What started as an ordinary infrastructure project quickly turned into one of the most significant archaeological finds in the region.
Excavation work for the solar plant began in November 2021, but it wasn’t long before workers uncovered ancient structures buried beneath the surface. Archaeologists were brought in, and what they found was astonishing—a sprawling fortress spanning 140,000 square feet, strategically built atop a hill.
The structure, known as Cortijo Lobato, featured multiple layers of defense, including thick stone and adobe walls, three ditches measuring over six feet deep, and a narrow entrance designed to restrict access. At its peak, the fortress was fortified by 25 towers and three concentric walls, showcasing a level of military engineering far more advanced than previously believed for the Copper Age.
A Violent End to a Thriving Settlement
Despite its formidable defenses, Cortijo Lobato met a devastating fate. The fortress, which was occupied for roughly 400 years, appears to have been violently attacked and set ablaze. Burnt wooden doors embedded within the walls suggest an intentional assault rather than an accidental fire.
“One of the strongest indications that this was an intentional act is the burning of wooden doors embedded in the adobe walls,” said Cesar Perez, lead archaeologist, according to El Pais. “These doors were far from other flammable materials, which suggests that the fire was not accidental, but rather the result of an assault on the fortification—a scene of violence and destruction in which the settlement was attacked.”
While the fortress was clearly a defensive stronghold, experts believe it was also a hub for the surrounding community. Fortifications like these were often used to safeguard resources and monitor nearby territories.
Carbon Dating Unveils Centuries of History
Analysis of the site reveals that the final destruction of the fortress occurred around 2450 B.C. Following this catastrophic event, the location remained untouched for nearly 2,700 years—until the Late Roman Empire.
Archaeologists have identified 11 sites in the area, spanning multiple historical periods. Six date back to the late fourth and early third millennia B.C., while five others were occupied during the Bronze Age, Iron Age, and Roman period.
One particularly striking discovery was a Roman-era grave found near a ditch. The burial contained the remains of a man between 25 and 35 years old, positioned face down with his feet removed. On his back lay a sheathed dagger known as a pugio, a weapon typically carried by Roman soldiers.
“This suggests the individual may have had a military role, as the pugio was the standard dagger used by Roman legionnaires,” Perez said, adding that the act was likely hasty due to the shallowness of the grave. The obvious deliberateness of placing the dagger on his back “is a way of indicating he was a member of the army and was given a dishonorable burial.”
Historical records indicate that only one Roman legion was stationed in Spain at the time—Legio VII Gemina. Established in 74 A.D., this elite force was responsible for road security and regional control. The nature of the burial, along with the missing feet, raises intriguing questions about the circumstances surrounding his death.
What This Discovery Reveals About Ancient Conflict
The unearthing of Cortijo Lobato challenges previous assumptions about warfare and societal organization during the Chalcolithic period. The sheer size of the fortress, combined with its sophisticated defenses, suggests that large-scale conflicts were more common than once believed.
As archaeologists continue to analyze the site, new revelations may emerge, shedding further light on the lives of the people who built, defended, and ultimately lost this once-mighty fortress.
With the solar plant project now adjusted to preserve the ancient ruins, discussions are underway on how best to protect and study this extraordinary find. Whether through a dedicated archaeological site or a museum exhibit, Cortijo Lobato is set to reshape our understanding of early European civilizations.
