Comment to García-Vadillo et al. (2026) on the first Large Flake Acheulean in Europe at Revilleja de Valparaíso site
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: This paper critiques the proposal by García-Vadillo et al. (2026) regarding the site of Revilleja de Valparaíso (Burgos, Spain), which suggests an MIS 17 (∼700 ka) chronology for the earliest Large Flake Acheulean (LFA) in the Iberian Peninsula. The study in question exhibits poor stratigraphic characterisation, unresolved geochronological anomalies, and a clear overinterpretation of the stone tool assemblage. From a geomorphological perspective, the cosmogenic nuclide and electron spin resonance (ESR) age estimates are incompatible with the elevation of the Arlanza River terrace (+29-30 m), which regionally correlates with MIS 10-11. Furthermore, the recovered stone tool assemblage has an uncertain stratigraphic provenance. Most of it derives from a surficial unit situated well above the dated level. This assemblage is also extremely scarce and scattered within a high-energy tractive fluvial deposit, precluding robust statistical analysis. Indeed, the only artefacts most securely associated with the dated lower gravel unit are non-diagnostic flakes and cores. Consequently, the archaeological record of Revilleja does not support the presence of the LFA during the early Middle Pleistocene of the Iberian Peninsula and the earliest well-documented appearance of this technocomplex remains firmly situated in late MIS 12.
Source: Quaternary Science Reviews
Language: English
Subfield: Anthropology
Field: Social Sciences
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $3,920
Award: G9001167115
OpenAlex ID: W7215126109