Strange Metal From Beyond Our Planet Discovered in Ancient Spanish Treasure
Amidst a cache of glittering golden treasures from the Iberian Bronze Age, a pair of corroded objects have caught the attention of researchers worldwide. A dull bracelet and a rusted hollow hemisphere decorated with gold were found to be forged not out of metal from beneath the ground, but with iron from meteorites that fell from the sky.
The discovery, led by retired head of conservation at the National Archaeological Museum Spain, Salvador Rovira-Llorens, sheds light on the advanced metalworking technology and techniques in Iberia more than 3,000 years ago. The objects were part of the Treasure of Villena, a collection of 66 mostly gold artifacts discovered over 60 years ago in Alicante, Spain, showcasing exceptional Bronze Age craftsmanship.
The challenge in dating the collection arose from the ferrous appearance of the iron-made hemisphere and bracelet, which contradicted the known timeline of the Iron Age in the Iberian Peninsula. By analyzing the nickel content of the artifacts, researchers confirmed that they were indeed made from meteoritic iron, placing them in the Late Bronze Age period around 1400 to 1200 BCE.
Further studies are needed to solidify these findings using non-invasive techniques, offering a glimpse into the ancient mysteries of metalworking and trade in the region. The implications of this discovery on the understanding of early civilizations and their technological capabilities are profound, opening new avenues for archaeological research.