Economy and subsistence in the Early Neolithic site of Carrascal (Oeiras, Portugal)

Early Neolithic settlements in southwestern Iberia are rare and, so far, only a few faunal assemblages, mostly from Portuguese Estremadura, have been analysed. The zooarchae- ological studies suggest that animal husbandry was introduced to the area by marine settlers originating Mediterranean and domesticated herding, particularly sheep, of outmost importance human communities. Located lower Carrascal is an open-air site, featuring several dwelling structures, diversified set artefacts, well-established chronology for its occupation (cal BC). It also yielded assemblage considerable size variability, which includes vertebrates (mammals fishes) invertebrates (molluscs). present study, focuses on vertebrate materials, shows during community inhabited practiced subsistence activities prevalent. There abundance caprines (mainly sheep) swine, followed cattle. age at death data suggests mixed exploitation system, with swine being killed younger (presumably meat), while cattle slaughtered after reaching adulthood (perhaps milk production) show pattern. This study reinforces idea that, communities living hunting less prevailing activity (au- rochs perhaps, wild boar were identified, but red deer absent Carrascal) when compared groups lived central Estremadura Limestone Massif, situation may be due different ecosystems demography.