Caves of Don Gaspar facts for kids
 Location in Canary Islands
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| Location | municipality of Icod de los Vinos, Tenerife, Canary Islands |
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| Region | Spain |
| Coordinates | 28°21′46.49″N 16°43′36.5″W / 28.3629139°N 16.726806°W |
| History | |
| Associated with | Guanches |
The Caves of Don Gaspar (which means Archaeological Zone of the Cave of Don Gaspar in Spanish) are a very important archaeological site located in the north of the island of Tenerife. This island is part of the Canary Islands in Spain. These caves help us learn about the ancient people who lived there, known as the Guanches.
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What are the Caves of Don Gaspar?
The caves are found in a town called Icod de los Vinos. They are not just one cave but a group of caves and places where ancient people lived. This group includes the main Cave of Don Gaspar, the Cave of Las Palomas, and three other caves nearby. All these spots were once homes for the aboriginal Guanche people.
When were the Caves Inhabited?
Archaeologists have found different layers in the Cave of Don Gaspar. Each layer shows a different time when people lived there. The oldest layer found in this cave dates back to the third century CE (Common Era). This means people were living there around 1,700 years ago! The Cave of Las Palomas has even older signs of life, going back to the third century BCE (Before Common Era). That's more than 2,200 years ago!
Why are These Caves Important?
The Caves of Don Gaspar are especially famous for a cool discovery. Inside the caves, archaeologists found tiny pieces of burnt plants. These were carbonized (burnt) seeds of wheat, barley, and beans. This discovery is very important because it proves that the Guanches were farmers. They grew crops like wheat, barley, and beans on the island of Tenerife a very long time ago. This tells us a lot about their daily lives and how they got their food.
The Government of the Canary Islands has officially declared these caves a "Site of Cultural Interest." This means they are protected and recognized as a valuable part of the region's history and heritage.
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