The weapons were discovered in a series of megalithic tombs.
Among the objects included in this study are along dagger blade, twenty-five arrowheads, and a core, all of which form the most technically sophisticated and esthetically impressive collection of rock crystal material culture ever found in Prehistoric Iberia.
Crystal Weapons
More than 5,000 years ago, ancient people in Europe built intricate blades, knives, and arrowheads using crystals as their primary source. This, to me, is relatively uncommon, although many similar discoveries have been found elsewhere. A study published in 2015 explains the discovery made in Spain by a group of archeologists who excavated a long dagger blade, twenty-five arrowheads, and a core made of crystal. Archaeologists argue that whoever crafted the ancient weapons must have possessed excellent skills and knowledge. It is estimated that the crystal weapons excavated at the megalithic tombs in the locality of Valencina de la Concepción in Southwestern Spain date back to the year 3,000 B.C., considered one of the largest 3rd millennium B.C. sites in Western Europe.
Megalithic Tombs
The weapons were discovered in a series of megalithic tombs that extend nearly 44 meters in total, called the Montelirio tholos. The tombs were built out of large slabs of slate. Archaeologists discovered the remains of 25 people inside the tombs. It is believed that all people owned the weapons collectively, meaning that they did not belong to one individual specifically. Archaeologists have reportedly found various artifacts inside the various tombs, including “an extraordinary set of sumptuous grave goods…the most notable of which is an unspecified number of shrouds or clothes made of tens of thousands of perforated beads and decorated with amber beads.”
Technically sophisticated
But the intricate crystal arrowheads discovered inside the tombs were the most incredible part of the find. Researchers hail the artifacts as “the most technically sophisticated and aesthetically impressive collection of rock crystal material culture ever found.” Inside tomb 10.042-10.049—also built from slate slab—archeologists reportedly found the remains of a young individual surrounded by a large set of grave woods, including an undecorated elephant tusk placed above the young man’s head, as well as a collection of 23 flint blades, and various ivory objects. “The rock crystal dagger blade appeared in the upper level of Structure 10.049 of the PP4-Montelirio sector, in association with an ivory hilt and sheath, which renders it an exceptional object in Late Prehistoric Europe.”
Extraordinary skill
“The blade is 214 mm in length, a maximum of 59 mm in width, and 13 mm thick. Its morphology is not unheard of in the Iberian Peninsula, although all the samples recorded thus far were made from flint and not rock crystal,” wrote experts. Archaeologists note that although the crystal weapons are of similar shape as flint arrowheads typical in the area during the time, the fact that the weapons were crafted using crystal is extraordinary, as it would have required a much higher ability to produce the items. Furthermore, scientists note that there aren’t any crystal mines near where the weapons were found, suggesting that whoever crafted the weapons must have traveled long distances to acquire the material needed for the weapons and tools. Furthermore, given that crystal weapons were rare at the time, it is most likely that their owner belonged to an elite group of people.
Sources and references: Academia
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