Radiocarbon Dating and Balearic Prehistory: Reviewing the Periodization of the Prehistoric Sequence

Abstract

The Balearic Islands are one of the most widely dated regions in Europe, totaling about 800 dates. The aim of this paper is to propose an updated periodization for the prehistory of Majorca and Minorca based on the analysis of a series of absolute dates for over 100 archaeological sites and in combination with a critical assessment of the associated contextual information. Only by means of a solid chronological scheme will we then be able to approach research into the social significance of the vast archaeological record that the islands has to offer and also make reliable comparisons with developments in surrounding regions.