In a groundbreaking archaeological discovery, a team from the National University of Distance Education (UNED) has uncovered a monumental Tartessian religious sanctuary at the La Bienvenida-Sisapo site, located in Almodóvar del Campo, Ciudad Real. This finding is reshaping our understanding of the Tartessian culture’s expansion into the interior of the Iberian Peninsula during the Iron Age.

Unveiling a Sacred Space

The excavation, which is part of Castilla-La Mancha’s recent archaeological research initiatives, revealed the remains of a large religious building dating back to the 7th century BCE. This discovery not only confirms the presence of the Tartessians in the region but also highlights their quest for new mineral resources beyond their traditional strongholds.

Strategically situated on a raised area near a volcanic feature known as the Castillejo de La Bienvenida, the sanctuary is linked to other religious centers within the Phoenician-Tartessian sphere. Its elevated position suggests the site’s significant cultural and ceremonial importance.

Remarkable Discoveries

Among the most striking elements uncovered at the site is a ceremonial altar shaped like a stretched bull’s hide, a distinctive feature of Tartessian sanctuaries. Similar altars have been documented at other major sites like Caura (present-day Coria del Río, Seville) and Malaka (Málaga), underscoring the widespread nature of Tartessian religious practices.

The excavation team also identified various phases of use for the building, ranging from the mid-7th to the mid-6th centuries BCE. This includes evidence of renovations and continuous maintenance, reflecting the sacred significance the site held for its users.

Connections to the Mediterranean World

The finds from the site include a diverse range of archaeological material, shedding light on the sanctuary’s religious function and its connections to the wider Mediterranean world. Significant discoveries include fragments of Proto-Corinthian Greek pottery, typically used in banquet rituals, and large vessels associated with the cult of the Phoenician goddess Astarte.

Additionally, basaltic betyls (sacred stones representing deities) and various metalworking artifacts, such as crucibles, tuyères, and copper and lead slag, have been uncovered, further emphasizing the economic and ritual practices of the society.

Ritual Practices and Divination

One of the most intriguing aspects of the discovery is the identification of a ritual dump containing highly manipulated animal bones, along with symbolic items such as marine shells and modified astragali (goat ankle bones), likely used in divination rituals. This find provides crucial insight into the ceremonial and religious practices of the people of Sisapo, offering a glimpse into their spiritual beliefs and their material culture.

A Game-Changer for Iberian History

This exceptional find not only enriches our knowledge of Tartessian culture but also offers a window into the complex relationships between the Iberian Peninsula and the broader Mediterranean world. The La Bienvenida-Sisapo sanctuary is a testament to the enduring legacy of the Tartessians, a civilization whose influence continues to be felt across Spain and beyond.

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