A Glance at the Archaeological Discovery
A team of archaeologists from the Autonomous University of Barcelona (UAB) has identified the remains of a burned stable dating from the Second Punic War in the Pyrenees. This discovery, made in Bellver de Cerdanya, reveals fascinating details about life in that tumultuous time.
A Glimpse of Life in the Era of the Second Punic War
The burnt stable at Bellver de Cerdanya, dating back 2,200 years, contains the charred remains of six animals, including a horse, four sheep and a goat. In addition, valuable objects have been discovered, such as a gold earring, which provide clues about the economic activities and daily life of the inhabitants of that time.
Rebuilding the Economy and Everyday Life
The analysis of the remains has made it possible to reconstruct the economic patterns of the community, which included livestock, agriculture, forest management and mining. This discovery reveals an Iron Age society adapted to its environment and capable of taking advantage of highland resources, as well as interacting with other communities.
Possible Relationship with the Second Punic War
It is speculated that the destruction of the stable could be related to the passage of Hannibal’s army during the Second Punic War, although the chronological precision is not sufficient to state this with certainty. However, the presence of widespread fire points to intentional destruction, possibly as a result of armed conflict.
Reflections on Anticipating a Threat
The discovery of a hidden gold earring suggests that the local population may have anticipated some threat, possibly the arrival of an enemy. Furthermore, the presence of a large number of animals in the stable indicates a possible anticipation of danger.
Collaboration and Publication
The research, published in ‘Frontiers in Environmental Archaeology’, included the participation of prominent researchers from the UAB, the Catalan Institute of Classical Archaeology, the Milan and Fontanals Institution of the CSIC, the University of Heidelberg and the Catalan Institute of Human and Paleoecology. Social Evolution.