Archaeology
Study of the Cañada Real dolmen reveals existence of other underground structures
A recent study of the Cañada Real dolmen has revealed evidence of further underground structures using geophysical prospecting.
The Cañada Real dolmen is an ancient funerary monument found in a Neolithic necropolis, located in the city of Los Molares in the province of Seville, Spain.
The dolmen has an “L” plan gallery that measures 8 metres in length, while the other side measures approximately 3.5 metres. It was first discovered in 1968 and was excavated by professor D. Juan de Mata Carriazo. Further studies in 1980 revealed a second funerary monument, the El Palomar dolmen, which was excavated by the Archaeological Museum of Seville.
Both sites date from the Neolithic period around 4000-3500 BC, when the region saw the arrival of the first agriculturalists that started the tradition of burying their dead in dolmen tombs.
A recent survey commissioned by the Spanish National Research Council (CSIC) from Extremadura, has revealed evidence of additional underground structures using Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR). GPR is a non-intrusive geophysical method that uses radar pulses to image the subsurface to investigate underground anomalies and archaeological features.
The GPR survey has identified at least two other dolmens in the vicinity of the Cañada Real dolmen, located at a depth of several metres deep. According to the director of the archaeological investigations: “the underground anomalies reflect a figure of similar dimensions to those of the Neolithic dolmen with an L-shaped plan, the typical local architecture of the prehistoric megaliths of Los Molares.” In addition, “there is another large structure buried very close to the Cañada Real dolmen that looks like a corridor-type dolmen with a chamber.”
The survey has also revealed the outline of circular features that could correspond to Neolithic type roundhouses used by the early tribal societies living near the necropolis. According to the researchers, little is known about the domestic spaces of the dolmen builders, so the discovery from future excavations could give archaeologists new information about the ancient people that lived in the Los Molares area from their material culture left behind.
Header Image Credit : Turismo de la provincia de Sevilla
A groundbreaking study, published in the journal Communications Earth & Environment, has revealed why the largest concentration of pyramids in Egypt were built along a narrow desert strip.
Since the beginning of the Pharaonic era, the Nile River has played a fundamental role in the rapid growth and expansion of the Egyptian civilisation.
The Nile provided sustenance and functioned as the primary mode of transportation for goods and building materials, which explains why most of the main cities of the Egyptian civilisation were built in close proximity to the banks of the Nile and its peripheral branches.
Over the centuries, the primary channel of the Nile shifted laterally, causing these peripheral branches to silt up. As a result, population centres were cut off from the vital resources the river provided.
Image Credit : Eman Ghoneim et al
This is apparent with the pyramids along the Western Desert Plateau, where a majority of the pyramids are concentrated along a narrow desert strip several kilometres from the current primary channel of the Nile.
Using a combination of radar satellite imagery, geophysical data, and deep soil coring, the study has investigated the subsurface structure and sedimentology in the Nile Valley adjacent to the pyramid clusters.
This has revealed an extinct branch of the primary channel called the Ahramat Branch, which was connected to the pyramids of the Old and Middle Kingdoms via causeways and their Valley Temples.
According to the study authors: “The Ahramat Branch played a role in the monuments’ construction and was simultaneously active and used as a transportation waterway for workmen and building materials to the pyramids’ sites.”
The eastward migration and abandonment of the Ahramat Branch could be attributed to gradual movement of the river to the lower-lying adjacent floodplain or tilting of the Nile floodplain toward the northeast as a result of tectonic activity, as well as windblown sand incursion due to the branch’s proximity to the Western Desert Plateau.
Header Image Credit : Eman Ghoneim et al
Sources : Ghoneim, E., Ralph, T.J., Onstine, S. et al. The Egyptian pyramid chain was built along the now abandoned Ahramat Nile Branch. Commun Earth Environ 5, 233 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1038/s43247-024-01379-7
This content was originally published on www.heritagedaily.com – © 2023 – HeritageDaily
Archaeologists from the National Institute of Cultural Heritage have uncovered a Roman villa with an indoor plunge pool during excavations at the port city of Durrës, Albania.
During antiquity, Durrës was founded by Ancient Greek colonists from Corinth and Corcyra.
The colony emerged into a major trading centre, which during the Roman period was annexed into the expanding territory of the Roman Republic following the conclusion of the Illyrian Wars.
By the 4th century, the city (named Dyrrachium), emerged as the capital of the Roman province of Epirus nova, covering the region of Ancient Epirus.
Image Credit : IKTK
Archaeologists excavating a former residential part of the ancient city have uncovered a high status Roman villa that dates from between the 1st and 4th century AD.
The villa interior contains an indoor pool, richly decorated with frescoes on the walls and mosaic flooring with tiles and inlays of marble, stone, glass and ceramics. Located adjacent to the pool are shallow square basins lined with waterproof mortar, believed to be the remains of an ancient water feature.
Within the northern area of the excavation site, archaeologists found a large brick floor from a thermae, a Roman bath, and further traces of walls from the wider complex.
In the western area, the team discovered fragments of relief stucco that was used to decorate the walls and ceilings of the villa. The reliefs depict anthropomorphic and floral motifs, further indicating the wealth of the villa inhabitants.
According to the archaeologists, the villa was destroyed by an earthquake in the 4th century, corresponding with ancient sources that describe a powerful earthquake causing buildings to collapse and the city defences to crumble.
Header Image Credit : IKTK
Sources : National Institute of Cultural Heritage
This content was originally published on www.heritagedaily.com – © 2023 – HeritageDaily
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