A Roman Temple Inscribed with “Cova de les Dones” Discovered

A team of researchers from the universities of Alicante (UA) and Zaragoza (Unizar) has made an exciting discovery at Cova de les Dones. This site is one of the largest rock art locations on the Iberian Peninsula. The team found a Roman temple, fifteen Roman inscriptions, and a coin from Emperor Claudius’s reign.

Importance of Cova de les Dones

Cova de les Dones is located in Millares, Valencia, Spain. It lies over 200 meters from the cave’s entrance, deep within a chamber. This discovery is vital for understanding the Roman influence in the Iberian Peninsula.

Key Findings: Inscriptions and Coin

The researchers documented around fifteen Roman inscriptions. They also found a coin dating back to the 1st century AD. This coin, located near a stalactite, suggests that the site may have served ritual purposes during the Roman era.

Building on Previous Research

This discovery builds on a 2023 study published in Antiquity. That study revealed over a hundred rock art motifs within the cave. Experts believe that the variety of techniques and representations make Cova de les Dones the most significant Paleolithic site along the eastern Mediterranean coast of the Iberian Peninsula.

Continuous Use from Prehistory to Roman Times

The recent findings highlight the exceptional nature of Cova de les Dones. They show evidence of continuous use from prehistory to the Roman period. The cave has maintained its sacred character for thousands of years, with documented explorations dating back to the 18th century.

Insights into Iberian and Roman Cultures

Previously, researchers classified the site as an Iberian sanctuary due to Iron Age ceramics. However, evidence confirming its Roman usage was limited until now. The discovery of inscriptions in a deep area of the cave strongly suggests that the Romans either continuously used or repurposed the sanctuary. This enhances our understanding of ancient cult practices in this sacred space.

Cova de les Dones: A Deeply Significant Site

The location of these inscriptions ranks Cova de les Dones among the deepest sites with Roman inscriptions in the Iberian Peninsula. It is surpassed only by Cueva del Puente in Junta de Villalba de Losa and possibly Cueva de Román de Clunia in Burgos province.

Ongoing Research and Future Discoveries

Despite the progress made, research at Cova de les Dones is still in its early stages. Currently, only 20% of the area with Paleolithic decorations has been thoroughly analyzed. Additionally, researchers are still investigating the Roman inscriptions. Some areas of the cave remain unexplored, suggesting that more discoveries may await.

Conclusion: A Milestone in Archaeological Research

The discovery of the Roman sanctuary at Cova de les Dones marks a significant milestone in archaeological research within the Valencian Community. It confirms the continuity of the site’s ritual use across different historical periods. Furthermore, it opens new avenues for studying the interaction between Iberian and Roman cultures. As research continues, we expect further revelations to deepen our understanding of this underground sanctuary’s symbolic and religious significance. Cova de les Dones is an invaluable archaeological site with a rich history yet to be fully uncovered.

Research Team and Collaboration

The archaeological study at Cova de les Dones is part of the DONARQ project. Virginia Barciela González, a professor of Prehistory at the University of Alicante, leads the research. Aitor Ruiz-Redondo, a professor of Prehistory at the University of Zaragoza, and Ximo Martorell Briz, an archaeologist from the Territorial Department of Culture of Valencia, also contribute. Experts from the University of Valencia and the University of Barcelona assist with epigraphic analysis. Their collaboration ensures a comprehensive understanding of this significant site.