The “Neanderthal Valley” Archaeological Park (Calvero de la Higuera, Pinilla del Valle, Madrid)

Abstract

The Calvero de la Higuera sites in Pinilla del Valle (Madrid) are a reference to understand the way of life, relationship with the environment and symbolic capacity of the groups of Neanderthals that inhabited Central Iberia territory during the Late Pleistocene. In addition, the archaeological works that have been carried out in this enclave, especially since 2002, have allowed the reconstruction of the environment (flora, fauna, vegetal landscapes, climate) of the mountainous region of the High Valley of the Lozoya River in the Madrid Sierra. The existence on the hill of 5 archaeological deposits with different occupation models makes this place unique because it allows us to explain in a single point a whole series of aspects that can normally only be found dispersed. The dissemination of the discoveries, as well as the special characteristics of the Homo neanderthalensis species, has been, from the beginning, a priority point for the Project. Thus, in 2015 the Neanderthal Valley Archaeological Park was inaugurated and the Project for the construction of the Interpretation Centre of the sites is already in place. The continuation of the excavations together with the intensification of the informative work will make Pinilla del Valle a reference point for the cultural offer in the valley.