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Coordinates: 36°57′53″N 02°31′20″W / 36.96472°N 2.52222°W / 36.96472; -2.52222
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{{Short description|Chalcolithic occupation site in Spain}}
[[Image:Los Millares (muralla).png|thumb|200|Air view of the city wall]]
{{Infobox ancient site
[[Image:Los Millares (necropolis).png|thumb|200|Air view of the necropolis with its ''tholoi'']]
|name = Los Millares
[[Image:Cuenco de Los Millares.png|thumb|200|Reproduction of a Millarense bowl with the typical ''eyes'' motiff of the chalcolithic of SE Iberia]]
|native_name =
|alternate_name =
|image = Los Millares recreacion cuadro.jpg
|alt =
|caption = A model of the prehistoric town of Los Millares, with its walls.
|map_type = Spain
|map_alt =
|map_caption =
|map_size =
|coordinates = {{coord|36|57|53|N|02|31|20|W|display=inline,title}}
|location = [[Santa Fe de Mondújar]], [[Province of Almería]], [[Andalusia]], [[Spain]]
|region =
|type = Settlement
|part_of =
|length =
|width =
|area = {{convert|2|ha|abbr=on}}
|height =
|builder =
|material =
|built =
|abandoned =
|epochs = [[Chalcolithic Iberia|Chalcolithic]]
|cultures =
|dependency_of =
|occupants =
|event =
|excavations =
|archaeologists =
|condition =
|ownership =
|management =
|public_access =
|website = <!-- {{URL|example.com}} -->
|notes =
}}
{{See also|Prehistoric Iberia#Chalcolithic}}
[[File:Los Millares. Reconstrucción de la puerta principal de la Línea I.jpg|thumb|Reconstruction of fortifications<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JwKAPvKleks |title=Digital reconstruction of Los Millares (video)|website=[[YouTube]] }}</ref>]]


'''Los Millares''' is a [[Chalcolithic Europe|Chalcolithic]] occupation site 17&nbsp;km north of [[Almería]], in the municipality of [[Santa Fe de Mondújar]], [[Andalucía]], Spain. The complex was in use from the fourth millennium BC ({{Circa|3000 BC}}) to the end of the third millennium BC (2000 BC) and probably supported somewhere around 1000 people.<ref name=cunliffe>{{cite book|author-link=Barry Cunliffe|author=Cunliffe, Barry|title=Europe Between the Oceans, 9000 BC-AD 1000|year=2008|page=144}}</ref><ref name=peregrine/> It was discovered in 1891 during the construction of a railway. It was first excavated by [[Luis Siret]] in the succeeding years. Excavations are ongoing. Los Millares is the [[type site]] of the Chalcolithic [[Prehistoric Iberia#Chalcolithic|Millaran culture]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.britannica.com/topic/history-of-Europe/General-characteristics |title=History of Europe - The Copper Age |website=Britannica.com}}</ref>
'''Los Millares''' is the name of a [[Copper Age|Chalcolithic]] occupation site 17km north of [[Almería]], in the municipality of [[Santa Fe de Mondújar]], [[Andalusia]], [[Spain]].


==Site description==
It consists of a settlement, guarded by numerous outlying forts and a cemetery of [[passage grave]] tombs and covers around 5 acres (2ha). It was discovered in 1891 during the course of the construction of a railway and was first excavated by [[Luis Siret]] in the succeeding years. Further excavation work continues today.
[[File:Maqueta tholos Los Millares.jpg|thumb|Model of a tomb]]
The site covers {{convert|2|ha}} and comprises three concentric lines of stone walls, the outer ring the largest, running more than 200 meters (650&nbsp;feet) with nineteen 'bastions' and a gate guarded by foreworks.<ref name=cunliffe/> The road to the site is guarded by four smaller outlying stone forts.<ref name=cunliffe/> There is an extensive cemetery of eighty [[passage grave]] tombs.<ref name=cunliffe/> [[Radiocarbon dating]] has established that one wall collapsed and was rebuilt around 3025&nbsp;BC.


The settlement itself was surrounded by three concentric walls<ref>[http://www.britannica.com/eb/topic-348349/Los-Millares Encyclopedia Brittanica online]</ref> with four [[bastion]]s; [[radiocarbon dating]] has established that one wall collapsed and was rebuilt around 3025 BCE. A cluster of simple dwellings lay inside the walls as well as one large building containing evidence of [[copper]] smelting. [[Pottery]] excavated from the site included plain and decorated wares including [[symbolkeramik]] bowls bearing [[oculus]] motifs. Similar designs appear on various carved stone idols found at the site. Although primarily farmers, the inhabitants of Los Millares had crucially also learned metal working, especially the smelting and forming of copper, and the site is considered highly important in understanding the transition from the [[Neolithic]] to the [[Bronze Age]].<ref>[http://www.andalucia.com/province/almeria/millares/home.htm Almeria Province: Millares]</ref> The Los Millares [[archaeological culture|culture]] eventually came to dominate the Iberian peninsula.
A cluster of simple dwellings lay inside the walls as well as one large building containing evidence of [[copper]] smelting. [[Pottery]] excavated from the site included plain and decorated wares including [[symbolkeramik]] bowls bearing [[Oculus (architecture)|oculus]] motifs. Similar designs appear on various carved stone idols found at the site. Although primarily farmers, the inhabitants of Los Millares had crucially also learned metal working, especially the smelting and forming of copper, and the site is considered highly important in understanding the transition from the [[Prehistoric Iberia#Neolithic|Neolithic]] to the [[Prehistoric Iberia#Bronze Age|Bronze Age]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.andalucia.com/province/almeria/millares/home.htm |title=The village of Millares in the Almeria province, Andalucía, Southern Spain |publisher=Andalucia.com |date= 7 June 2011|access-date=2015-06-13}}</ref> The Millaran culture eventually came to dominate the Iberian peninsula.

The population of Los Millares has been estimated at approximately 1000 in the timeframe 3200–2300&nbsp;BC.
The labor involved in its construction, the large volume of stones used, its geometric characteristics and sophisticated design all indicate multiple functionality, including defense and power.<ref name=peregrine>{{cite encyclopedia|editor1-link=Peter N. Peregrine|editor1-last=Peregrine|editor1-first=Peter Neal|editor2-link=Melvin Ember|editor2-last=Ember|editor2-first=Melvin |encyclopedia=Encyclopedia of Prehistory|title=Encyclopedia of Prehistory: Volume 4: Europe|date=October 1, 2001|publisher=Springer|volume=4 : Europe|location=New York|isbn=0306462583|oclc=60343445|page= }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://archaeology.about.com/od/mterms/qt/los_millares.htm |title=Los Millares - Chalcolithic Site of Los Millares |publisher=Archaeology.about.com |access-date=2015-06-13 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170107062419/http://archaeology.about.com/od/mterms/qt/los_millares.htm |archive-date=2017-01-07 }}</ref>


==Relationship to other prehistoric cultures==
==Relationship to other prehistoric cultures==
Los Millares participated in the continental trends of [[Megalith]]ism and the [[Beaker culture]]. Analysis of occupation material and [[grave goods]] from the Los Millares [[cemetery]] of 70 ''[[tholos]]'' [[tomb]]s with [[port-hole slab]]s has led [[archaeologist]]s to suggest that the people who lived at Los Millares were part of a stratified, unequal society which was often at war with its neighbours. The Los Millares civilisation was replaced circa [[1800 BC]], with the arrival of [[Bronze Age|Bronze]] by the [[El Argar]] civilisation, whose successor culture is embodied in the contemporary culture of [[Vila Nova de Sao Pedro]] in nearby Portugal.
Los Millares participated in the continental trends of [[Megalith]]ism and the [[Beaker culture]] {{Citation needed|date=June 2022}}. Analysis of occupation material and [[grave goods]] from the Los Millares [[cemetery]] of 70 ''[[Beehive tomb|tholos]]'' [[tomb]]s with [[port-hole slab]]s has led [[archaeologist]]s to suggest that the people who lived at Los Millares were part of a stratified, unequal society which was often at war with its neighbors {{Citation needed|date=June 2022}}. The Los Millares civilisation was replaced circa 1800&nbsp;BC, with the arrival of [[Bronze Age Europe|Bronze]] by the [[Argaric culture|El Argar]] civilisation, whose [[successor culture]] is embodied in the contemporary culture of [[Vila Nova de São Pedro]] in nearby Portugal.

Other [[Iberians|Iberian settlements]] in this region of a similar age to Los Millares include the [[Human settlement|settlement]] of [[Los Silillos]] and [[Neolithic]] finds at {{Interlanguage link multi|Sierra de Cabrera (Almería)|es|3=Sierra de Cabrera (Almería)|lt=Cabrera}}.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.megalithic.co.uk/article.php?sid=17974 |title=Los Silillos - Ancient Village or Settlement in Spain in Andalucía |publisher=Megalithic.co.uk |access-date=2015-06-13}}</ref>

Similarities between Los Millares architecture and the [[step pyramid]] at [[Monte d'Accoddi]] in [[Sardinia]] have been noticed {{Citation needed|date=June 2022}}.

==Conservation and access==
The site has been protected by a heritage designation, currently [[Bien de Interés Cultural]], since 1931.

There is an interpretation centre at the site itself.
Some finds are displayed at the [[National Archaeological Museum (Madrid)|National Archaeological Museum]] in Madrid, and others at the [[Museum of Almería]].
{{clear right}}

==Gallery==
[[File:Cuenco de Los Millares.png|thumb|Reproduction of a Millarense bowl with the typical ''eyes'' motif of the chalcolithic of SE Iberia.|170x170px]]

<gallery perrow="6">
File:Cuenco soles M.A.N..JPG
File:Cuenco oculado-Los Millares.JPG
File:Cuenco Almizaraque M.A.N..JPG
File:Vaso con decoración de ciervos. Los Millares, sepultura 7. Edad del Cobre - M.A.N.jpg
File:Cuenco de Los Millares (M.A.N. 1976-1-MILL-7-6) 01.jpg
File:Ídolo en forma de peine o peineta procedente del ajuar funerario de la sepultura 12 de Los Millares - M.A.N.jpg
File:Ídolo placa procedente del ajuar de la sepultura 12 de Los Millares - M.A.N.jpg
File:Ídolos tolva procedentes del ajuar funerario de la sepultura 40 de Los Millares - M.A.N.jpg
File:Museoalmillares.JPG
File:Cuentas de collar de hueso, piedra y concha. Los Millares, sepultura 12. Edad del Cobre - M.A.N.jpg
File:Collares de variscita y ámbar. Calcolítico. Museo Arqueológico Nacional de España.jpg
File:Los Millares. Vista aérea de la puerta principal o barbacana.jpg|Remains of fortification walls<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JwKAPvKleks |title=Digital reconstruction of Los Millares (video)|website=[[YouTube]] }}</ref>
</gallery>


==See also==
==See also==
* [[Prehistoric Europe]]
* [[European Megalithic Culture]]
* [[Iberians]]
* [[Chalcolithic Europe]]
* [[Megalith]], including other European megalithic cultures


==References==
==References==
{{reflist}}
{{Reflist}}


==External links==
==External links==
{{Commons category}}
* [http://millares.almeriaenred.com Virtual visit to the archaeological place of Los Millares]
*{{in lang|es}} [https://web.archive.org/web/20071011233515/http://millares.almeriaenred.com/ Virtual visit to the archaeological place of Los Millares]


{{Authority control}}
[[Category:Archaeological cultures]]
[[Category:Archaeological sites in Spain]]
[[Category:Archaeology of Spain]]
[[Category:Copper Age Europe]]


[[Category:Archaeological cultures of Europe]]
[[es:Los Millares]]
[[Category:Chalcolithic cultures of Europe]]
[[pl:Los Millares]]
[[Category:Archaeological cultures in Spain]]
[[Category:Archaeological sites in Andalusia]]
[[Category:Prehistoric sites in Spain]]
[[Category:Buildings and structures in Andalusia]]
[[Category:Indigenous ancient cities in Spain]]
[[Category:Bien de Interés Cultural landmarks in the Province of Almería]]

Latest revision as of 13:11, 2 May 2024

Los Millares
A model of the prehistoric town of Los Millares, with its walls.
Los Millares is located in Spain
Los Millares
Shown within Spain
LocationSanta Fe de Mondújar, Province of Almería, Andalusia, Spain
Coordinates36°57′53″N 02°31′20″W / 36.96472°N 2.52222°W / 36.96472; -2.52222
TypeSettlement
Area2 ha (4.9 acres)
History
PeriodsChalcolithic
See also: Prehistoric Iberia § Chalcolithic
Reconstruction of fortifications[1]

Los Millares is a Chalcolithic occupation site 17 km north of Almería, in the municipality of Santa Fe de Mondújar, Andalucía, Spain. The complex was in use from the fourth millennium BC (c. 3000 BC) to the end of the third millennium BC (2000 BC) and probably supported somewhere around 1000 people.[2][3] It was discovered in 1891 during the construction of a railway. It was first excavated by Luis Siret in the succeeding years. Excavations are ongoing. Los Millares is the type site of the Chalcolithic Millaran culture.[4]

Site description

[edit]
Model of a tomb

The site covers 2 hectares (4.9 acres) and comprises three concentric lines of stone walls, the outer ring the largest, running more than 200 meters (650 feet) with nineteen 'bastions' and a gate guarded by foreworks.[2] The road to the site is guarded by four smaller outlying stone forts.[2] There is an extensive cemetery of eighty passage grave tombs.[2] Radiocarbon dating has established that one wall collapsed and was rebuilt around 3025 BC.

A cluster of simple dwellings lay inside the walls as well as one large building containing evidence of copper smelting. Pottery excavated from the site included plain and decorated wares including symbolkeramik bowls bearing oculus motifs. Similar designs appear on various carved stone idols found at the site. Although primarily farmers, the inhabitants of Los Millares had crucially also learned metal working, especially the smelting and forming of copper, and the site is considered highly important in understanding the transition from the Neolithic to the Bronze Age.[5] The Millaran culture eventually came to dominate the Iberian peninsula.

The population of Los Millares has been estimated at approximately 1000 in the timeframe 3200–2300 BC. The labor involved in its construction, the large volume of stones used, its geometric characteristics and sophisticated design all indicate multiple functionality, including defense and power.[3][6]

Relationship to other prehistoric cultures

[edit]

Los Millares participated in the continental trends of Megalithism and the Beaker culture [citation needed]. Analysis of occupation material and grave goods from the Los Millares cemetery of 70 tholos tombs with port-hole slabs has led archaeologists to suggest that the people who lived at Los Millares were part of a stratified, unequal society which was often at war with its neighbors [citation needed]. The Los Millares civilisation was replaced circa 1800 BC, with the arrival of Bronze by the El Argar civilisation, whose successor culture is embodied in the contemporary culture of Vila Nova de São Pedro in nearby Portugal.

Other Iberian settlements in this region of a similar age to Los Millares include the settlement of Los Silillos and Neolithic finds at Cabrera [es].[7]

Similarities between Los Millares architecture and the step pyramid at Monte d'Accoddi in Sardinia have been noticed [citation needed].

Conservation and access

[edit]

The site has been protected by a heritage designation, currently Bien de Interés Cultural, since 1931.

There is an interpretation centre at the site itself. Some finds are displayed at the National Archaeological Museum in Madrid, and others at the Museum of Almería.

[edit]
Reproduction of a Millarense bowl with the typical eyes motif of the chalcolithic of SE Iberia.
  • Remains of fortification walls[8]
    Remains of fortification walls[8]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "Digital reconstruction of Los Millares (video)". YouTube.
  2. ^ a b c d Cunliffe, Barry (2008). Europe Between the Oceans, 9000 BC-AD 1000. p. 144.
  3. ^ a b Peregrine, Peter Neal; Ember, Melvin, eds. (October 1, 2001). "Encyclopedia of Prehistory: Volume 4: Europe". Encyclopedia of Prehistory. Vol. 4 : Europe. New York: Springer. ISBN 0306462583. OCLC 60343445.
  4. ^ "History of Europe - The Copper Age". Britannica.com.
  5. ^ "The village of Millares in the Almeria province, Andalucía, Southern Spain". Andalucia.com. 7 June 2011. Retrieved 2015-06-13.
  6. ^ "Los Millares - Chalcolithic Site of Los Millares". Archaeology.about.com. Archived from the original on 2017-01-07. Retrieved 2015-06-13.
  7. ^ "Los Silillos - Ancient Village or Settlement in Spain in Andalucía". Megalithic.co.uk. Retrieved 2015-06-13.
  8. ^ "Digital reconstruction of Los Millares (video)". YouTube.
[edit]
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