New archaeological discoveries at the La Bienvenida-Sisapo site in Almodóvar del Campo, Ciudad Real, are shedding new light on the Tartessian civilization and its urban development in the inland Iberian Peninsula. A research team from the National University of Distance Education (UNED) uncovered findings that could potentially rewrite the region's history [https://www.enikos.gr/timeout/anakalyfthike-monadiko-archaio-iero-2-700-eton-pou-xanagrafei-tin-istoria-ta-thrafsmata-apo-ellinika-pilina-eidi-kai-ta-docheia-pou-syndeontai-me-diasimi-thea/2317408/].
The discoveries confirm the presence of the Tartessians in the area and provide evidence of their pursuit of new mineral resources, such as silver, lead, cinnabar, mercury, and copper, extracted from the central Sierra Morena region, including Alcudia and Almadén. The Tartessian strategy aimed to integrate these resources into Mediterranean trade networks under Phoenician influence, introducing them into the broader commercial circuit.
Archaeological materials unearthed at the site revealed both the religious function of a monumental building and its connections to the Mediterranean world, aligning with Phoenician and Tartessian traditions. The findings redefine the understanding of the Tartessian culture's expansion into the interior of the Iberian Peninsula during the Iron Age, driven by the search for new mining areas.
Excavations revealed the ruins of a religious building of Eastern tradition, dating back to the 7th century BCE, with evidence of use from the mid-7th to the mid-6th century BCE. Elements associated with metallurgical activities were discovered, including crucibles, tuyères, and slags of copper and lead, within a unique environment related to metalworking.
A ritual dump containing highly manipulated bone remains from animals was identified, suggesting special treatment of these materials. The dump parallels the ritual waste pit found in the sanctuary of El Carambolo in Camas, Sevilla. According to Enikos, discoveries include fragments of Proto-Corinthian Greek ceramics used in ritual banquets, and the recovered objects, distinctly Tartessian in nature, mostly consist of ceramic vessel remains.
Large vessels associated with the worship of the Phoenician goddess Astarte were also found, including a set of amphorae and pieces resembling the Cruz del Negro type. Basalt baetyls, or sacred stones representing deities, were discovered at the site, including local basalt stones. The findings illustrate how the sacred space underwent successive renovations, reflecting the deep respect it held for its users.
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