Huerto Raso Neolithic Farm Life Discovery

New excavations reveal ancient farming life in pre Pyrenean Spain region

Archaeologists have made major discoveries at the Huerto Raso shelter that give new insight into the lives of early farming communities who lived more than 7,000 years ago. The site is located in northern Spain and was recently studied through its first large-scale excavation campaign. 

The research was led by teams from the Autonomous University of Barcelona and the University of Zaragoza. Earlier studies had confirmed that Huerto Raso was used during the early Neolithic period. However, until now, only small surveys had been completed. This new excavation allowed scientists to carefully study the full area for the first time. 

“The site of Huerto Raso is a window to the past that allows us to better understand the development of human societies during the ancient Neolithic in the pre-Pyrenean area,” said Alejandro Sierra, researcher at the UAB.  

During the dig, researchers found stone tools made of flint, pieces of pottery, grinding stones, and remains of simple living structures. These items show that early farming groups stayed at the site during certain seasons. The discovery of hearth areas and work spaces indicates that daily activities such as cooking, food preparation, and tool making were carried out here. 

Animal bone remains were also recovered. Studies show that hunted animals were more common than domesticated ones, suggesting that hunting was still an important food source. Plant remains were also found, proving that early crops were used to support diets. These findings show that people combined farming with hunting to survive. 

The site is located inside a protected cultural park that includes many rock art locations recognized as World Heritage. This makes Huerto Raso important not only for science but also for regional cultural history. 

Local organizations and university students helped with the excavation. This collaboration allowed the research to be completed successfully while giving students hands-on learning opportunities. 

Researchers will now study the recovered items using carbon dating and food residue testing. These studies will help determine what foods were eaten, how tools were used, and how early farmers managed their land. 

These discoveries help build a clearer picture of how early agricultural communities lived, worked, and adapted to their environment. Huerto Raso now stands as a key site for understanding the roots of farming and rural life. 

Photo Credit: istock-alenamozhjer