Archaeological Site of Tejada la Vieja

Tejada la Vieja is a pre-Roman archaeological site dating back to the 8th century BC, in the middle of the Phoenician colonisation towards the interior of the southwest of Spain. It is thought to be a settlement as it is close to the mines of Aználcollar and Rio Tinto.

The site of Tejada la Vieja is one of the best examples of an Iron Age settlement in the southwest of the peninsula (which has been called Tartessian, Orientalising and Turdetan). As there are no overlapping later phases, it is a perfect way to understand protohistoric development and an optimal model to study the type and level of relationship with oriental elements, as well as its development over five centuries while this site was in use.

Although other Tartessian sites on the Iberian Peninsula have great sculptural findings of various kinds (like the bathtub or staircase of Turuñuelo de Guareña), Tejada la Vieja boasts a magnificent wall. We can therefore say that the most characteristic element of Tejada la Vieja is the wall. It was built in the 8th century BC using a building technique that has clear Eastern Mediterranean influences and it is the oldest element dated at the site so far. It is therefore believed that Tejada la Vieja had oriental influences from the start, typical of contact with the Phoenician world, and that the layout was planned, because the wall, as an urban element, was built before the town it contained.

Explore the legendary kingdom of Tartessos. Walk in the steps of the site's ancient inhabitants. See the walls they built to protect their wealth in metals that made them famous.

Schedule

Sundays, 10.30am to 1.30pm