A Bronze Age treasure trove discovered over 60 years ago in Spain has unveiled a surprising secret: two of its iron artefacts were crafted from material originating beyond Earth, according to a recent study published in the journal Trabajos de Prehistoria.
Known as the Treasure of Villena, this remarkable collection was unearthed by archaeologists in 1963, consisting of 59 items including bottles, bowls, and jewellery made of gold, silver, amber, and iron.
Decades after its discovery, scientists finally confirmed that the gold-plated pommel of a sword hilt and an open bracelet within the trove were crafted from iron sourced from a meteorite that fell to Earth approximately one million years ago.
The revelation marks a significant discovery, as it represents the first instance of extraterrestrial material used in artefacts found in the Iberian Peninsula. Researchers utilized mass spectrometry to analyze traces of iron-nickel alloy in the artefacts, matching those found in meteoric iron.
According to senior author Ignacio Montero-Ruiz, the connection between gold and iron holds profound symbolic and social significance, suggesting that these items may have been part of a hidden treasure belonging to a community rather than an individual.
While the precise origin of the treasure remains uncertain, these meteoritic iron objects, believed to have been crafted between 1400 and 1200 BC, offer valuable insights into ancient metallurgy and trade networks. Their inclusion in the treasure underscores their perceived value and significance within Bronze Age society.
As researchers continue to unravel the mysteries surrounding the Treasure of Villena, the discovery of these extraterrestrial artefacts adds a fascinating chapter to the rich history of human civilization in the Iberian Peninsula.
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