Motilla del Azuer

Motilla del Azuer is a Bronze Age archaeological complex in Daimiel, located in the heart of the Castile-La Mancha region. The prehistoric settlement contains a central stone tower reaching approximately 10 meters in height, surrounded by three concentric defensive walls and a spacious inner courtyard.

The fortified settlement was built between 2200 and 1500 BCE and formed part of a network of similar structures positioned approximately every 4 to 5 kilometers across the region. This system allowed control over water sources and the organization of territory during the Middle Bronze Age.

The excavated areas reveal numerous storage pits, grain silos, and pottery kilns, demonstrating the advanced economic organization of Bronze Age communities. These craft and agricultural facilities show how daily life unfolded and how the inhabitants managed their resources within the settlement.

The archaeological complex is located in the flat plain of La Mancha and can be reached via local roads from Daimiel. The foundations and walls have been exposed and can be viewed from ground level, with information panels explaining the layout.

The site features a well approximately 16 meters deep, representing the oldest documented water management system discovered on the Iberian Peninsula. Archaeological work has also uncovered burial grounds where children were interred in ceramic vessels, following Bronze Age funeral customs.