Archaeologists reveal findings from ancient Iberian tombs unearthed in central Spain

A TEAM of archaeologists have spoken about their findings from 25 tombs thought to contain an ancient Iberian prince and aristocrats found in Castilla-La Mancha.

Researchers said the necropolis of Alarcos, in Ciudad Real Province, could contain the grave of a prince who fought against Carthaginian general Hamilcar Barca in the third century BCE.

Professor of Prehistory at the University of Castilla-La Mancha David Rodriguez told Spanish media researchers still had to establish the role those buried played during Hamilcar’s campaign in ancient Iberia.

“But it can’t be a coincidence that the majority of the richest tombs in the Alarcos necropolis ascribed to aristocratic warriors are from this precise period or after,” he said.

More than 320 objects were discovered in the tombs, with 9 per cent of them made from gold. Archaeologists theorise one belonged to a prince because of the large blocks of carved stone used to build it.

Two of the tombs belonged to women and they were buried with weapons. One tomb contained more than 450 sheep bones, meaning animal sacrifice was likely a part of their burial ceremony according to the researchers.

Author badge placeholder
Written by

Joe Gerrard

Share your story with us by emailing newsdesk@euroweeklynews.com, by calling +34 951 38 61 61 or by messaging our Facebook page www.facebook.com/EuroWeeklyNews

Comments