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Archaeological site of La Ribera de Algaida facts for kids

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Turaniana
Ribera de la Algaida - Salinas de San Rafael.jpg
Alternative name La Ribera de Algaida
Location Aguadulce
Coordinates 36°47′31″N 2°35′13″W / 36.79194°N 2.58694°W / 36.79194; -2.58694
Site notes
Discovered 1859
Archaeologists Grupo de Investigación HUM145 - Abdera

The archaeological site of La Ribera de Algaida (also known as Ribera de Turaniana) is a very important ancient place in Almería, Spain. It's one of the biggest and longest-used human settlements in the area. This site covers a large area, about 20 to 30 hectares (that's like 30 to 40 soccer fields!).

People lived here for a very long time, starting from the late Copper Age (a time when people first started using copper tools) all the way through the Roman Era. This means people lived here for thousands of years! The site was first found in 1859 and is located in Aguadulce (Almería).

On September 17, 1991, this special place was officially recognized as a "Bien de Interés Cultural" (BIC). This is a fancy Spanish term that means "Property of Cultural Interest." It's like saying it's a super important historical treasure that needs to be protected.

Discovering Ancient Turaniana

Archaeologists first discovered this amazing site in 1859. Since then, many experts have studied it to learn about the people who lived there long ago. They dig carefully to find old tools, pottery, buildings, and other clues that tell us about daily life in the past.

Who Lived Here?

The site shows signs of different groups of people living there over time.

  • Copper Age: This was a very early period when people started using copper.
  • Argaric Culture: A specific group of people from the Bronze Age in southeastern Spain. They were known for their unique pottery and burial customs.
  • Roman Era: Later, the powerful Roman Empire expanded into this area. The Romans built cities and roads, and their way of life influenced the people living at Turaniana.

By studying the different layers of the site, archaeologists can see how life changed over thousands of years.

Why Turaniana is Important

The Ribera de Algaida site is special for several reasons:

  • Size: It's one of the largest ancient settlements found in Almería. A bigger site usually means more people lived there and for a longer time.
  • Long History: It shows continuous occupation from the Copper Age to the Roman Era. This helps historians understand how cultures changed and developed over thousands of years in this region.
  • Cultural Heritage: Being a "Bien de Interés Cultural" means it's a protected part of Spain's history. It helps us remember and learn from the past.

Archaeological sites like Turaniana are like giant puzzle books. Each piece, whether it's a broken pot or an old wall, helps us understand the story of human history.

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Yacimiento arqueológico de La Ribera de la Algaida para niños

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