The Site of Torralba d'en Salort
Archaeological
research at the site of Torralba started in 1973 and continued for about
10 years. At that time researchers from the Universidad Complutense de Madrid
and the Museum of Deia excavated several areas of this large site. The new
research team is resuming work at the site, interrupted since the 80's.
The earliest occupation of this site dates back 3,200 years and has been documented in the foundations of two huts located near the center of the site. Storage ceramics containing remains of wheat and hops were found in the huts, along with goat and sheep bones.
The Torralba site also features two talayots (stone towers). The talayot is one of the constructions that best typifies the indigenous culture of the island of Menorca. Its purpose is still being discussed, but it is believed to have served as a watch tower both for defense and for control of the territory. Torralba's talayots were built around 910 B.C.
Torralba's most important feature today is its sanctuary with taula. The taula is a megalithic construction formed with two dressed stones in the shape of a T about 5 meters (15 feet) high. Torralba's taula stands in the middle of a circular building occupying the center of the settlement. This monumental construction has always been considered one of the symbols of Menorca and has evoked all kinds of reactions and opinions regarding its functionality, origin and meaning.
Archaeological
research in this part of the site suggests that animal sacrifices and ceramic
offerings were performed in the taula area, reinforcing the theory that
the taula had a religious or magical function in the settlement. Scientific
studies also indicate that the building was used over a span of 800 years
and ending with the Roman occupation in the first century A.D., although
the earliest artifacts found at the sanctuary belong to the 4th century
B.C.
The site of Torralba must have been one of the largest settlements of its time on the island of Menorca, although its extension has been reduced over the centuries. However, there are many houses and residential buildings yet to be excavated.
Torralba
is a site with enormeous archaeological potential. There is a lot to discover
about the megalithic cultures of this island and we encourage you to join
ArchaeoSpain on its journey to discover more about the origin and development
of the talayotic cultures.