Dilip Kuner
IN Spain, you only have to look around you to find history – but do you know how far back it goes?
While the country is renowned for its Roman ruins, Moorish architecture and medieval castles, it is the prehistoric heritage that sets it apart.
From towering megalithic structures to intricate cave paintings, Spain offers an unparalleled journey back through time to the earliest days of humanity.
The Iberian Peninsula has been home to humans for over a million years. The Atapuerca Mountains, located in northern Spain, have yielded some of the most significant discoveries in human evolution.
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The Sima del Elefante site has revealed the remains of hominids dating back an incredible 1.2 million years – the oldest site of early hominids in Europe, until the recent discovery of remains dating back another 100,000 years in Granada.
These early inhabitants provide crucial insights into the origins of our species.
On top of that, Spain is a global centre for Paleolithic cave art.
The most famous example is the Cave of Altamira in Cantabria, often referred to as the ‘Sistine Chapel of Prehistoric Art’.
Its breathtaking ceiling adorned with images of bison, horses, and deer, executed with astonishing realism, is a testament to the artistic abilities of our ancient ancestors and equals the famous cave site of Lascaux in France.
More recent evidence of human life can be found amongst the numerous megalithic structures, standing as silent witnesses to prehistoric cultures.
The most iconic are the dolmens, chambered tombs built with massive stones. The Dolmen of Menga in Antequera just inland from the Costa del Sol, is one of the largest and best-preserved examples in Europe. Its intricate construction and astronomical alignment suggest that the people who built it 5,500 years ago had a sophisticated knowledge of engineering and celestial phenomena.
Another megalithic site is the Cromlech of Lanchuelas in Extremadura. The circular arrangement of standing stones, similar to Stonehenge in England although on a less massive scale, is believed to have had ritual or astronomical significance.
Spain also has plenty of evidence of Bronze Age people, centered around the El Argar culture, which flourished between 2200 and 1550 BC.
The civilization developed complex societies, metalworking, and pottery.
El Argar itself, located in southeastern Spain, was a fortified city with a thriving economy. Archaeological excavations have uncovered evidence of a hierarchical society with skilled artisans and warriors.
Spain’s prehistoric heritage is a living legacy. Ongoing research and excavations continue to unveil new discoveries, expanding our understanding of our ancestors.
The preservation and interpretation of these sites are crucial for future generations. Spain has made significant efforts to protect its prehistoric treasures, creating national parks and visitor centres.
