Latest news with #Pyrenean
Yahoo
27-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Earliest Known Whale Bone Tools Discovered in Europe's Museum Collections
As far back as 20,000 years ago, humans living around the Bay of Biscay were crafting a variety of whale bones into tools, new research has revealed. A careful study of artifacts that have spent years tucked away in museum collections across Europe shows that the Magdalenian culture not only worked and used the bones of our planet's largest living beasts, they did so from a range of species, long before they were capable of actively hunting them. This discovery not only gives is crucial insight into the Magdalenians, but also reveals information about the changing ecology of the Bay of Biscay, off the coast of France and Spain. "I am an archaeologist more accustomed to terrestrial faunas. I am used to excavating cave sites in the foothills of the Pyrenees, and I work on the Magdalenian period which yielded a well-known cave art showing mostly ungulates (horse, bison, cervids, etc.)," University of Toulouse-Jean Jaurès archaeologist and senior author Jean-Marc Pétillon told ScienceAlert. "The most exciting thing for me is to shed light on how much the sea, and the sea animals, might also have been important for the people at that time." The Magdalenian culture occupied coastal and inland regions of western Europe flourished some 19,000 to 14,000 years ago as the world was reaching the end of the last glacial period. They left behind a relatively rich archaeological record, but with limitations. Ancient coastal habitats are particularly prone to the ravages of time and the ocean, and most of the record of the use of coastal resources comes from inland, where artifacts had been transported. It's from these inland sites that archaeolologists excavated the Magdalenian artifacts: "more than 150 tools and projectile heads made of whale bone presumably of Atlantic origin, mostly found scattered from Asturias to the central part of the northern Pyrenean range," writes a team led by Krista McGrath of the Autonomous University of Barcelona and Laura G. van der Sluis of the University of Vienna. Hunting and seafaring techniques to prey on whales would not emerge until thousands of years later, so the bones would have been gleaned opportunistically from whales stranding themselves on the seashore. The Magdalenians then used the foraged material to craft tools – mostly projectile points, Pétillon explained. "The main raw material used to manufacture the points at that period is antler (from reindeer or red deer), because it is less brittle and more pliable than land mammal bone," he said. "The fact that some points are made of whale bone shows that this material was preferred over antler in certain cases. It is probably because of its large dimensions: some of our whale bone points were more than 40 centimeters [16 inches] long, which is difficult to get with antler." To learn more about the timing and use of whale bone as a material, the researchers turned to two relatively modern techniques: a paleoproteomics method that analyzes collagen peptides in ancient samples to identify species; and micro-carbon dating, which is a variation of radiocarbon dating that requires less material. By carefully using these techniques on their samples, the researchers dated the bone tools to between 16,000 and 20,000 years ago. At least five different species of large whales contributed their bones to Magdalenian technology – which tells us about the ecology of the region during the last glacial period. "Our study shows that there was a large diversity of whale species in the Gulf of Biscay, northeastern North Atlantic, at that period. Most of the species we identified (sperm whale, blue whale, fin whale) are present in the North Atlantic today; in this perspective, their presence is not surprising," Pétillon said. "What was more surprising to me – as an archaeologist more accustomed to terrestrial faunas – was that these whale species remained the same despite the great environmental difference between the Late Pleistocene and today. In the same period, continental faunas are very different: the ungulates hunted include reindeer, saiga antelopes, bison, etc., all disappeared from Western Europe today." Interestingly, analysis of carbon and nitrogen isotopes absorbed from the environment as the animals fed show that these whales had a slightly different diet from those of the same species that are around today. It's impossible to determine what exactly this means – perhaps migration patterns were different, or food availability – but it does show a level of adaptability to changing circumstances, whatever those were. The presence of the whales in the Bay of Biscay would have been a draw for the Magdalenian culture, the researchers believe, offering a resource opportunity too good to pass up. Although whale strandings may not have been a frequent occurrence, they would have contributed to the list of benefits coastal living would have had to offer, playing a role in human mobility patterns in the region. It's a fascinating, multi-layered result that underscores the value of revisiting previously collected objects and seeing what new information we can discover with new techniques. "Even old collections, excavated more than one century ago with field methods now outdated, and stored in museums for a long time, can bring new scientific information when approached with the right analytical tools," Pétillon said. The research has been published in Nature Communications. Are Dogs Replacing Babies in Countries With Declining Birth Rates? Underwater Fossils Surface to Reveal a Lost World of Archaic Humans Scientists Discovered a Hidden Clue Why Men Are Taller Than Women
Yahoo
07-05-2025
- Yahoo
Homo sapiens regularly crossed the Pyrenees during the Ice Age – here's what they took with them
Yahoo is using AI to generate takeaways from this article. This means the info may not always match what's in the article. Reporting mistakes helps us improve the experience. Yahoo is using AI to generate takeaways from this article. This means the info may not always match what's in the article. Reporting mistakes helps us improve the experience. Yahoo is using AI to generate takeaways from this article. This means the info may not always match what's in the article. Reporting mistakes helps us improve the experience. Generate Key Takeaways A fine mist accompanies the clan as the sun rises and they begin their journey. There are 12 people in total, some of them adults, some children, and others so small that they have to travel on the backs of the women. This is one of the human groups that frequented the Pyrenean Mountains during the period known as the Last Glacial Maximum, or Ice Age. These Homo sapiens – nomadic hunter-gatherers who populated Western Europe between 11,000 and 35,000 years ago – carry with them a leather rucksack containing objects of value: mostly flint cores and flakes that they will use on the journey as hunting tools, or as ornaments. These are pieces of their homeland. By mid-morning, the group arrives at their destination for the next few days: the wide Pyrenean valley of Cerdanya, one of the enclaves that, generation after generation, has served as both a refuge and meeting place. Today this place is known as Montlleó: an open-air Magdalenian archaeological site located high in the Catalan Pyrenees. At around 1,144 metres above sea level, in the Coll de Saig, it is one of the most favourable mountain passes for crossing the Pyrenees. Even during the Ice Age, when glaciers covered much of the landscape, Cerdanya was still passable. Leer más: The first Europeans reached Ukraine 1.4 million years ago – new research They will spend a few days there, perhaps hunt a horse or a goat and meet neighbouring communities, who have come from both sides of the mountain range and have the same cultural tradition. At these meetings they share experiences, but also exchange ideas, objects and materials. Some groups come from the coast, bringing with them an abundance of perforated sea shells which adorn their necks and clothing. Others bring small, high-quality flints that they exchange for resources such as deer or reindeer antlers. On the first night, they show the projectiles they have made. These objects all have the same purpose: to wound an animal until it dies and becomes food for the group. However, each object is characteristic of its community, made with different varieties of flint and in a particular shape. They are, in a way, a distinctive element of each clan, similar to the tradition shared by the different communities that frequent the Pyrenees. CC BY At the Montlleó site, we identified five distinct tool-making technological traditions. Sciencedirect Mapping prehistoric movments The archaeological research carried out in recent decades has allowed us to travel back in time in order to complete, little by little, the puzzle that is the study of prehistory. Archaeological work in the Pyrenees has shown that human populations adapted to changes in the mountain environment, and settled in areas that had initially been considered permafrost: permanently frozen ground during the Last Glacial Maximum. To find out how and where these groups moved in the Pyrenees, we can study the valuable tools and ornaments that they carried with them from their place of origin. The lithic industry discovered at Montlleó is made up of more than 25,000 pieces, of which more than 2,000 are finished flint tools and cores (masses of homogeneous rock that are carved to extract flakes for later use). We have a good number of objects to trace. Our research project – named SPEGEOCHERT and funded by the European Research Council (ERC) – traces the routes followed by human groups to cross the Pyrenees. Today we know that the mountains were not a barrier, but rather a passage frequented by the Homo sapiens of the Upper Palaeolithic. Among the project's many surprises, three specimens of possible flint from Chalosse have been tentatively identified. They are from the south-west of present-day France and represent, for the time being, the most distant source. Leer más: Western Europe's oldest human face discovered in Spain Favourite flints In order to map out these potential routes, we relied on a very abundant resource in the archaeological record: tools made of flint, one of the most widely used rocks in prehistoric times. Flint's characteristics are specific to the place and time of its formation in the earth's geology. This allows us to know, after detailed study, the origin of the pieces we find in the archaeological record. Our team is working to locate and recover samples of geological formations containing flints similar to those found in prehistoric sites. In our research, we are seeing that not all flints have the same territorial extension. In other words, it seems that there were 'favourite' flints that circulated more than others. CC BY Geological formations containing flint similar to that found at the Montlleó archaeological site. The study allows us to know their routes. Sciencedirect For our research we selected these preferred types of flint as tracers or markers. By observing their distribution radius, we were able to track the mobility of the groups that carried them. This included small cores prepared for carving, some crude tools such as blades and flakes, and also finished tools which were ready to be used. We analysed, at various scales, the archaeological flints recovered from more than 20 sites located on both sides of the Pyrenees mountain range, together with reference samples recovered from other geological formations. Geochemical analysis then allowed us to establish a match between the archaeological piece and the source area. Lastly, we applied geographic information systems, which take into account different variables such as topography and even the prevailing climatic conditions. With all this we suggest the routes that these populations may have followed to acquire flint, which, in short, allows us to know where they moved and what relationship they had with the mountain areas. It is now recognised that at least two main natural corridors for crossing the Pyrenees were frequented by prehistoric human groups: the 'Basque Crossroads' in the west and the Cerdanya valley in the east. What this tells us is that human presence in high-altitude open areas during the Ice Age was not just a possibility, but a reality. Este artículo fue publicado originalmente en The Conversation, un sitio de noticias sin fines de lucro dedicado a compartir ideas de expertos académicos. Lee mas: In addition to her position at the University of Barcelona, Marta Sánchez de la Torre is a researcher at the Seminari d'Estudis i Recerques Prehistòriques (SERP). She receives funding from the European Research Council (ERC) through the Starting Grant (ERC-2022-StG-101075451). Archaeological work at the Montlleó site have received funding through the Generalitat de Catalunya, project CLT009-22-000076.
Daily Mirror
04-05-2025
- Daily Mirror
Tiny UK seaside village with once thriving harbour now a hidden gem
The small hamlet of Porthgain offers tourists a wonderful holiday destination off the beaten track with cultural touchstones and some amazingly fresh fish and chips A tiny seaside village with a once-thriving harbour is now a hidden gem that offers the perfect holiday destination for visitors. Hugging the Pembrokeshire coastline is the coastal hamlet of Porthgain, a once-thriving harbour village that is now considered a hidden gem that has plenty to offer visitors despite its smaller size. Tucked into a small valley that faces the Irish Sea, Porthgain is protected by a rugged coastline. As its time as a harbour faded over time, new industries and attractions have emerged to keep a steady influx of tourists visiting the area. Today visitors to the small hamlet can enjoy the local Harbour Lights Galley which vows to bring "the best of Welsh art" to the area. "There is a wonderful mixture of styles and mediums available from some of the best artists Wales has to offer," Welsh Slate Water Features said on its website. "Interestingly the Gallery is located in what was once the manager's office for Porthgain brickworks." Pembrokshire local Alun Davies has also opened his own gallery in the village that features his own artwork. "His love of Pembrokeshire is evident in his beautiful landscape paintings which capture the essence of the Welsh coastline and countryside," the website added. "Alun's beautiful Pyrenean mountain dog Sion is a local celebrity and a visit to Porthgain wouldn't be complete with giving Sion a fuss." After taking in the scenic beauty of the area, visitors can tuck into Fish and Chips from the Shed Bistro that offers fresh local fish caught that day and cooked just yards away from the sea. Though, make sure you are keeping an eye out for seagulls. The history of Porthgain stretches through the centuries, according to the website and offers a treasure trove of cultural touchstones for people curious to know more about that region of Wales. The website said: "In the early 1900s the harbour was extended to allow more and bigger ships in for loading and the Ty Mawr brickworks were built to manufacture bricks out of waste material from the quarry. "This included a continuously burning Hoffman Kiln for burning the bricks. Production shifted from 1912 to 1931 into crushed road stone, and this was used for road surfaces all over the UK. The crushed dolerite stone is a similar material to the bluestones found at Stonehenge. Mining and industrial works in general ceased at the location in the 1930s." Those wanting to visit Porthgain can make their way from both St David and nearby Fishuard. A shuttle bus that operates with hikers is also available for those wanting to make their way to the hamlet. Those able to drive out to the village can also make use of free parking in the centre of the hamlet.
Yahoo
18-03-2025
- Yahoo
This lesser-known region of Catalonia should top your spring travel list
Curled into Catalonia's western edge, the province of Lleida stretches from the sunny olive-growing plains of Garrigues to the snow-dusted heights of the Pyrenees on the Spain-France border. It might not draw the crowds of Barcelona or the Costas, but those that do explore this sprawling inland region will find startlingly blue lakes, dense pine forests and 9,000ft-plus peaks, punctuated by rolling vineyards and villages built from honey-coloured stone. Much of Lleida's appeal lies in its active-tourism offerings, whether you fancy hitting the quiet hiking trails in Catalonia's sole national park, whitewater-rafting down the Noguera Pallaresa river, skiing some of Spain's finest slopes in Baqueira Beret or tackling rock-climbing routes across the region. Lleida's cultural highlights, meanwhile, include the UNESCO-listed Catalan Romanesque architecture of the remote Vall de Boí and a thriving regional food-and-drink scene. Whether you're seeking history, activity or gastronomy, here's how to explore the area this spring. The most rewarding way to savour Lleida's natural drama is by diving into the Parc Nacional d'Aigüestortes i Estany de Sant Maurici, Catalonia's only national park, which sprawls across 54sq miles of spectacular, elevated Pyrenean terrain. Here, some of the best hiking paths in the country — including a full-day route traversing the entire park from east to west — weave past cascading waterfalls, fir-forested slopes and hundreds of high-altitude lakes. More low-key trails are available for gentler hikers, such as that above Sant Maurici lake, where unspoilt mountain scenery is reflected in the glassy waters. Along the way you might spot golden eagles and griffon vultures swooping high above. A crop of Alpine-feel villages dotted around the national park's fringes — including Espot and Boí — make tempting bases for exploration. More high-altitude activities await in the 170,000-acre Parc Natural de l'Alt Pirineu, the largest protected area in Catalonia, which borders both France and Andorra. Thrills here range from the classic challenge of summiting Catalonia's highest peak, the 10,300ft Pica d'Estats, to going stargazing in the wild or learning to make cheese at local farms. Further east, head to the Parc Natural del Cadí-Moixeró, best known for its challenging walking and rock-climbing routes. This pocket of the Pyrenees' foothills is brimming with wildlife — keep an eye out for chamois, bearded vultures and golden eagles — and makes a great road-tripping destination. Both natural parks have been awarded the European Charter for Sustainable Tourism in Protected Areas by the Europarc Federation, recognising local efforts to support low-impact development that prioritises conservation. And in 2024, the entire province of Lleida was named a Biosphere Gold Destination by the Responsible Tourism Institute, highlighting its strong ongoing commitment to developing tourism with a responsible focus. Peaks and parks aside, the region is also home to Spain's most important examples of Catalan Romanesque architecture, most notably the elegant churches scattered across the serene Vall de Boí. Built mostly between the 11th and 14th centuries, with distinctively narrow bell towers and astonishingly intricate frescoes (some of which now hang in Barcelona's Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya), they're a joint UNESCO World Heritage Site. Other Catalan Romanesque jewels include the 12th-century cathedral in the medieval heart of La Seu d'Urgell and the Romanesque cathedral perched above the provincial capital city of Lleida. This cathedral dates back to the early 13th century and is part of the striking monumental complex of Turó de la Seu Vella, where visitors can enjoy sweeping views across the city and its surrounding cereal and fruit fields. Lleida's rich regional gastronomy is packed with from-the-doorstep ingredients, which means you'll be feasting on local specialities like in-season mushrooms and cargols a la llauna (one of several beloved snail dishes). Superb local wines are also a key part of any meal, ideally from Lleida's Costers del Segre DO, which has made a name for itself over the last few years thanks to a variety of powerful reds and whites made from vines spread along the Segre River's basin. Olive oil is also a Lleida staple, with those from the DOP Les Garrigues gaining worldwide recognition for their high quality and distinctly fruity tastes. This year, the wider area of Catalonia was named 2025 World Region of Gastronomy, a culinary prestige that is well reflected in the many fine-dining restaurants in Lleida — including three Michelin-starred spots. Choose La Boscana in Bellvís for artistic dishes in sleek modern surroundings — don't miss two of the region's favourite ingredients in the pork and apple tartlet. Or make for family-run Malena in Gimenells for a modern twist on traditional grilled dishes such as Xisqueta lamb cooked with cinnamon and pepper. Further northeast, in the small town of Sort, Fogony has a menu that's centred around seasonal vegetables and locally sourced meats. April to November is typically the best time for hiking and other warm-weather adventures in Lleida's vast natural spaces, with autumn colours bursting into action across the region from mid-September. Winter sees the area's ski resorts swing into gear from December to March. Those visiting the region in June should be sure to catch the tradition of the Falles del Pirineu. These torchlight descents — named an Intangible Cultural Heritage by UNESCO — take place in villages across the Pyrenees on the Night of Sant Joan to celebrate the summer solstice and the triumph of light over darkness. This paid content article was created for Ara Lleida as part of a joint initiative with the Catalan Tourist Board. It does not necessarily reflect the views of National Geographic, National Geographic Traveller (UK) or their editorial subscribe to National Geographic Traveller (UK) magazine click here. (Available in select countries only).
National Geographic
18-03-2025
- National Geographic
Here's why the lesser-known Catalan region of Lleida should be on your radar
Curled into Catalonia's western edge, the province of Lleida stretches from the sunny olive-growing plains of Garrigues to the snow-dusted heights of the Pyrenees on the Spain-France border. It might not draw the crowds of Barcelona or the Costas, but those that do explore this sprawling inland region will find startlingly blue lakes, dense pine forests and 9,000ft-plus peaks, punctuated by rolling vineyards and villages built from honey-coloured stone. Much of Lleida's appeal lies in its active-tourism offerings, whether you fancy hitting the quiet hiking trails in Catalonia's sole national park, whitewater-rafting down the Noguera Pallaresa river, skiing some of Spain's finest slopes in Baqueira Beret or tackling rock-climbing routes across the region. Lleida's cultural highlights, meanwhile, include the UNESCO-listed Catalan Romanesque architecture of the remote Vall de Boí and a thriving regional food-and-drink scene. Whether you're seeking history, activity or gastronomy, here's how to explore the area this spring. What to see and do The most rewarding way to savour Lleida's natural drama is by diving into the Parc Nacional d'Aigüestortes i Estany de Sant Maurici, Catalonia's only national park, which sprawls across 54sq miles of spectacular, elevated Pyrenean terrain. Here, some of the best hiking paths in the country — including a full-day route traversing the entire park from east to west — weave past cascading waterfalls, fir-forested slopes and hundreds of high-altitude lakes. More low-key trails are available for gentler hikers, such as that above Sant Maurici lake, where unspoilt mountain scenery is reflected in the glassy waters. Along the way you might spot golden eagles and griffon vultures swooping high above. A crop of Alpine-feel villages dotted around the national park's fringes — including Espot and Boí — make tempting bases for exploration. Cycling the trails of Lleida in springtime allows visitors to experience some of the region's most colourful corners, such as the peach blossom fields of Aitona. Photograph by the Lleida Tourism Board More high-altitude activities await in the 170,000-acre Parc Natural de l'Alt Pirineu, the largest protected area in Catalonia, which borders both France and Andorra. Thrills here range from the classic challenge of summiting Catalonia's highest peak, the 10,300ft Pica d'Estats, to going stargazing in the wild or learning to make cheese at local farms. Further east, head to the Parc Natural del Cadí-Moixeró, best known for its challenging walking and rock-climbing routes. This pocket of the Pyrenees' foothills is brimming with wildlife — keep an eye out for chamois, bearded vultures and golden eagles — and makes a great road-tripping destination. Both natural parks have been awarded the European Charter for Sustainable Tourism in Protected Areas by the Europarc Federation, recognising local efforts to support low-impact development that prioritises conservation. And in 2024, the entire province of Lleida was named a Biosphere Gold Destination by the Responsible Tourism Institute, highlighting its strong ongoing commitment to developing tourism with a responsible focus. Peaks and parks aside, the region is also home to Spain's most important examples of Catalan Romanesque architecture, most notably the elegant churches scattered across the serene Vall de Boí. Built mostly between the 11th and 14th centuries, with distinctively narrow bell towers and astonishingly intricate frescoes (some of which now hang in Barcelona's Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya), they're a joint UNESCO World Heritage Site. Other Catalan Romanesque jewels include the 12th-century cathedral in the medieval heart of La Seu d'Urgell and the Romanesque cathedral perched above the provincial capital city of Lleida. This cathedral dates back to the early 13th century and is part of the striking monumental complex of Turó de la Seu Vella, where visitors can enjoy sweeping views across the city and its surrounding cereal and fruit fields. White-wafter rafting is just one of the ways that visitors can experience the natural beauty of Lleida. Photograph by Oriol Clavera What to eat Lleida's rich regional gastronomy is packed with from-the-doorstep ingredients, which means you'll be feasting on local specialities like in-season mushrooms and cargols a la llauna (one of several beloved snail dishes). Superb local wines are also a key part of any meal, ideally from Lleida's Costers del Segre DO, which has made a name for itself over the last few years thanks to a variety of powerful reds and whites made from vines spread along the Segre River's basin. Olive oil is also a Lleida staple, with those from the DOP Les Garrigues gaining worldwide recognition for their high quality and distinctly fruity tastes. This year, the wider area of Catalonia was named 2025 World Region of Gastronomy, a culinary prestige that is well reflected in the many fine-dining restaurants in Lleida — including three Michelin-starred spots. Choose La Boscana in Bellvís for artistic dishes in sleek modern surroundings — don't miss two of the region's favourite ingredients in the pork and apple tartlet. Or make for family-run Malena in Gimenells for a modern twist on traditional grilled dishes such as Xisqueta lamb cooked with cinnamon and pepper. Further northeast, in the small town of Sort, Fogony has a menu that's centred around seasonal vegetables and locally sourced meats. When to go April to November is typically the best time for hiking and other warm-weather adventures in Lleida's vast natural spaces, with autumn colours bursting into action across the region from mid-September. Winter sees the area's ski resorts swing into gear from December to March. Those visiting the region in June should be sure to catch the tradition of the Falles del Pirineu. These torchlight descents — named an Intangible Cultural Heritage by UNESCO — take place in villages across the Pyrenees on the Night of Sant Joan to celebrate the summer solstice and the triumph of light over darkness. Fly to Barcelona Airport from destinations across the UK. From there, it's a two-and-a-half- to three-hour drive to northern Lleida's Pyrenees or two hours to Lleida city. Reus airport, with seasonal flights to and from the UK, is also convenient. The best way to get around is by hiring a car, especially for heading into the Pyrenees. With advance planning, it's also possible to explore some areas (such as the Val d'Aran) by bus. For more information, visit This paid content article was created for Ara Lleida as part of a joint initiative with the Catalan Tourist Board. It does not necessarily reflect the views of National Geographic, National Geographic Traveller (UK) or their editorial staffs. To subscribe to National Geographic Traveller (UK) magazine click here. (Available in select countries only).
