Jose Manuel Vargas GirónView profile
Assistant Professor
Dr. José Manuel Vargas Girón is an Assistant Professor in the Department of History, Geography and Philosophy at the University of Cádiz, specializing in Archaeology. He is a member of the HUM1126 Research Group focused on Cultural Heritage and Archaeology from the Strait of Gibraltar to the Atlantic-Mediterranean region. His academic work centers on ancient fishing techniques and maritime archaeology, with particular expertise in Roman-era fishing tackle. Dr. Vargas Girón earned his BA in History (2003-2008) with an Extraordinary Graduation Prize from the University of Cádiz, followed by an MA in Archaeological-Historical Heritage (2009-2010), and a PhD in Maritime History and Archaeology (2017). His doctoral thesis, "El instrumental de pesca en Hispania. Origen, desarrollo y contextualización Atlántico-Mediterránea," received Honors and International Mention. He is currently completing a BA in Art History through UNED with 77 credits completed. His research has established a comprehensive corpus of over one thousand ancient fishing artifacts, focusing primarily on the Atlantic-Mediterranean region. Dr. Vargas Girón's work bridges archaeological evidence with historical context to understand ancient fishing techniques, trade networks, and maritime economies. His investigations span from Phoenician-Punic periods through Late Antiquity, with particular emphasis on the Strait of Gibraltar region and its role in ancient maritime activities. Analysis of his recent publications reveals consistent focus on Roman fishing equipment, maritime trade (particularly Dressel 20 amphorae), and the archaeology of fish processing sites. His work demonstrates increasing interdisciplinary approaches, incorporating environmental studies, urban archaeology, and technological innovations like drone documentation in fieldwork. The research shows complex fishing strategies that challenge previous assumptions about the evolution of fishing practices in the Mediterranean. Extraordinary Graduation Prize (BA in History) Pre-doctoral FPI scholarship from the University of Cádiz (2011-2015) Dr. Vargas Girón has supervised multiple research projects and students, with particular focus on the archaeology of fishing techniques. His fieldwork has included directing rescue archaeological activities in Cadiz's historic center, most recently at the "El Olivillo" building. He has participated in international research collaborations with institutions in Italy, Morocco, Portugal, and other Mediterranean countries, conducting research visits to prestigious institutions including the Spanish School of History and Archaeology in Rome and the University of Lisbon. His groundbreaking work at the "El Olivillo" site in Cadiz has revealed a "Halieutic Testaccio" - an artificial hill formed from fish processing waste dating from the 1st century BC to the 1st century AD. This discovery has provided crucial insights into Roman fishing, processing techniques, and waste management practices in the ancient city of Gades, demonstrating the coexistence of tuna, sardines, and mackerel fishing during the Augustan period and 1st century AD.
