event · evt_iberia1_motilla_decline_abandonment
Decline and abandonment of many motilla settlements
Many motilla occupations end during the middle of the second millennium BCE, although exact site chronologies and post-abandonment land use differ.
What is the evidence?
observation
Many motilla occupations end during the middle of the second millennium BCE, although exact site chronologies and post-abandonment land use differ.Review and provenance
Specialist reviewer: not recorded. Review date: not recorded.
Dataset workflow: proposed. This is separate from specialist review.
Confidence describes the stated assessment; it does not certify expert approval. How review works.
Chronology
Dating intervals may describe uncertainty or phases; their width alone does not establish event duration.
1500 BCE–1300 BCE
Precision: range
moderatePreferred display range for this release. It preserves BCE ordering and does not suppress narrower samples, phase dates or alternatives listed separately.
- supports · proposes interpretation
The Culture of the Motillas in La Mancha: witness to the 4.2 ka cal BP Climate Event — M. Mejías Moreno, L. Benítez de Lugo Enrich, J. A. López-Sáez, K. T. Lillios (2020)Provides the climate-adaptation and terminal discussion.
Locator: pp. 89–108 - supports · provides archaeological observation
Water control and cereal management on the Bronze Age Iberian Peninsula: La motilla del Azuer — Gonzalo Aranda, Sergio Fernández, Martín Haro, Francisco Molina, Trinidad Nájera, Margarita Sánchez (2008)Provides site-level chronology and function.
Locator: pp. 241–259
1400 BCE–1300 BCE
Precision: range
moderateSome motilla occupations may continue toward c. 1350–1300 BCE; the system did not end everywhere on one date.
- supports · dates
Water control and cereal management on the Bronze Age Iberian Peninsula: La motilla del Azuer — Gonzalo Aranda, Sergio Fernández, Martín Haro, Francisco Molina, Trinidad Nájera, Margarita Sánchez (2008)Some motilla occupations may continue toward c. 1350–1300 BCE; the system did not end everywhere on one date.
Locator: See linked source chronology or phase model - supports · dates
The first uses of groundwater in the Iberian Peninsula. The Daimiel “motillas” in the Bronze Age of La Mancha — M. Mejías Moreno, L. Benítez de Lugo Enrich, J. del Pozo Tejado, J. Moraleda Sierra (2014)Some motilla occupations may continue toward c. 1350–1300 BCE; the system did not end everywhere on one date.
Locator: See linked source chronology or phase model
Interpretation and caveats
The decline is a regional settlement-system transformation. Climate, hydrology, social organization and changing settlement choices are interacting hypotheses rather than one proven cause.
Event context
Classification
Event type: settlement system decline
Evidence layer: archaeological
Timeline role: regional core
People and places
Locations: Motilla settlement system, La Mancha and Meseta interaction frame
Why it matters to the timeline
The event is required to connect motilla operation to later Meseta sequences without assuming peninsula-wide collapse.
Alternative interpretations
- Individual motillas may end closer to c. 1350 BCE or have activity extending into later local phases. (moderate confidence)
Research notes
- Provides the climate-adaptation and terminal discussion. Role: proposes interpretation. Locator: pp. 89–108.
- Provides site-level chronology and function. Role: provides archaeological observation. Locator: pp. 241–259.
Evidence and sources
- supports · proposes interpretation
The Culture of the Motillas in La Mancha: witness to the 4.2 ka cal BP Climate Event — M. Mejías Moreno, L. Benítez de Lugo Enrich, J. A. López-Sáez, K. T. Lillios (2020)Provides the climate-adaptation and terminal discussion.
Locator: pp. 89–108 - supports · provides archaeological observation
Water control and cereal management on the Bronze Age Iberian Peninsula: La motilla del Azuer — Gonzalo Aranda, Sergio Fernández, Martín Haro, Francisco Molina, Trinidad Nájera, Margarita Sánchez (2008)Provides site-level chronology and function.
Locator: pp. 241–259
Referenced records
- Motilla settlement system · entity
- La Mancha and Meseta interaction frame · entity