Iron Age combustion structures in the north-eastern Iberian Peninsula: an interdisciplinary experimental study

Abstract The aim of this research is to investigate the efficiency combustion structures, fuels used, structure maintenance and range related domestic activities. An experimental programme was carried out in which replicas archaeological Iron Age structures were put work. Based on available archaeobotanical records, various fuel types (wood, grasses, palm leaves animal dung) used. Variables such as increased heating times measured order determine whether variations occurred depending type structure, location, or weather conditions. possibility their use for cooking also tested. A combination methodologies applied integrated analyses: anthracology, phytoliths, calcitic microfossils, Fourier transform infrared spectrometry, micromorphology chemical analysis hearth surfaces. Observations data recorded during tasks, together with results interdisciplinary analyses, contribute a better understanding structures.