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A tomb filled with rare jewels unearthed in Spain has archaeologists theorized about female rule in the Bronze Age.

Last week, a new study in the field of archeology published in the journal Antiquity (UK) made headlines by providing evidence that women ruled in Europe during the Bronze Age.

Accordingly, in 2014, during the excavation of La Almoloya ruins in Murcia, Spain, researchers discovered two sets of remains, a male and a female, about 3,700 years old, buried together. each other in a ceramic vase on the floor of a room. Buried with them were 29 items of high value.

The woman died in her 20s, possibly from tuberculosis. This person lies on his back, legs bent towards the man. During his lifetime, this person was born with a birth defect. On the remains, archaeologists found a series of silver jewelry such as hair bands, earrings, bracelets, rings and most notably a tiara.

Meanwhile, the man is about 30 years old. When he died, this person was wearing a gold ring. The silver ring fell off his finger, lying near the man’s back. Next to the man’s remains was a bronze dagger, fitted with four silver studs.

The couple died at the same time in the mid-17th century BC. The results of genetic analysis showed that the two had children together, of which a daughter was buried elsewhere in the ruins.

Silver crown worn on the head of the female remains.

Precious jewels buried with two remains.

From the precious jewelry, the research team said, the couple appeared to be members of the elite El Argar – Bronze Age civilization. Women are more likely to play a more important role politically than men. The location where the remains were found is a room in a large building that seems to have been used both for living and for political activities. The team also called the room with benches for about 50 people to sit as the “parliament”. According to the research team, this place is likely a palace. The building burned down not long after the two were buried.

The discoveries at La Almoloya gradually reveal unexpected political aspects of Bronze Age Europe. Accordingly, women hold political power. Meanwhile, men play the role of warriors, managing weapons and expanding the territory.

When comparing the tomb found at La Almoloya with four tombs belonging to different tombs of the El Argar civilization, archaeologists found that they were all very similar and very valuable, despite being hundreds of kilometers apart. . This means that symbols of political power are preserved throughout the vast territory.

“In El Argar society, women of the ruling class are buried with the crown. Meanwhile, the men were buried with swords and daggers. The items buried with the men were of lesser quantity and of poorer quality. Since swords represent the most powerful tool for consolidating political decisions, El Argar men can play an executive role, even though the real power is in the hands of women,” said study co-author. rescue Cristina Rihuete said.

La Almoloya Ruins.

La Almoloya was first discovered in 1944. This is said to be the cradle of El Argar society, which flourished from 2200 – 1500 BC. They were one of the first civilizations in the area to use copper, build cities and erect monuments. El Argar is also considered an early example of a class-based state, with its division of wealth and labor.