Radiocarbon dating contexts, stratigraphy and chronological phases of the Bronze and Iron Ages archaeological site of s'Illa des Porros (Santa Margalida, Mallorca, Balearic Islands)

Abstract

The site of s'Illa des Porros was excavated at the end of the fifties and during the sixties and also at the second half of the nineties. The islet delivered evidences of use during two periods: the oldest, with a non-funerary character, during the Late Bronze Age and the Early Iron Age and the youngest, a cemetery of the Late Iron Age. The earliest remains (some badly damaged structures, pottery and animal bones) are profusely discussed and illustrated as the site had a key role in the interpretations of a long distance overseas trade. The latest period encompasses successive structures, rituals and stages: the more ancient tombs are similar to the ones found during the second phase of the nearby cemetery of Son Real, they were followed by an infant necropolis composed of pits and urns, a collective funerary chamber and later by two more chambers, where inhumations, cremations with lime and purifications occurred. At the same time outside these chambers some individuals were buried in simple or at some extend conditioned pits. A latest phase of interments also existed inside chambers during the Early Roman Empire. It has to be underlined the novelty of the earlier phase of microstructures and the child cemetery, which provides the oldest dates for Mallorca. Radiocarbon dating has allowed to confirm the previously proposed chronology based on archaeological artefacts and the recorded stratigraphy