Drought Reveals “Spanish Stonehenge” Older Than the Pyramids
Wednesday, April 14, 2023 | Ancient | 136,399 Views

The Mysterious “Spanish Stonehenge” Emerges After 50 Years of Submersion

After being submerged for over 50 years, a remarkable prehistoric monument has reappeared in Spain due to an ongoing drought. This ancient site, known as the "Spanish Stonehenge," is older than the pyramids and offers new insights into ancient rituals and engineering.

An Ancient Monument Unearthed

The Dolmen de Guadalperal, as it’s officially called, consists of 144 granite blocks, some standing over 6 feet tall. These stones, spread over a vast area, form an extraordinary megalithic site similar to the famous Stonehenge in Wiltshire, England. However, unlike its British counterpart, the Spanish version is built using smaller stones, giving it a unique character.

The monument was discovered by German priest and amateur archaeologist Hugo Obermaier in 1925. Unfortunately, the site was submerged in the 1960s when a hydroelectric dam was constructed in the Peraleda de la Mata area, near Cáceres, Extremadura. The waters of the Tagus River flooded the area, hiding the ancient structure from view for decades.

However, a severe drought in the region has caused the water level to drop, allowing the megalithic structures to resurface. For the first time in 50 years, the full extent of the site is visible again, offering a glimpse into the past.

A Ritualistic Temple for Sun Worship?

The "Spanish Stonehenge" is believed to date back between 4,000 and 5,000 years, during the Bronze Age. Local experts, like Ángel Castaño, president of the Peraleda Cultural Association, suggest that the monument could have been a temple for sun worship, similar to other megalithic sites across Europe. According to Castaño, the stones were transported from about five kilometers away to create this complex structure, with the goal of honoring the sun.

In many ways, the "Spanish Stonehenge" shares similarities with Stonehenge, particularly its role in astronomical alignment and religious ceremonies. It’s thought that the structure might have been used to track celestial movements or to serve as a center for ritualistic gatherings.

How It Compares to Stonehenge

While the Spanish site’s monoliths are smaller than those at Stonehenge—measuring only up to six feet tall compared to the towering 30-foot stones in Wiltshire—there are more stones in Spain, with 144 blocks compared to the 93 at Stonehenge. Furthermore, Stonehenge covers an area of about 10,800 square feet (10,000 square meters), much larger than the Spanish site's footprint.

The radiocarbon dating of the stones in Spain places them at around 4,000 to 5,000 years old, a striking link to the timing of Stonehenge’s construction. In fact, many megalithic structures across Europe, including those in Brittany, Catalonia, and Sardinia, share a similar age and purpose.

Threatened by Erosion and Time

Sadly, the reappearance of the "Spanish Stonehenge" may not be permanent. The prolonged submersion in water has already taken a toll on the stones, which are made of porous granite. Experts worry that, without urgent action, the site could suffer severe erosion, and these ancient relics might once again be lost to history.

Local preservation efforts are underway, with Castaño meeting with regional government officials to discuss the possibility of saving the stones and relocating them to a more protected location. However, without prompt intervention, this incredible piece of history could deteriorate beyond repair, disappearing once again beneath the waters.

The Importance of Preserving Ancient Monuments

The drought has, in some ways, provided a rare opportunity for researchers to study the monument in detail. Understanding the "Spanish Stonehenge" could help shed light on the broader spread of megalithic construction techniques across ancient Europe. Some studies suggest that these monumental stone structures were part of a cultural exchange across the continent, with early settlers from Anatolia (modern-day Turkey) spreading their knowledge of stone building to Iberia and eventually to the British Isles.

Further research into the Spanish site could give us a clearer picture of how these structures were used and their cultural significance. It also raises the question of why people across Europe were so drawn to creating such massive and intricate monuments in the distant past. The "Spanish Stonehenge" is a vital link to our collective heritage, offering insight into the ancient peoples who constructed these remarkable sites.

A Call for Preservation and Tourism

As the "Spanish Stonehenge" comes back into the light, local authorities and preservation groups are urging swift action to protect it. Some, like Castaño, even suggest that the site could become a tourist attraction if the stones are moved to a safer location. This would not only help preserve the site for future generations but also bring attention to a part of Spain’s rich historical landscape that few people know about.

Whether as an ancient temple, a cultural landmark, or a remarkable historical discovery, the reappearance of the "Spanish Stonehenge" reminds us of the fragility of our ancient heritage. It’s a powerful symbol of the need to protect these wonders for future generations to study, appreciate, and enjoy.