Cave of the Guanches facts for kids
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| Location | in the north of Tenerife, (Canary Islands |
|---|---|
| Region | Spain |
| History | |
| Associated with | Guanches |
The Cave of the Guanches is a very important archaeological site (a place where old human activity is found) located in the north of Tenerife. This island is part of the Canary Islands in Spain. In Spanish, it's called Zona Arqueológica de la Cueva de los Guanches.
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What makes the Cave of the Guanches special?
This protected archaeological area is found in the town of Icod de los Vinos. The Cave of the Guanches is famous because it holds the oldest evidence of the Guanches on Tenerife. The Guanches were the first people to live on the Canary Islands.
Scientists have found items here that date back to the 6th century BCE. This means they are about 2,600 years old! They figured this out by studying pieces of pottery found inside the cave. These findings give us the oldest timelines for the Canary Islands.
Life in the ancient Guanche village
Long ago, this area was a village made up of natural caves and simple huts. These homes were built high up on a cliff, about 125 meters (410 feet) above the sea. The huts are gone now, but the caves remain.
The site is also known for a very special discovery: a unique burial pit. This was a "secondary burial," which means the body was moved and reburied after some time. It's rare to find such a burial in the Canary Islands, especially an individual one. Old stories also say that the Guanche kings of Icod, called menceyes, lived in this very place.
Amazing discoveries from the cave
Many interesting things have been found at the site. These include:
- Pieces of handmade pottery.
- Bone tools, like awls (used for making holes).
- Animal bones, especially from goats.
- Shells from sea creatures.
- A human lower jawbone.
Most of these ancient finds are now kept at the Museo Guanche in Icod de los Vinos. A small collection of items can also be seen at the British Museum in London.
The government of the Canary Islands has declared the Cave of the Guanches a Site of Cultural Interest. This means it's a very important historical place that needs to be protected.
See also
