A team of international researchers has unveiled new insights into the construction techniques and social structures of the Tartessians, a protohistoric civilization in southwestern Spain.

Situation of analyzed EBM and their petrographic ᴀssignment at the site. Credit: Cutillas-Victoria, B. et al. Sci Rep (2024)

Their study, conducted at the Casas del Turuñuelo archaeological site in Guareña, Badajoz, Spain, has shed light on the advanced building practices of the Tartessians, particularly their use of earthen construction materials. The research, which was published in Scientific Reports, was carried out by scholars from the Universities of Helsinki and Murcia, alongside the Insтιтute of Archaeology (CSIC—Junta de Extremadura).

The Casas del Turuñuelo site, dating back to the fifth century BCE, is notable for its extraordinary state of preservation, making it one of the best-preserved earthen structures in the western Mediterranean. Led by archaeologists Esther Rodrigues Gonzales and Sebastián Celestino Pérez from the CSIC, excavation efforts have been ongoing since 2014. The team aimed to reconstruct the construction processes of this monumental building to understand how the Tartessians organized labor, utilized natural resources, and employed different skill levels within their society.

One of the leading researchers, Marta Lorenzon from the University of Helsinki, explained, “Our goal was to comprehend how the earthen materials were processed and used, the organization of labor, and the skill levels of the community involved in the construction.” She noted that their research could help modern societies draw inspiration from ancient sustainable building techniques, particularly in the use of local, natural resources. Lorenzon added, “This research can help us better understand sustainable building practices from the past that might inspire modern construction.”

3D model of the animal sacrifice documented in the courtyard, a mudbrick wall documented in the south corridor, and a selection of imported materials, including glᴀss bowls from the Eastern Mediterranean and a fragment of Pentelic marble sculpture. Credit: Cutillas-Victoria, B. et al. Sci Rep (2024)

The study employed a multi-disciplinary approach to analyze 64 samples of earthen building materials (EBM) from different parts of the building. Techniques such as X-ray fluorescence, X-ray diffraction, thin-section petrography, and CHN analyses were used to investigate the materials, including mudbricks, mud plasters, and mud mortars. The analysis revealed that the Tartessians sourced their materials from both nearby and distant locations, demonstrating a sophisticated understanding of their environment and the logistical challenges they faced in transporting materials. The procurement of raw materials and the organization of labor were centrally planned, reflecting the existence of strong political structures that facilitated the construction of such monumental architecture.

Benjamín Cutillas Victoria, one of the co-writers of the research, highlighted the sustainability of the Tartessian construction methods. He noted that the Tartessians’ use of local materials in an environmentally adapted manner provides a new perspective on their architectural skills. “The fact that they thrived using this form of architecture adds a new dimension to the story of their building skills and culture,” Cutillas said.

Additionally, the findings offer insights into the socio-political organization of the Tartessians, revealing a complex system of labor organization. The division of tasks among workers, including specialized mudbrick makers, points to the existence of well-planned production areas and a group responsible for overseeing construction development. According to the study, this high level of coordination reflects the Tartessians’ capacity to mobilize resources and labor for large-scale projects, indicating robust political governance.

The site of Casas del Turuñuelo also provides evidence of intentional destruction after a ceremonial feast and animal sacrifice. The study’s interdisciplinary approach has deepened the understanding of public earthen architecture in Mediterranean protohistory, revealing how ancient communities harnessed their knowledge of the environment to build monumental structures.

More information: Cutillas-Victoria, B., Lorenzon, M., Rodríguez González, E. et al. (2024). Hierarchical organization and skilled workforces for constructing the Tartessic earthen building at Casas del Turuñuelo (Guareña, Spain). Sci Rep 14, 20286. doi:10.1038/s41598-024-70374-x