The ‘Spanish Stonehenge’ Has Been Uncovered After A Drought

It may not necessarily be a new discovery, but it is new for many people because it has been hidden from view for 5 decades.

There are many things about history that people find interesting. At times, they may look at a specific culture or time period and study it for a lifetime. At other times, however, we may have an interest in anything that comes to light about history. It helps to enhance our appreciation of the world around us and perhaps even teaches us something about ourselves in the process.

Such an interesting event took place in 2019 in Spain. It may not necessarily be a new discovery, but it is new for many people because it has been hidden from view for 5 decades. As a result of a very dry summer, the ValdecaƱas Reservoir was slowly disappearing.

Photo: Wikimedia Commons

As it did, something became visible to NASA satellites that surprised many. It was the Dolmen of Guadalperal, which is also known as the Spanish Stonehenge.

More than likely, you automatically think about the well-known Stonehenge found in England. The fact is, however, these structures are found in many areas of Europe. That includes the Dolmen of Guadalperal, which is comprised of some 150 large stones made of granite and placed in a circle. The area that is assumed to be an entryway to the area has a standing stone with carved cups and snakes.

Photo: Wikimedia Commons

The Dolmen of Guadalperal was first discovered by a German archaeologist, Hugo Obermaier, in 1926. Along with the larger stones found in that spot, there were also fragments left by people who were thought to be the builders.

Photo: Wikimedia Commons

It was visible until the government flooded the area in 1963 to create the ValdecaƱas Reservoir. Most of the stones were submerged, although some of the tops of the stones could be seen above the surface of the water. When the drought happened in 2019, the stones reappeared.

Photo: Wikimedia Commons

These stones have been standing as a monument to history for many centuries. Since they were underwater, the carvings in the stones were wearing away but they are still visible in many cases. There are also those who would like to see the stones moved, but the subject is not one that is thought of highly by all people. It will be interesting to see what they do.

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