Archaeologists excavating the ancient Tartessian settlement of Casas del Turuñuelo have uncovered an exceptionally rare bronze ceremonial chariot dating to the 5th century BC, a discovery that is shedding new light on the wealth, religious practices and international trade networks of one of the Iberian Peninsula’s most enigmatic ancient cultures.
The find was announced following the eighth consecutive excavation campaign at the site, which is being investigated by researchers from the Institute of Archaeology of Mérida, a joint centre of the Spanish National Research Council and the Regional Government of Extremadura.
Archaeologists describe the bronze artefact as unique within the Iberian Peninsula. The ceremonial vehicle, believed to have been dedicated to a deity, was discovered in a ritual area of the settlement known as corridor S3, where researchers had previously uncovered a bull-hide-shaped altar.
Only half of the chariot survives, including two wheels and part of its main body. Despite its incomplete state, experts say the object preserves an extraordinary level of decorative detail and demonstrates sophisticated metalworking techniques involving the assembly of multiple bronze components with iron fittings.
“This is one of the most significant finds made to date at this Tartessian site,” said Esther Rodríguez, co-director of the excavation project.
The chariot’s artistic programme includes representations of Achelous, a river god widely known in Greek and Etruscan traditions, as well as griffins positioned at either end of the structure. Two Atlas-like male figures appear to support the vehicle’s body, adding further symbolic and religious significance.
Researchers say no comparable example has been found in Iberia. The closest parallels come from the ancient Etruscan civilisation of central Italy, suggesting the object may have originated there or been heavily influenced by Etruscan craftsmanship.
The discovery strengthens evidence for extensive commercial and cultural connections between Tartessos and other Mediterranean societies during the first millennium BC.
“The only similar pieces currently known come from the Etruscan world,” said Sebastián Celestino, co-director of the project. “This reinforces the existence of trade networks linking Tartessos with different regions across the Mediterranean.”
Researchers believe the chariot may have played a role in ritual feasting ceremonies. Its discovery beside what archaeologists have identified as a banquet hall supports the theory that it was associated with the final ceremonial feast held before the deliberate closure and burial of the building at the end of the 5th century BC.
The excavation has also yielded a remarkable collection of imported luxury goods. Among the finds are fine pottery from the Greek region of Attica, an Egyptian alabaster vessel and intricately carved ivory objects decorated with warriors and animal and plant motifs.
According to Rodríguez, these artefacts provide valuable evidence of long-distance trade connections linking the Iberian Peninsula with the eastern Mediterranean.
“These materials are providing extraordinary information for understanding trade relations between the East and the Iberian Peninsula,” she said. “We are documenting imports and unique objects that help reconstruct these exchange networks.”
The latest campaign focused on the northern and southern sectors of a massive tumulus measuring approximately 90 metres in diameter and six metres high. The mound was intentionally constructed to seal the main building complex, preserving it in exceptional condition for more than 2,500 years.
Excavations also revealed new rooms and circulation areas surrounding room H-100, a chamber of approximately 70 square metres that is currently the largest space uncovered at the site.
Archaeologists say the new discoveries continue to transform understanding of Tartessian society, revealing a sophisticated culture with far-reaching commercial connections, advanced craftsmanship and elaborate religious traditions. The newly discovered bronze chariot stands as one of the clearest indications yet that the elite of Tartessos participated in luxury exchange networks stretching across the ancient Mediterranean.
Sources : Ayuntamiento de Guareña
