Necrópolis rupestres y el poblamiento altomedieval en el Alto Arlanza (Burgos)

Abstract

Studies of the settlement of the Upper Arlanza Basin during the Early Middle Ages have been linked almost exclusively to arguments deriving from a vague view of its cave-dwelling necropolis. There is little material evidence for Early Medieval hamlets, which implies strong visibility problems, and consequently the traditional archaeological analyses have mainly considered funerary elements. As a result, the register of peopling and settlements is biased and deficitary. The notable defects of this evidence and the remarkable chronological difficulties are two main issues to be considered in order to define new research strategies for the construction of a high-quality register, which will enable us to delve securely into the genesis of the medieval landscape and, particularly, into population networks.