Dolmen de Alberite
Dolmen de Alberite I · Villamartin Dolmen
Early to Middle Neolithic·Andalusian Neolithic / Guadalquivir Megalithic·🇪🇸 Andalusia, Cádiz, Spain
About
About Dolmen de Alberite
Large corridor dolmen near Villamartín in Cádiz mountains, 20 m passage with 13 limestone orthostats leading to polygonal chamber under 30 m tumulus. Part of Alberite complex of at least three dolmens (Alberite I-III) in Guadalete valley. Dated c.4000–3000 BCE, among southernmost Iberian dolmens showing Guadalquivir expansion. Painted and engraved orthostats with red ochre traces.
Open questions
Mysteries & theories
Mysteries
- 01Red ochre painting survival in open limestone
Theories
- 01Valley corridor linking Atlantic to Mediterranean megalithism
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. 4000–3000 BCE
- Period
- Early to Middle Neolithic
- Culture
- Andalusian Neolithic / Guadalquivir Megalithic
- Purpose
- Passage dolmen with painted chamber
- Abandoned
- c.2500 BCE
- Rediscovered
- Discovered 1980s; excavated by T. Perdigones
- Excavation
- Excavated
c. 4000–3000 BCE
Initial construction
c. 1420 CE
Abandonment
On the ground
Structures & features
36.8567° N · 5.6444° W · 180 m · 1 mapped feature
Painted Orthostats
decorated passageCorridor slabs with red ochre paintings
36.8567° N · 5.6444° W
Gallery