The archaeological area of Calvero de la Higuera in Pinilla del Valle (Spain) is one of the best European examples demonstrating the significance of taphonomy in resolving various archaeological issues. In these karstic sites, which span from the Middle Pleistocene to the Holocene, taphonomic studies have identified hyena dens with sporadic Neanderthal presence, water-reworked assemblages, a short-term Neanderthal hunting camp, and the only known Neanderthal faunal accumulation that is entirely symbolic rather than subsistence-related.

In this talk, we will delve into which taphonomic variables are most relevant in archaeological contexts and how they influence the interpretation of the assemblages from Pinilla del Valle sites.