and Gif-6897: 7560 ± 60 BP; 8367 calibrated median, in the chronological limits of TS3. Considering the wide probability distribution of the calibrated radiocarbon date, derived from an aggregate sample, we ranked this assemblage in our group 2.

Finally, in the coast of Málaga (Andalucía, south Spain), within the long stratigraphic sequence of Bajondillo Cave (ID68), the Holocene level Bj3, has provided one trapeze without any other contextual information (Cortés Reference Cortés Sánchez2007: 454). Although researchers have admitted that the material culture is very scant (Cortés et al. Reference Cortés, Ferrer, Marqués, Baldomero and Simón2007: 494), the trapeze is associated to a radiocarbon date on a single charcoal sample that gives a chronological signal for trapeze-based industries in TS3 (Ua-18269: 7475 ± 80 BP, 8279 calibrated median), and complete regional data in the southern sector of the Iberian Peninsula.

As mentioned before, during the TS3 we find the first occurrence of trapezes in Portugal, mainly associated with the open air shell middens of the Muge and Sado rivers (Bicho et al. Reference Bicho, Umbelino, Detry and Pereira2010). Here, determining the timing of appearance of blade and trapeze industries and its evolutionary patterns in this kind of archaeological deposits remains more difficult than in rockshelter stratigraphic sequences for several reasons: First, because the low stratigraphic resolution of the assemblages from old fieldwork campaigns (19th century), on the basis of differentiating artificial layers inside thick archaeological levels (mainly, lower, medium and upper levels); second, the abundance of radiocarbon dates made on marine shells or human bone collagen samples with significant proportions of marine diet, which requires radiocarbon calibration with the marine and mixed marine-atmospheric calibration curves with different local reservoir effects (Carvalho Reference Carvalho2009: 46; Peyroteo Reference Peyroteo2016; Soares et al. Reference Soares, Gutiérrez-Zugasti, González-Morales, Matos Martins, Cuenca-Solana and Bailey2016); third, the difficulty in establishing stratigraphic association between lithic assemblages with radiocarbon dates in shell matrix deposits affected by postdepositional disturbance due to the recurrent funerary activity (Roche Reference Roche1966: 19; Arnaud Reference Arnaud1989); and fourth, the partial publication of lithic assemblages and lack of detailed coupled chronostratigraphic-typological studies does not allow direct comparison.

Up to now, the most complete techno-typological systematization for the appearance and evolution of the trapeze industries in Portugal has been established by G. Marchand more than two decades ago (Marchand Reference Marchand2001). This author proposed three phases in the evolution of the Late Mesolithic lithic industries in Portugal, relying on the revision of old excavations from the Muge shell middens. According to this proposal, the oldest phase would be represented by the shell midden of Moita do Sebastião, where asymmetric trapezes predominate (trapezes with one large rectilinear truncation and a small concave truncation and those trapezes with two concave truncations). This stage would be also represented in Sado shell middens of Vale de Romeiras and Arapouco, with an abundance of trapezes (Marchand Reference Marchand2001: 71). A second phase characterized by a major presence of triangles of central spine—Muge or Cocina type—would be represented at the lithic assemblages of Cabeço da Amoreira. The most recent phase, where segments and trapezes are more numerous in detriment of triangles, would be detected both in Muge (Moita do Sebastião, Cabeço da Arruda) and Sado shell middens (Poças de S. Bento, Cabeço do Rebolador, Várzea da Mó, Amoreiras), as well as in the Alentejo coast (Fiais, Vidigal) (Marchand Reference Marchand2001: 71–73).

Since 2013, new works based on extensive radiocarbon sampling have assessed the chronometric framework for Late Mesolithic in the centre and south of Portugal (Bicho et al. Reference Bicho, Umbelino, Detry and Pereira2010; Reference Bicho, Cascalheira, Marreiros, Gonçalves, Pereira and Dias2013; Monteiro et al. Reference Monteiro, Caruso and Bicho2017), including new ones focused on bone collagen samples from Mesolithic burials (Peyroteo Reference Peyroteo2016, Reference Peyroteo2021). In this context, archaeological sites with the oldest radiocarbon evidence of trapeze industries are Moita do Sebastião (ID129), and Vale de Romeiras (ID160), both classified in group 2, because the problematic relationship between the lithic assemblages and radiocarbon dates from human interments.

Moita do Sebastião (ID129), partially razed in 1952, provided the first absolute radiocarbon date from the Portuguese Mesolithic (Roche Reference Roche1957). The direct analysis of Moita do Sebastião lithic collections by Marchand, led this research to consider this site representative of the first phase of the trapeze industries (Marchand Reference Marchand2001: 71 and 94; Fig. 19). The main problem is to establish the correlation between the oldest funerary activity in this site and the lithic assemblages of the basal levels from Roche’s collection. New radiocarbon dates on fourteen human samples from Roche’s 1952–1954 excavations, have provided ages that could date the appearance of trapezes during the TS3 (Peyroteo Reference Peyroteo2016: 166). The oldest one is radiocarbon date from Sk. 9 Ua-46264: 7621 ± 50 BP, 8152 median cal BP, which has been calibrated, considering the 42.9% of marine origin diet according to recent palaeodietary evidence (Peyroteo Reference Peyroteo2016: 269), and a local reservoir offset for the Tagus paleostuary of ΔR= –48 ± 143 (recalculated from Martins et al. Reference Martins, Carvalho and Soares2008: 79). This radiocarbon date included in the Bayesian chronological model built for the whole funerary activity in Moita do Sebastião, led Peyroteo to estimate that the earliest burials at the site occurred between ca. 8300–7900 cal BP (Peyroteo Reference Peyroteo2021: 276). The use of an updated ΔR= –48 ± 143 applied in this work does not significantly affect the probability distribution of the earliest funerary activity on the site and the main issue regarding lack of correlation still remains. Several attempts to reconstruct Moita do Sebastião stratigraphy have been carried out (Jackes and Alvim Reference Jackes and Alvim2006; Alvim Reference Alvim2010), but since the site was partially razed to the ground and just 20 cm of archaeological deposits were left (Roche Reference Roche1965: 132), we can just reconstruct a tentative relationship between asymmetric trapezes with one or two concave sides, the most abundant type of geometric microliths (Roche 1972: 65–95), and the oldest skeleton (Skeleton 9) found during Roche fieldwork campaigns (1952–1954), both at basal level (see plans of the site in the Supplementary materials, Supporting graphic material S9). To retain this information in Bayesian model C, we have used the Before () function.

Finally, Vale de Romeiras (ID160) is a small open-air shell midden located in the Sado valley. The archaeological excavations were undertaken during 1959 and 1960 of XXth century under the supervision of Professor Manuel Heleno, director of the Museu Nacional de Arquelogia e Etnologia in Lisbon, over an area of 54 m² (Arnaud Reference Arnaud1989: 614; Marchand Reference Marchand2001: 51; Peyroteo Reference Peyroteo2016: 292). Archaeological methods at that time only differentiated one or two layers of brown soil covering shell middens deposits that overlaid yellowish sands (upper, middle, and lower levels) (Arnaud Reference Arnaud2000: 34, Fig. 9).

More detailed stratigraphic data, based on the digitalization of the graphic documentation available, has been later resumed (Peyroteo Reference Peyroteo2016: 293–295). According to this, the archaeological deposit of Vale de Romeiras has a maximum depth of 84 cm whose stratigraphic sequence is composed of 6 layers. Thirteen samples of human bones were selected for ¹⁴C analysis, however only three fulfilled the laboratory quality control parameters (Peyroteo Reference Peyroteo2016: 298). The oldest valid radiocarbon date corresponds to a bone collagen sample from the skeleton 19 (Ua-46972: 7640 ± 55 BP). Most of the burials were found lying on the soft bedrock or layer 6 (Peyroteo Reference Peyroteo2016: 293, Fig. 4.45), but burial 19 was found in layer 5, penultimate layer over the bedrock, at 60 cm depth (Peyroteo Reference Peyroteo2016: 295) (See plans of the site in the Supplementary Materials, supporting graphic material S9).

Researchers acknowledged that the recovery of findings was intensive, though there is no precise stratigraphic attribution for the lithic assemblages (Arnaud Reference Arnaud1989: 616). Trapeze microliths were described by Arnaud (Reference Arnaud1989: 621–624) for the entire archaeological deposit and not for each layer. Arnaud identified a predominance of asymmetric trapezes at Vale de Romeiras (Arnaud Reference Arnaud1989: 621 and 623). This type of trapezes led Marchand to include the site in the oldest phase of the Late Mesolithic in Portugal (Marchand Reference Marchand2001: 71).

We have calibrated radiocarbon date from skeleton 19 (Ua-46972: 7640 ±55 BP, 8395 median cal BP), considering 12% of marine diet estimate (Peyroteo Reference Peyroteo2016: 298), and the updated local reservoir offset for the Sado river ΔR value = –323 ± 127 (recalculated from Soares and Dias Reference Soares and Dias2006).

According to the current evidence, we assume that the first trapezes of Vale de Romeiras might be as old or postdate the age of the skeleton 19. Consequently, as in the previous case of Moita do Sebastião, this date has been considered as a “Terminus Ante Quem” in the two overlapping phases of Bayesian model C to probabilistically establish the beginning of trapezes phase at Vale de Romeiras between TS2 and TS3 (see below section 3.2).