The spatial distribution of lithic artefacts from Rôdo SU003: a testimony of repeated occupation periods throughout the Tardiglaciar?

Abstract

Rôdo is an open‑air archaeological site located in the Vouga River Valley. It was identified and excavated in 2014 in the scope of the Ribeiradio‑Ermida Hydroelectric project. The corresponding geoarchaeological, paleobotanical and lithic studies have already been published. The typo‑technological characteristics of the lithic industry suggest that Rôdo was not a specialized site, but one used in ephemeral, repeated occupation manner. A spatial analysis of the artefacts retrieved from stratigraphic unit SU003 was performed to test these hypotheses, using GIS and statistical methods. The resulting Kernel density maps show the distribution of different types of raw materials and is indeed consistent with recurrent use of the place through the Tardiglacial.