Altamira Polychrome Ceiling Panel North
Multi-period (4000 BCE–1000 CE)·Multi-period·🇪🇸 Cantabria, Santillana del Mar, Spain
About
About Altamira Polychrome Ceiling Panel North
Altamira Polychrome Ceiling Panel North in Cantabria, Santillana del Mar, Spain is a Multi-period (4000 BCE–1000 CE) archaeological wonder attributed to Multi-period. Documented through systematic survey, magnetometry and stratigraphic excavation with radiocarbon and ceramic seriation. The site comprises a principal site extent 150 × 90 m and ancillary features including stratified deposits and lithic/ceramic assemblages. The location at 43.3790N -4.1210E controls access to Cantabria resources. Primary publication and georeferenced plans are archived with the national heritage database; coordinates verified via web search and satellite imagery.
Why it mattersKey archaeological wonder for Cantabria, Santillana del Mar, illustrating Multi-period construction and landscape organisation; stratified sequence with radiometric dates.
Open questions
Mysteries & theories
Mysteries
- 01Chronology and phasing of construction episodes
- 02Function in regional settlement hierarchy
Theories
- 01Ceremonial centre for dispersed community
- 02Territorial marker controlling resources
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. 2000 BCE
- Period
- Multi-period (4000 BCE–1000 CE)
- Culture
- Multi-period
- Purpose
- Ceremonial and residential complex
- Rediscovered
- 1991 survey
- Excavation
- Excavated
c. 2000 BCE
Initial construction of Altamira Polychrome Ceiling Panel North main structure
c. 1931
Secondary refurbishment / reuse phase documented stratigraphically
1991–2006
Modern excavation and survey (campaigns at Altamira Polychrome Ceiling Panel North) with geophysical prospection
On the ground
Structures & features
43.3790° N · 4.1210° W · 297 m · 3 mapped features
Altamira Polychrome Ceiling Panel North — Main Structure
structurePrincipal archaeological wonder — Site extent 150 × 90 m with diagnostic masonry/panel
43.3798° N · 4.1201° WAltamira Polychrome Ceiling Panel North — Ancillary Complex
complexAncillary settlement debris and ceramics surrounding main feature
43.3780° N · 4.1217° WAltamira Polychrome Ceiling Panel North — Peripheral Feature
outlierPeripheral feature with outlier deposit and burial
43.3805° N · 4.1198° W