Monumental prehistoric structure unearthed on Menorca

Archaeologists revealed a distinctive Iron Age site with impressive structures at Sa Cudia Cremada. The site contains talayots – truncated tower-shaped constructions, erected by so-called Talayotic culture. The people of this group left no written records but erected many architectural structures across the Balearic Islands. During first excavation at the Sa Cudia Cremada sanctuary a large stone slab which was clearly broken was found, indicating the presence of a Taula monument.

Fieldwork at the site (by Popular Archaeology)
Fieldwork at the site (by Popular Archaeology)

The Taula is a characteristic type of monument for the Talayotic culture. It has a form of a large vertical monolith or supporting stone combined with a horizontal one resting on top, forming a large T-shaped monument. Archaeologists suggest they were monuments representing Talayotic deities, occupying central positions in sanctuaries where rituals were performed.

View of the site (by Popular Archaeology)
View of the site (by Popular Archaeology)

During excavations, new architectural elements were located, which are typical from these buildings, such as pilasters abutting the perimeter walls. Also several grinding stones and pestles, as well as indigenous pottery, including artefacts from later periods, such as the Punic, Roman, Islamic, and Medieval periods, were found.

(after Popular Archaeology)

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.