Elephants in the archaeological sites of Aridos (Jarama valley, Madrid, Spain).

Abstract

Aridos 1 and Aridos 2 are archaeological sites of similar age in the Arganda I Formation, in the Jarama river valley (Madrid). Aridos 1- in primary context within low energy floodplain deposits - presents the disarticulated remains of an adult, female specimen of Elephas antiquus, in association with Acheulean lithic artefacts. Aridos 2 yielded part of an Elephas antiquus skeleton corresponding to an adult male also associated with Acheulean stone artefacts. The remains in Aridos 2 lie on the consolidated surface of a flood-plain and were covered by river channel deposits that have partially eroded the site. Based on the Aridos 1 microfauna, these sites can be dated to isotope stages 9 or 11, with climatic conditions similar to the present.