The exploitation of forest resources in mountain areas during the Neolithic in the northeast of the Iberian Peninsula

The aim of this work is to analyze the variability in the use of firewood in mountain areas in northeast Iberian Peninsula. The data obtained from the charcoal analyses in Cova del Sardo (4550-2500 cal. BC) is compared with other sites located in the south side of the Pyrenees and Prepyrenees. Differences in altitude and latitude explain the main differences in the consumptions of firewood: in middle and high altitudes Pinus sylvestris-nigra type is dominant; whereas, Quercus sp. deciduous and Buxus sempevirens are the most important taxa at low altitudes