The Dolmen of Guadalperal, a prehistoric circle of 150 standing stones dubbed the “Stonehenge of Spain”, has resurfaced from the reservoir, after a European drought caused the dam's water body to drain to a quarter of its normal level recently. The megalithic structure was discovered by Hugo Obermaier, a German priest and amateur archaeologist between 1925-1927.
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| The Dolmen of Guadalperal (Image credit: dailymail.co.uk) |
This circle of granite dating to 5,000 BC which located at the bottom of the Valdecanas Reservoir in central Spain only seen four times since it was discovered around 1926.
According to Wikipedia, Roman remains found there – a coin, ceramic fragments and a grinding stone – indicate that at that time it was safely preserved from looting. Eleven axes, ceramics, flint knives and a copper punch were found in a nearby dump. A settlement was also found, dating to the time of construction, which presumably housed the builders. Obermaier discovered houses, charcoal and ash stains, pottery, mills, and stones to sharpen axes.
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| Image credit: reuters.com |
Nearly 20 years later, in 1963, the valley was deliberately flooded by the orders of the Spanish dictator Franco, only to appear during periods of severe drought in the following years.
The structure was seen fully for the first time in 50 years in July 2019, when a NASA satellite photograph during a drought revealed its 150 stones.
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| Image credit: reuters.com |
This time in August 2022 is the fifth appearance occurred after the worst drought in 60 years that hit Spain.
Not much is known about Spanish Stonehenge as it usually sits at the bottom of a 14,108 square mile reservoir. These stones are at least 2,000 years older than England's Stonehenge, and have wavy details believed to represent the nearby Tagus River. Archaeologists and historians still wonder who built this magnificent structure and for what purpose?
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| Image credit: wikipedia |
Some theories suggest the prehistoric structure was used as a solar temple or placed over a tomb when it was built by the Celts 7,000 years ago.
These monuments are not as famous as Stonehenge in England, but the theory for their founding purpose is similar.
Monuments in Wiltshire England are also thought to serve as an ancient solar calendar. The difference is, Stonehenge Spanish is in danger of being completely lost if it experiences prolonged immersion because granite rocks are prone to erosion.
Enrique Cedillo of Madrid's Complutense University said, it's a rare opportunity to be able to access it and he must race against time to study the stone circle before it is drowned by the dam's water again.
Local historical and tourism associations have advocated moving the Guadalperal stones to a museum or elsewhere on dry land.
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