A violent blaze, presumably linked to the Carthaginian military crossing the Pyrenees to struggle the Romans, flared up so shortly folks couldn’t save their animals or their valuables.

A Snapshot of Historic Destruction

In a ruined constructing deep inside the Pyrenees lies a report of an historical tragedy. Over 2,200 years in the past, a devastating fireplace razed a settlement to the bottom, forsaking charred remnants and a single, hidden gold earring. Current archaeological excavations at Constructing G, a part of the Iron Age web site of Tossal de Baltarga, have unearthed proof of a lifestyle abruptly ended by violence—probably linked to the Second Punic Conflict.

“The destruction was dated across the finish of the third century BC, coinciding with the Pyrenees’ involvement within the Second Punic Conflict and Hannibal’s crossing,” defined Dr. Oriol Olesti Vila from the Autonomous College of Barcelona in a Frontiers report

 “It’s probably that this violent destruction was related to that battle. The overall fireplace factors to anthropic destruction, intentional and really efficient—each constructing on the web site was destroyed. In Constructing D, we even discovered an entire canine, burned.”

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Constructing G because it may need regarded earlier than the fireplace, interpreted by Francesc Riart, illustrator. (Reconstruction by Francesc Riart, illustrator. Shared by form permission of the authors/Frontiers)

Buried Treasure and Day by day Life

Tossal de Baltarga was a hillfort belonging to the Cerretani neighborhood, strategically positioned close to the key settlement of Castellot de Bolvir. Though it lacked defensive partitions, the location commanded wonderful views over the river and essential journey routes. The sudden destruction preserved natural stays, permitting archaeologists to reconstruct the every day lives of its inhabitants.

“These valleys had been economically and strategically necessary,” famous Olesti Vila. “Hannibal handed by way of right here, combating towards native tribes, probably the Cerretani. Few archaeological stays of this expedition exist, making Tossal de Baltarga probably the greatest examples.”

Constructing G had two flooring. The hearth was so intense that the roof, assist beams, and picket higher ground collapsed. But, some valuables survived, together with an iron pickaxe and a gold earring hidden in a small pot. The higher ground seems to have been divided into cooking and textile manufacturing areas, with quite a few spindle whorls and loom weights suggesting wool spinning and weaving actions. Archaeologists additionally discovered grains like oats and barley and cooking vessels with residues indicating the consumption of milk and pork stews.

The gold earring discovered by the scientists, photographed towards a darkish background, in entrance of the jar it was present in. (Marco Ansaloni/Frontiers)

A Reminiscence of Battle

Whereas no human stays had been found in Constructing G, six animals perished. 4 sheep, a goat, and a horse—presumably ridden by the constructing’s homeowners—had been trapped of their picket enclosures. The presence of burned wooden on the entrance suggests they could have been locked in by a closed door, presumably reflecting an try to safeguard them from an anticipated risk.

“These mountain communities weren’t remoted however related with neighboring areas, exchanging merchandise and cultural backgrounds,” mentioned Olesti Vila. “Their advanced economic system signifies an Iron Age society well-adapted to their setting, exploiting highland assets and sustaining connections with different communities.”

The sudden destruction, with no time to rescue the animals, hints at an abrupt catastrophe, presumably an sudden native fireplace. Nonetheless, the hidden gold earring suggests the inhabitants anticipated hazard, probably from an enemy. The presence of many animals in a small stall additional signifies preparation for a risk.

The destiny of Tossal de Baltarga’s inhabitants stays unknown. Nonetheless, the location was ultimately reoccupied and fortified by the Romans, who constructed defenses, together with a powerful watchtower, maybe in reminiscence of the sooner destruction.

High picture: Archaeologists discovered a gold earring hidden inside a jar that had been positioned in a wall on the Iron Age settlement referred to as Tossal de Baltarga. Supply: Marco Ansaloni/Frontiers