Massive Megalithic Complex Found Spain
A massive megalithic complex of over 500 standing stones has been unearthed in Huelva, Spain, near the Portuguese border. This could become one of Europe's most significant prehistoric sites, further enriching the continent's tapestry of ancient cities and ceremonial landscapes.
- The archaeological site, named La Torre-La Janera, is located on a 600-hectare property in the municipalities of Ayamonte and Villablanca. It was discovered in 2018 after a survey was required before the land could be converted into an avocado plantation. - The complex is notable for its diversity of megalithic structures, including 526 standing stones (menhirs), dolmens (tombs), mounds, coffin-like stone boxes called cists, and stone circles. This variety in a single location is considered unique in the Iberian Peninsula. - Researchers estimate the oldest stones were erected in the second half of the sixth or fifth millennium B.C., making the site roughly 6,000 to 7,500 years old. The monuments were likely used for nearly 3,000 years. - Many of the standing stones, which range from one to three meters in height, are arranged in 26 alignments and two stone circles, both of which are situated on hilltops with clear views of the sunrise during solstices and equinoxes. - The project is co-directed by José Antonio Linares from the University of Huelva and Primitiva Bueno Ramírez from the University of Alcalá. - While it is one of the largest megalithic collections in Europe, the Carnac site in northwest France contains a much larger collection of around 3,000 standing stones. - The site's location was closer to the coastline in prehistoric times, as sea levels were about two meters higher between 4,000 and 6,000 years ago. - Archaeological work and excavations at the La Torre-La Janera site are expected to continue until at least 2026.
