Magazine Treballs d’Arqueologia examines the use of new technologies to make visible prehistoric heritage 

(09/01/2014) The guided tours of the Middle Palaeolithic site of La Roca dels Bous, located in Sant Llorenç de Montgai (La Noguera) are an “innovative experience in Europe”. This has been reflected in the magazine titled “Treballs d’Arqueologia” published by the Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona.

In the last issue of this publication there is a reflection about the role of new technologies to build a narrative discourse, suitable for all audiences. This new tool has been compared with traditional exhibition systems. It is in this sense that we conclude that it is necessary for these types of projects “implement communication mechanisms that enable the understanding of the value of archaeological heritage.”

The site of La Roca dels Bous offers guided tours since 2010, based on the concept of work in process, a British methodology that takes into account adaptation of the discourse depending on the evolution of research. This is one of the reasons why we chose to use digital technology to transmit scientific knowledge that is found in the cavity. Guided tours with Ipad, that depart from Espai Orígens, allow to update, in a simple and economic way, explanations of Neanderthal way of life in relation to the results that are obtained in different excavation campaigns.

In Catalonia, in addition to this site, there are two more sites from the Paleolithic era showing technical activities, production and social maintenance. These are Cova de Serinyà and Abric Romaní. The ephemeral nature of these places during Paleolithic period and the destructive technique employed difficult research in these enclaves. In the case of La Roca dels Bous, found traces of combustion structures, bones and pieces of lithic industry. The findings are further evidence in determining that this site would have served as a refuge for a short period, as they moved between the foothills and the area of ​​the Ebro Valley.