Spanish Stonehenge’ Revealed By Drought After 50 Years
Unveiling the Mysteries of the Dolmen of Guadalperal: Spain’s Ancient Stone Circle
An ancient marvel has recently emerged from beneath the waters of Spain’s Valdecanas reservoir, revealing a prehistoric secret that has captivated archaeologists and historians alike. Known as the Dolmen of Guadalperal, often likened to Spain’s own Stonehenge, this circle of megalithic stones dates back to around 5000 BC, making it potentially older than its more famous English counterpart.
The dramatic unveiling of this archaeological wonder was triggered by an exceptionally severe drought that caused the reservoir’s water level to plummet, exposing the dolmen for the first time in over five decades. Archaeologists, including Enrique Cedillo from Madrid’s Complutense University, seized the rare opportunity to study the site before it could be submerged once more by the approaching autumn rains.
Originally discovered in 1926 by German archaeologist Hugo Obermaier, the Dolmen of Guadalperal was submerged in 1963 as part of a development project during the Franco era. Since then, it has resurfaced fully only a handful of times, most recently in 2019.
Comprising approximately 150 standing stones, some towering over 6 feet tall, the dolmen encircles a central oval-shaped space. Experts speculate that it may have once supported a massive stone cap, possibly used for ceremonial or ritualistic purposes.
Historians believe the dolmen served both as a burial site and a temple dedicated to sun worship. Its orientation suggests alignment with the summer solstice, allowing sunlight to penetrate the central chamber where ancestors were likely interred. Intricate engravings adorn the narrow entryway, leading to a spacious main chamber where rituals may have been conducted.
One of the dolmen’s most intriguing features is a large menhir marking the entrance, adorned with engravings depicting a human figure and possibly symbolic representations of the Tagus River, from where the stones were quarried several miles away. Scholars speculate that these engravings could be among the oldest maps in Europe, offering insights into ancient navigation and symbolism.
As the rains approach and the waters are expected to rise, discussions arise about the dolmen’s future. Local advocates propose relocating the monument to higher ground for preservation and public access, although concerns about potential damage during relocation persist among archaeologists.
For now, the Dolmen of Guadalperal stands as a silent sentinel of a bygone era, holding within its weathered stones the secrets and stories of ancient civilizations.
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