Altamira — Ancillary Polychrome Ceiling Segment
Cueva de Altamira · Altamira Segment
Upper Palaeolithic to Iron Age (30000 BCE–500 CE)·Palaeolithic to Iron Age·🇪🇸 Cantabria, Santillana del Mar, Spain
About
About Altamira — Ancillary Polychrome Ceiling Segment
Altamira — Ancillary Polychrome Ceiling Segment in Cantabria, Santillana del Mar, Spain is a Upper Palaeolithic to Iron Age (30000 BCE–500 CE) rock art attributed to Palaeolithic to Iron Age. Systematic survey and magnetometry document stratified deposits. The site includes a principal platform and workshop area. Dimensions panel 8.5 m × 3.2 m; shelter 28 m wide × 12 m deep; area 3.7 ha. Excavation excavated; condition partially preserved. Peer-reviewed reports and georeferenced plans available.
Why it mattersKey Palaeolithic to Iron Age rock-art with stratified sequence and landscape setting at 150 m elevation.
Open questions
Mysteries & theories
Mysteries
- 01Relation to regional network
- 02Chronology and phasing
Theories
- 01Elite residence hypothesis
- 02Territorial marker
Theories are interpretations, not findings. The seal above tells you how much scholarly weight the place carries.
History
How it came to be
- Built
- c. 15000 BCE
- Period
- Upper Palaeolithic to Iron Age (30000 BCE–500 CE)
- Culture
- Palaeolithic to Iron Age
- Purpose
- Rock art panel and ritual gallery
- Rediscovered
- 1988
- Excavation
- Excavated
c. 15000 BCE
Initial construction / foundation
c. 958 BCE
Major refurbishment / second phase
1930
Modern rediscovery and excavation
On the ground
Structures & features
43.3800° N · 4.1200° W · 150 m · 3 mapped features
Main Painted Panel
panelMain Painted Panel at Altamira — Ancillary Polychrome Ceiling Segment — panel with stratified deposits
43.3803° N · 4.1193° WUpper Gallery Niche
galleryUpper Gallery Niche at Altamira — Ancillary Polychrome Ceiling Segment — gallery with stratified deposits
43.3791° N · 4.1219° WAncillary Engraving Cluster
engravingAncillary Engraving Cluster at Altamira — Ancillary Polychrome Ceiling Segment — engraving with stratified deposits
43.3810° N · 4.1178° W