Cerro del Villar facts for kids
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 Location in Province of Málaga
Location in Andalusia
Location in Spain
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| Location | Málaga |
|---|---|
| Region | Spain |
| Coordinates | 36°40′19″N 4°27′49″W / 36.67194°N 4.46361°W |
| Type | City |
| History | |
| Abandoned | 584 BC |
| Periods | Ninth century BC |
| Cultures | Ninth century BC, Phoenicia |
| Site notes | |
| Discovered | 1960 |
| Archaeologists | María Eugenia Aubet (2003) |
| Condition | BIC |
| Ownership | City de Málaga |
| Public access | Closed |
Cerro del Villar was an ancient city built by the Phoenicians. It was located right at the mouth of the Guadalhorce river in southern Spain. This important city was founded a very long time ago, either in the ninth or eighth century BC. It was later abandoned around 584 BC.
Today, Cerro del Villar is a protected site. It was declared a "Bien de Interés Cultural" (which means a "Property of Cultural Interest") on June 9, 1998. This special title helps to protect its historical importance.
Contents
Discovering Cerro del Villar
Archaeologists first found Cerro del Villar in 1960. Since then, many studies have helped us learn about this ancient city. The most recent archaeological digs were led by María Eugenia Aubet in 2003. Since then, no new excavations have taken place.
What Was Cerro del Villar?
Cerro del Villar was a bustling city. It was a Phoenician settlement, which means it was a place where Phoenician people lived and worked. The Phoenicians were famous traders and sailors from the ancient world. They traveled across the Mediterranean Sea, setting up cities and trading posts.
Why Was It Important?
This city was very important because of its location. Being at the mouth of the Guadalhorce river, it was perfect for trade. Ships could easily come and go, bringing goods from far away and taking local products to other lands. This made Cerro del Villar a key spot for the Phoenicians in Spain.
Who Were the Phoenicians?
The Phoenicians were an ancient civilization. They lived in a region that is now modern-day Lebanon. They were known for their amazing ships and their skills in trade. They sailed all over the Mediterranean Sea, creating a large network of cities and trading routes. They also invented one of the first alphabets.
Life in a Phoenician City
Life in a Phoenician city like Cerro del Villar would have been busy. People would have been involved in trade, crafts, and fishing. The city would have had houses, workshops, and possibly temples. It was a place where different cultures met and exchanged ideas and goods.
See also
In Spanish: Cerro del Villar para niños
