Archeology: One of the largest rock assemblies in the world discovered in Spain | culture

Since the price of avocados never stops rising, the owner of his 600-hectare farm, La Torre-La Janera, in the Spanish province of Huelva, decided to cover his estate with avocado seeds. However, the local council – interested in the land’s potential archaeological potential – requested a survey first. The result, while dismaying to the farmer, was astonishing from the point of view of the archaeological community.

Three megalithic sites were discovered later. It is possible that the stone monuments were built for the purpose of observing and observing the growing seasons astronomical events. Experts from the Universities of Huelva and Alcala de Henares note that the huge complex began construction at the end of the 6th millennium BC and has existed for nearly 3,000 years.

La Torre-La Janera is located on the left bank of the Guadiana River. The site is located about 15 kilometers from the coast … but this was not always the case. In modern prehistoric times, between 6,500 and 4,000 years ago, sea level was 2 meters higher – retreating water led to the present site.

New surveys, accompanied by optical interpretation of satellite and aerial images, as well as the use of lidar (laser) data, have revealed much Richer archaeological world. Dr. Bueno Ramírez, Professor of Prehistory at the Universidad Alcalá de Henares, asserts that “So far, such a compact concentration of megalithic sites, with such projections for archaeological data, is not known anywhere in Europe. The important thing is that local councils And the mayors of the region – as well as the owners of the land – are very involved.”

An article published by a group of Spanish archaeologists in the magazine Quadernos de Prehistoria He notes that “La Torre-La Janera is [the most] A unique site discovered so far on the Iberian Peninsula. Stone structures and other manifestations associated with them refer to different chronological phases of modern prehistory … Archaeological monuments with different functions and artistic traditions coexist. The authors go on to say that the site “is characterized by the high density and diversity of sandstone megaliths and associated findings, such as areas of extraction, rock carvings, and dry stone structures.”

what a total 526 (or ritual stones) – whether standing or crumbling – have been excavated. Their shapes vary: their height ranges between one and three and a half meters. On surfaces, “polishing and wear in specific areas” is still visible. Experts assert that “the engraved inscriptions have a symbolic value.”

Most menhirs are concentrated in 26 alignments. The length of the alignment, which has one to six rows, can be up to 250 meters in some cases. The stones were built “on hilltops with a clear horizon to the east, where the sunrise can be observed.”

In addition to the fixed stones, several tombs of La Torre La Janeira have been discovered. some have funeral containers, while others may have been erected for rites of remembrance, possibly involving offerings to the deceased. The stone-covered burials vary in length between six and 17 metres. In addition, 41 stone sarcophagi that were built to hold two or more bodies are documented.

“Burial mounds serve as homes for the dead and spaces for rituals,” article in Quadrnos explains.

As for the three megalithic enclosures on terraces or platforms, they are “large open structures built on staggered levels. Inside, structures with diverse functions are concentrated.” Studies show that they are “located on prominent hills, with a wide view and a great awareness of the landscape, whose peaks and slopes have been topographically transformed. They are centered around a stream and a reused house. One container occupies an area of ​​1.95 hectares: it consists of a circular platform at the top and two levels surrounded by walls.” Large stone.On the southeast slope there are up to six levels, containing 15 luminaries, reused sarcophagi and other stone structures.

The areas around the containers reveal lumps in the transformation process, quartzite hammers, and discarded struts. There are also inscriptions: 10 counted so far, consisting mainly of engraved circles and lines. Some engravings are overlaid on natural erosion marks in the stones to take advantage of linear grooves.

A recent archaeological report notes that “the fusion of nature and anthropology gives La Torre-La Janera its own character, with most monuments appearing coarse and plain. The alignments reveal open monuments of more complex shapes and functions, perhaps for the purposes of observing the cycle of the seasons and observing astronomical events. They were constructed in distinct locations, with a broad view of the landscape.They were spatially connected to the surrounding land, horizon, and sky, as is common in [these] types of gatherings.

The authors of the article in language Quadernos de Prehistoria Summarizing: “The discovery of La Torre-La Janera presents new arguments that strengthen explanations Atlantic megaliths As one of the oldest human phenomena aimed at transforming regions. Thus, the site expands the horizon of knowledge of megaliths in Western Europe and the research potential of the Iberian Peninsula.

Comprehensive analysis of the site began in 2021 and is likely to be completed by 2027.