A Site of Animal Sacrifice in Spain Reveals the Ancient Rituals

In a study published in the open-access journal PLOS ONE on November 22, 2023, researchers shed light on the mysterious world of ritualized animal sacrifice at the Iron Age site of Casas del Turuñuelo in southwest Spain. The study explores a well-preserved example of mass animal sacrifice, providing invaluable insights into the practices and protocols of ancient rituals.

Archaeological evidence of major animal sacrifices during the Iron Age in the Mediterranean region is scarce, creating a gap between historical accounts and the archaeological record. Casas del Turuñuelo, associated with Tartessos and dating toward the end of the 5th Century BCE, breaks this pattern by offering a unique glimpse into the ritualized practices of the time.

The researchers meticulously examined and dated 6,770 bones belonging to 52 sacrificed animals, revealing a fascinating pattern of ritualistic behavior. Adult horses were predominantly chosen for sacrifice, alongside smaller numbers of cows, pigs, and even a dog. The study identified three sequential phases, with the first two featuring complete and unaltered skeletons. However, in the third phase, signs of processing for food were evident, hinting at a possible communal meal associated with the ritual.

The evidence suggests that Casas del Turuñuelo was utilized repeatedly over several years for sacrificial rituals, each with its unique practices and purposes. The intentional selection of adult animals, as opposed to young ones, emerged as a consistent theme, adding a layer of complexity to our understanding of Iron Age societies.

Compared to other sites, Casas del Turuñuelo stands out for its high number of sacrificed horses. The presence of burned plant and animal remains underscores the importance of fire in these rituals. The study highlights the significance of zooarchaeological, taphonomic, and microstratigraphic investigations in unraveling the mysteries of Iron Age European societies.

Casas del Turuñuelo’s unique features contribute significantly to contextualizing ritual animal sacrifices across Europe during the Iron Age. The study emphasizes the need for interdisciplinary approaches to fully comprehend ancient rituals, as zooarchaeological and taphonomic analyses play a crucial role in decoding the practices and beliefs of bygone civilizations.

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