In a recent discovery, archaeologists have uncovered an “exceptional” prehistoric monument within an ancient funerary complex dating back nearly 3,000 years.

This remarkable find is an intricately adorned stone monument, referred to as a stela, which was found at the Las Capellanías necropolis situated in the town of Cañaveral de León in southwestern Spain.

Described as “very rare,” this discovery challenges established notions regarding the nature of social elites in southwest Europe during the period around 3,000 years ago.

It also prompts a reevaluation of the role and character of these unique commemorative monuments, Newsweek reported.

Stelae are carefully crafted stone slabs designed to stand vertically and typically feature decorative elements or inscriptions on one of their surfaces.

Archaeologists have extensively cataloged various traditions involving adorned stelae found worldwide, spanning different historical eras.

Currently, approximately 300 of these artifacts, along with analogous monuments known as statue-menhirs, have been discovered throughout the Iberian Peninsula.

This region, forming the southwestern portion of Europe, is now mainly divided between Spain and Portugal.

During the era from 1250 to 700 B.C., the decoration of stelae within prehistoric Iberia predominantly featured depictions of individuals that exhibited a degree of standardization.

This period corresponds to the construction of Las Capellanías and encompasses the transition from the Late Bronze Age to the early Iron Age within this specific geographic area.

Written by staff