Castellón Alto facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Castellón Alto |
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Archaeological site of Castellón Alto
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| Location | Galera, Granada |
Castellón Alto is an ancient site from the Bronze Age, a time long ago when people used bronze tools. It's located in Galera, Granada, in Spain. This place was a settlement where people lived between 1900 and 1600 BC. It's a very important archaeological site because it helps us understand how people lived thousands of years ago during the Argaric culture.
What Was Castellón Alto Like?
Castellón Alto was built on three natural terraces, like big steps on a hillside. People built their homes on these terraces. The highest terrace was special. It was separated from the rest of the town by a strong wall. This area was like an "acropolis," which means the highest part of an ancient city.
Life at the Top
The most important people, often called the "elites," lived in the acropolis. This area also had vital things for survival, like a cistern or a water tank. This shows that water was very important and carefully managed. Having a wall and special access likely meant this area was safer and more protected.
Burials and Graves
Archaeologists found about 130 graves at Castellón Alto. Most of these graves were carved into the rock, like small caves called "covachas." Large stone slabs usually sealed the entrances to these graves. This was how adults were buried. However, children were buried differently. Their remains were placed inside urns, which are special pots, instead of in rock-cut graves.
Discovering the Past
Castellón Alto was excavated, or carefully dug up, by experts from the University of Granada. They worked on the site in 1983, from June to July and again from September to November. These excavations helped them uncover the homes, graves, and other clues that tell us about the people who lived there so long ago.
