Cutting down on the grog: the crystallisation of Neolithic ceramic traditions at Cova d’En Pardo (Alicante, Spain) and cultural change in the western Mediterranean basin (mid-6th and 5th millennia cal. BC)

This paper presents the characterisation of 48 ceramic samples from Cova d’En Pardo (Alicante, Spain). Provenance and technology analysis are carried out on materials dated back to different Early Middle Neolithic cultural phases, including pioneer Epicardial levels, poorly known in area. The techniques employed optical petrography scanning electron microscope. Two main fabrics were identified, characterised by heavy presence temper (grog calcite), along with five minor petrographic classes, two imports, one them probably southern Iberia. comparison among occupational phases within site reveals changes stratigraphic series, especially during transition 6th 5th millennia cal. BC, which is reflected choice. Evidence earliest occupation also agrees picture discontinuity previously observed nearby contexts between traditional Cardial technology, might be connected neolithization routes. Firing occurrence microstructure gradients signs fast heating rates.