Landscape and firewood procurement at the prehistoric and protohistoric site of Ses Païsses (island of Mallorca, Western Mediterranean)

In this article we present the anthracological study of the settlement of Ses Païsses, located in north-eastern Mallorca (Balearic Islands, Western Mediterranean). A total of 25 charcoal samples have been analysed, corresponding to both concentrated (hearth and oven content) and dispersed charcoal fragments. The samples come from four different buildings of the settlement, each one showing different phases of occupation. The site presents a long sequence of occupation (from c.1212-1005 cal BC to the 1st century cal AD), expanding from the last centuries of the Bronze Age (Naviform), through the Early (Talayotic) and Late (Post-Talayotic) Iron Age up to the beginning of Roman occupation of the island. During this time span, different plant formations are identified in the anthracological record, forming the characteristic mosaic-like Mediterranean landscape. The diachronic trends observed in the anthracological record do not indicate any notable changes or substitutions of vegetation types. Most likely, any variations point to the reformulation of landscape practices related to the procurement and consumption of forest resources. In this regard, two main uses of wood have been identified: firewood and construction timber.