A fascinating discovery in southern Spain has shed light on ancient seafarers who transported a 2-tonne megalith over 5300 years ago. The Matarrubilla stone, a large gypsum slab, is located at the Copper Age site of Valencina near Seville and is believed to have been used in rituals.
Recent research by Luis Cáceres Puro and his team at the University of Huelva revealed that the megalith was moved to Valencina between 4544 and 3277 BC, much earlier than previously thought. The stone’s composition matches a quarry 55 kilometers away, across the Guadalquivir river, indicating it was transported by boat. This discovery marks the first evidence of megalithic stones being moved by boat in the Iberian peninsula.
Leonardo García Sanjuán from the University of Seville highlights the advanced maritime technology of ancient coastal communities during the 4th millennium BC. The Matarrubilla stone’s journey across the estuary showcases the technical prowess of the builders. Ramón Fabregas Valcarce of the University of Santiago de Compostela commends the builders’ skills in navigating the sea with such a massive stone.
Valencina, one of Europe’s largest prehistoric sites, boasts a rich history with connections to regions as far as North Africa and the Mediterranean. The site’s archaeological significance includes imported materials like amber, flint, and ostrich eggs. Previous excavations at Valencina revealed a period when the site was predominantly ruled by women from 2900 to 2650 BC.
Alasdair Whittle from Cardiff University praises the recent study for providing further insights into Valencina’s major monuments. The site’s megalithic monuments, burial records, and refined material culture reflect its importance as a hub of cultural exchange in ancient times.
Overall, the discovery of the Matarrubilla stone and its transport by ancient seafarers adds a new chapter to our understanding of prehistoric maritime technology and the interconnectedness of ancient civilizations in the Iberian peninsula.
