Ashes to ashes: plant remains from Iron age funeral rituals in the Iberian Peninsula and the Balearic Islands

This study presents the archaeobotanical analysis of several Iberian cremation burial grounds dated to the 1st millennium bce in the eastern Iberian Peninsula and Balearic Islands. Plant remains from these sites were taxonomically identified and they provide a better understanding of the use of fuel and offerings in funerary contexts, an issue on which there has not yet been sufficient systematic research. The results reveal both the recurring presence of dominant taxa such as Quercus, Olea and Pinus, and notable variability in taxonomic richness and degree of preservation, suggesting diverse funerary practices and wood use strategies. In some cases, the data indicate a clear selection of wood taxa for ritual or symbolic purposes, but generally, an opportunistic use of local vegetation seems evident. Of relevance has been the finding of fragments of cereal-based food remains in the cremations, suggesting the role of this food in the funeral ceremony. Comparing these findings with those from nearby settlements shows differences in resource management and cultural choices related to cremation rites. This work shows the importance of systematic archaeobotanical sampling of funerary contexts and contributes to the broader understanding of plant resource use in Iberian Iron Age societies.