La Almoloya, Bronze Age archaeological site in Pliego, Murcia, Spain.
La Almoloya is a Bronze Age archaeological site in Pliego containing stone structures and artifacts from the El Argar civilization. The excavations reveal the remains of a palace complex with residential areas and communal gathering spaces integrated into the hillside landscape.
The settlement emerged in the early Bronze Age between 2200 and 1500 BC as a central location of the El Argar culture. This society controlled a vast territory and left evidence at this site of their social and political structures.
The excavated palace hall shows architectural features such as built-in benches and a raised platform that suggest organized political gatherings. These design choices reveal how the inhabitants of this Bronze Age settlement organized their communal spaces for decision-making.
Understanding this site requires some knowledge of archaeology since the structures no longer look as they originally did and require interpretation. A guided visit is recommended to properly understand the layout and purpose of the different areas.
One burial contained silver artifacts including a diadem placed next to female remains, suggesting women held substantial political authority in this society. The status and grave goods of this woman indicate that gender roles in this ancient world were not as rigid as later assumed.
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