Neolithic flint quarries on Montvell (Catalan Pre-Pyrenees, NE Iberia)

Abstract

The recently excavated flint quarries at Montvell (Castelló de Farfanya, NE Spain) constitute the first example of a specialized flint quarrying site in north-eastern Iberia. Quarries were opened in Oligocene limestone and marly limestone strata in the western sector of Castelltallat Fm deposits, in the Serra Llarga range. These strata contain nodular brown flint nodules outcropping profusely in the area of Montvell. Evidence of quarrying was located in steps up the hill slopes and this had been carried out by removing the layers containing the largest flint nodules. Flint quarrying was easy as the worked beds outcrop vertically and are quite accessible. This geological and topographical framework allowed the opening of successive quarry faces without it being necessary to remove huge quantities of debris. Castelltallat flint was widely exploited as a raw material by prehistoric populations in north-eastem Iberia, as their products were distributed along a regional framework. Despite the preliminary character of the results and the fact that there is still insufficient evidence to date quarrying activities accurately, there are reasons supporting a Neolithic chronology.