Costa et al. (2020) conducted a study to characterise the environmental context of the Sado late Mesolithic shell middens in southwest Portugal. The researchers employed a multiproxy approach, combining sediment core analysis, organic chemistry, palaeoecology, radiocarbon dating, and palynological analyses to reconstruct the sedimentary environments of the area. The results of the study revealed significant changes in organic matter sources over time within the late Mesolithic shell middens.
The analysis indicated varying contributions from terrestrial plants, freshwater phytoplankton, and marine influences, reflecting shifts in environmental conditions and resource exploitation practices by the ancient inhabitants. These findings offer valuable insights into the subsistence strategies and adaptation of prehistoric communities in response to changing environmental dynamics.
Furthermore, the study shed light on the landscape evolution and sea level rise during the late Mesolithic period, providing a comprehensive understanding of the environmental context in which these shell middens were formed. By integrating multiple analytical techniques, the researchers were able to unravel the complex interactions between human activities and environmental factors in shaping the coastal landscape of southwest Portugal during the late Mesolithic era.
Overall, the study contributes to the broader understanding of human-environment interactions in prehistoric coastal settings and highlights the importance of multidisciplinary approaches in reconstructing past environmental conditions. The findings not only enhance our knowledge of late Mesolithic societies but also underscore the significance of considering environmental contexts in archaeological research to elucidate the complexities of ancient human behaviours and adaptations.
