A recent archaeological excavation in the region of Las Vegas Altas del Guadiana in Spain has uncovered a fascinating glimpse into Europe's history of ritualistic practices. The site, known as Casas del Turuñuelo, has provided scientists with a wealth of information through the meticulous analysis of over 6,700 bones, shedding light on a unique aspect of the Iron Age – mass animal sacrifices.

The Rituals of Casas del Turuñuelo

Spanish and French scientists collaborated on the detailed examination of the bones, identifying 52 slaughtered animals, including cattle, pigs, and even a dog. The study, published in the journal PLoS One, focused on a well-preserved example of mass animal sacrifice dating toward the end of the 5th Century BC. Maria Pilar Iborra Eres, a co-author of the study, explained, "The Iron Age site of Casas del Turuñuelo was used repeatedly for ritualized animal sacrifice." This discovery is significant as major archaeological sites with evidence of such rituals are rarely found from this era in the Mediterranean region.

The Findings

The researchers unearthed intriguing details about the rituals performed at Casas del Turuñuelo. The bones belonged predominantly to adult horses, with smaller numbers from cattle, pigs, and one dog. The animals were buried in three sequential phases, revealing a shift in the treatment of their remains. In the first two phases, the skeletons were mostly complete and unaltered. However, in the third phase, signs of processing for food were evident in the skeletons, excluding equids. This suggests that a communal meal accompanied the ritual during this phase, adding a new dimension to the understanding of ancient practices.

Revealing Insights

The study provides valuable insights into the ritual protocols practiced at Casas del Turuñuelo. Researchers noted intentional selection of adult animals over young ones and the importance of fire, evidenced by burned plant and animal remains. These findings challenge the existing gap in knowledge between written sources and the archaeological record, making it challenging to establish a clear understanding of the patterns and protocols of such practices. Maria Pilar Iborra Eres emphasized, "Casas del Turuñuelo also exhibits unique features compared to other sites, such as the high abundance of sacrificed horses." This discovery advances efforts to contextualize ritual animal sacrifices across Europe during the Iron Age.

The archaeological revelations at Casas del Turuñuelo open a window into ancient Europe's spiritual practices and shed light on the intricate rituals of mass animal sacrifice. As scientists continue to unravel the mysteries buried in the bones of Casas del Turuñuelo, the site stands as a testament to the complexity and diversity of Iron Age traditions in the Mediterranean region.