5,000-year-old tomb in Málaga reveals ancient trade networks

Photo credit: University of Cádiz Archaeologists working near Teba in Málaga, southern Spain, have uncovered a remarkably well-preserved megalithic tomb that is more than 5,000 years old. Announced by the University of Cádiz, the structure, known as Dolmen I of the La Lentejuela necropolis stretches about 13 metres, or roughly 42 feet, and contains multiple burial compartments, human remains and an impressive collection of grave goods.The discovery offers more than a glimpse into ancient burial customs. The ivory, amber, seashells and carefully crafted flint objects found inside suggest that prehistoric communities in southern Iberia were connected to wider networks of exchange. These objects also reveal that materials carrying symbolic or prestige value could travel long distances across the region during the third millennium B.C.E.A monumental tomb in exceptional conditionThe dolmen was excavated during four archaeological campaigns led by Eduardo Vijande and Serafín Becerra of the University of Cádiz’s Thalassa research group. Researchers describe it as one of the most monumental and complete funerary structures identified in Andalusia.The tomb was built using large upright ston...