Magnetic prospection at Aistra (Álava) and Peña Amaya (Burgos): Towards a new diagnostic paradigm for early mediaeval Iberia

This article discusses the application and implications of magnetic prospection within two complex early mediaeval sites 5th–10th centuries BCE in northern Spain, at Aistra Peña Amaya Upper Ebro Valley. In this period most displaying domestic other forms occupation present multifaceted challenging problems due to poor preservation stratigraphic relationships rural contexts rarity visibility horizons multi-period urban sites. It is now widely acknowledged that extensive prospection, both areas abandoned townscapes, can on a variety facilitate identification settlements, productive monumental structures as well patterns former roads, trackways field boundaries. The described here were selected test approach particular environment Valley draw any resulting conclusions about settlement area.