Towards the periodization of the uses of Can Sadurní Cave (Begues, Catalonia) during the Middle Neolithic I. The contribution of bayesian modelling to radiocarbon dating sequences

Excavations at Can Sadurní Cave since 2012 have uncovered a complex stratigraphy for the Middle Neolithic phase (ca. 4700-4000 cal. BC). This was not in agreement with our expectations from the previous excavation of a trial trench, where only 4 layers (10, 10b,11 and 11b) were uncovered. After excavating a funerary layer with several in situ burials and further deposits containing multiple layers of burnt dung (fumier), the stratigraphy was revised and 5 episodes within layer 11 were detected. It became necessary to find a tool to refine the chronological sequence of these uses, under the premise that it is unlikely that the cave was used as a funerary area and a byre at the same time. Bayesian modelling allowed distinguishing these two phases, establishing an earlier use of the cave for animal herding purposes (ca. 4700-4450 cal. BC) and a funerary use of the cave in a more recent period (ca. 4400-4200 cal. BC).