Dolmen de Ontiveros

Dolmen de Ontiveros is a megalithic tomb located in the province of Huelva in southern Spain. It is one of the best-preserved dolmens in the region and is considered to be a significant archaeological and cultural landmark.

The dolmen dates back to the Neolithic period, around 4000-3000 BCE, and was used as a communal burial site for the people who lived in the area during that time. The site is situated on a hilltop overlooking the surrounding countryside, with a large circular mound surrounding a rectangular chamber made up of several massive stones.

The chamber consists of nine upright stones, each weighing several tons, with smaller stones placed in between to fill in the gaps. The roof of the chamber is made up of several massive capstones, with the largest weighing more than three tons.

The entrance to the chamber is marked by two large upright stones, with a small opening in between. The entrance faces east, which suggests that the site was used for religious and ritual purposes related to the sun and the cycles of nature.

The dolmen is also adorned with several carvings and engravings, including spirals, zigzags, and abstract designs. These motifs are similar to those found at other megalithic sites throughout the region and are thought to represent the sun, moon, and other celestial bodies.

The Dolmen de Ontiveros is significant not only for its size and architecture but also for the artifacts found within the chamber. Archaeologists have uncovered several objects, including pottery, beads, and tools, which provide insight into the lives and beliefs of the people who used the site.

The site is believed to have been used for several hundred years during the Neolithic period, and the presence of several smaller tombs and burial mounds in the surrounding area suggests that the site was an important ritual and religious center for the people who lived in the region.

Today, the Dolmen de Ontiveros is a popular tourist attraction and is recognized as an important cultural and historical landmark in Spain. Visitors can explore the dolmen and the surrounding area, which includes several other prehistoric sites of interest.

The site is also part of a larger network of megalithic tombs and burial mounds found throughout the Iberian Peninsula, which provides valuable insight into the lives and beliefs of the people who lived in the region during the Neolithic period.

The Dolmen de Ontiveros has been the subject of several archaeological studies and research projects, which have shed light on its history and significance. These studies have helped to deepen our understanding of the people who lived in the area during the Neolithic period and the ways in which they constructed and used their sacred and ritual spaces.