Cross-Border Networks in Informal and Formal Cooperation in the Border Regions Andalusia–Algarve–Alentejo and South Finland–Estonia

Fostering border relations among the people in border regions seems a precondition for the future envisagement and success of cross-border regions and European Integration. Related studies to border relations observe the weakness of these informal border contacts and relations. However, weak ties represent an opportunity for interaction, and little has been said about how they might play in the construction and performance of institutional cross-border cooperation (CBC). In this work, we examine the nature of personal border networks of professionals working in CBC and how they are interconnected with the institutional CBC. This paper is based on a mainly qualitative research of two different border regions: Andalusia, Algarve and Alentejo (AAA) and South Finland and Estonia (SFE). Nevertheless, the methodology is multi-method, using semi-structured interviews, with specific questions for applying a social network analysis. Conclusions point out different patterns of border relations in both border regions. In AAA, most of the cross-border relations are weaker and related to their professional involvement in institutional CBC. In SFE, border relations rely both on working and personal reasons. All of these cross-border relations imply a significant value as opportunities for social capital construction across the borders and, hence, for greater interaction and cross-border integration.     

The Neolithic Transition in the Iberian Peninsula: Data Analysis and Modeling

We apply GIS techniques to analyze a carefully selected database of 93 Early Neolithic sites in the Iberian Peninsula. This allows us to study the spatial dynamics of the Neolithic transition in Iberia. We study how the Neolithic was introduced into the peninsula in order to test the hypothesis that the Neolithic was introduced almost simultaneously from two sources: one at the northeast (via the Mediterranean coast) and another one at the south (possibly from Northern Africa). We also analyze how the expansion of the Neolithic transition took place within the Iberian Peninsula and measure local rates of spread in order to identify regions with fast and slow rates (such as the slowdown at the Cantabrian coast). In addition, we attempt to reproduce the main results obtained from the GIS analysis by applying reaction–dispersal models to the expansion of the Neolithic transition in the Iberian Peninsula. We conclude that a model with two sources is a reasonable assumption that agrees better with the archaeological data available at present than a model with a single source.     

Modeling Mechanisms of Cultural Diversity and Ethnicity in Hunter–Gatherers

This paper aims to analyze the emergence of ethnicity and cultural differentiation in hunter–gatherer groups, using computer simulation methods. The existence of differences and similarities between populations has long been a major topic of investigation for archaeologists, who have traditionally used material culture as a means to identify different human groups. Today, this approach is perceived as being too simplistic. However, in the absence of satisfactory models, it often continues to be assumed as valid. In this paper, we present a preliminary model and its computer implementation to predict how hunter–gatherer societies interacted and built cultural identities as a consequence of the way they interacted. Our starting point for such analysis assumes the definition of ethnicity as the production and reproduction of group identity among members of a community, resulting from restricted cooperation flows. Results are compared with ongoing ethnoarchaeological research of Patagonian hunter–gatherers.     

Landscape Construction and Long-Term Economic Practices: an Example from the Spanish Mediterranean Uplands Through Rock Art Archaeology

We argue in this paper that Levantine rock art in the Spanish Mediterranean basin allows us to ‘map’ the economic landscape of its makers. Rock art would be the ‘monumental’ side of a dual process of landscape construction: on the one hand, rock art is the first ‘cultural’ action on the landscape beginning in the Early Neolithic; on the other hand, the first evidence of active modification of the Mediterranean vegetation comes from this period. But this evidence as well as other kinds of archaeological remains are still relatively scarce in the uplands; rock art is therefore the most complete type of evidence we can use to support an early use of the Mediterranean upland environment. We use statistical and geographical analysis, together with archaeological, ethnohistorical, and ethnographic sources and pollen data, in order to support the idea of early use and exploitation of the Mediterranean uplands since the Neolithic, and into contemporary times.     

Red calcite: an indicator of paleo‐karst systems associated with bauxitic unconformities

A unique red calcite generation, which fills fractures/cavities, is hosted by Mesozoic carbonates in the Transdanubian Range, Hungary. Solid inclusions are located along growth zones of calcite. Hematite, the most abundant solid inclusion, gives the red colour of it. Outcrop‐scale geometry, mineralogical features and detrital mineral assemblage (hematite, gibbsite, goethite, kaolinite, smectite, illite, Cr‐spinel, monazite, xenotime, zircon, apatite and Ti‐oxide) of calcite precipitates suggest strong correlation between the calcite and nearby karst bauxite deposits. Fluid inclusion petrography and microthermometry (T < 50°C; salinity from 0 to 0.17 NaCl eq. w%) of primary fluid inclusions, and the stable isotope trend of the calcite, following the meteoric water line, clearly indicate vadose and phreatic meteoric origin in a near‐surface karst system. The late Cretaceous to mid‐Eocene unconformity‐related cavity‐filling deposits occur close to the surface; indicating that the most recent Quaternary exhumation re‐exposed those surfaces that existed at the time of calcite mineralization. Thus, red calcite precipitates are interpreted as being speleothems, vestiges of the subterranean part of the pre‐Middle Eocene karst. The infiltrated, fine bauxite particles enclosed by the calcite are the witnesses of the once areally extensive pre‐Middle Eocene bauxitic blanket that became partially eroded by the time of the deposition of the cover beds. Red calcite when found in core samples may provide good evidence on bauxite formation associated with the overlying unconformity, even if it was later removed by erosion. Therefore, presence or absence of red calcite may be used as distinguishing criteria between karst episodes with or without bauxite formation.     

Recognition of post-harvest processing of algarrobo (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Prosopis</Emphasis> spp.) as food from two sites of Northwestern Argentina: an ethnobotanical and experimental approach for desiccated macroremains

Ethnobotanical and experimental approaches were used to: (a) analyse modern Prosopis (algarrobo) food production at the Hualfin valley (Catamarca Province, Argentina) in order to establish food production and processing patterns; and (b) characterise the qualitative and quantitative morphological attributes of the food products and residues that may reach the archaeological record as macrobotanical remains. These approaches were applied to the study of archaeobotanical remains from two archaeological sites from the Argentinean Northwest (Huachichocana and Puente del Diablo). It was concluded that the analysis of Prosopis macrobotanical remains potentially allows the identification of intermediate and final products, by-products and residues of different food/drink preparations. Patay (bread) is the only final product that can be confirmed, but only if the bread itself is recovered. The other algarrobo preparations are jam and beverages and therefore do not leave records. The proportions of fragmented seeds, seeds with fissured testas and endocarps may indicate the production of unrefined and refined flour. Añapa (beverage) and aloja (alcoholic beverage) residues are characterised mainly by a rolling or folding of the epicarp or testa (also by the loosening of the testa). Aloja can be distinguished from añapa only if certain processes, such as the use of hot water and the chewing of the pods, were used, which produced diagnostic characteristics such as thick black patinas on endocarps or heavily twisted fine threads of epicarp fibres. Arrope (syrup) residues are identified by the presence of closed endocarps with thin black patinas and twisted ribbons of epicarp. Flour- and aloja-making were recognised from Huachichocana III contexts and añapa and flour production at Puente del Diablo.     

Being Colombian, Wanting Visa

This author draws attention to the humiliating and unfair burden that is placed on Colombian citizens due to an international condemnation that seems to equate being Colombian with being a criminal. He points to how changes in global alliances have compounded this situation, particularly through the recent imposition of a visa requirement by Spain, in compliance with European Union regulations. He argues that the colonial order is maintained, to a not insignificant degree, by its acceptance by colonized peoples, and points to a growing opposition to the neocolonial order. The deliberately political creation of plural and horizontal bodies, such as WAC, are welcome outcomes of this movement. Contemporary archaeological practice has the potential (and the responsibility) to further that trend through a participatory, open, and pluralistic approach to intercultural relationships. It is up to us all to decide whether we shall bow down to neocolonialism or oppose it.     

Ancient Greek Mercenaries: Facts,Theories and New Perspectives

This article presents an overview of the historiography of Greek mercenaries and the proliferation of the phenomenon during the fourth century BC. It evaluates theoretical approaches to the political, economic and military roles that mercenaries played in Classical Greece during that century. In doing so, it considers the ways that interstate relations between the poleis shaped the development and recruitment of this form of soldier. The article disentangles the mercenary from a rich body of scholarship in economic history, demonstrating that analysis of the roles and functions of this figure can shed light on other dimensions of the Classical period, including international relations. Finally, it signals paths that the study of Greek mercenaries might take in the coming years.     

From Iberia to the Southern Levant: The Movement of Silver Across the Mediterranean in the Early Iron Age

Journal of World Prehistory - The origins of the silver trade across the Mediterranean, and the role of the Phoenicians in this phenomenon, remain contentious. This is partly because of...     

Wave Hindcasting and Anchoring Activities in Ancient Harbours: The Impact of Coastal Dynamics on Ancient Carthago Nova (Cartagena,Spain)

Journal of Maritime Archaeology - This study analyses nautical harbour activities and their spatial distribution using a high-resolution method of wind-wave hindcasting, in order to identify the...