NUEVAS EVIDENCIAS ARQUEOLÓGICAS DE LA PRESENCIA DE DROMEDARIO, CAMELUS DROMEDARIUS, L., EN EL SUR DE LA PENÍNSULA IBÉRICA: CORTIJO DE LOS ROBLES (JAÉN) Y TORREVIEJA, VILLAMARTÍN (CÁDIZ)

Abstract

Recent archaeological findings of the presence of dromedary, Camelus dromedarius L., in the south of the Iberian Peninsula during the Roman and Muslim periods as well as state of affairs on the findings of this species peninsular level are presented in this paper. We also discuss the use of camel bones as anvils for sharpening serrated metal sickles, since one of the new findings presented this feature. The introduction of these animals by the Romans can be framed chronologically in low-imperial era, in common with other European sites where their presence has been found. For its part, the skeletal remains of camel correspond to oldest medieval Caliphate. In both seasons his primary function was as animals to transport and pack. The measures provided by the bone material suggests the presence of castrated animals in both periods analyzed.