Historic Discovery in Marbella: 200,000-Year-Old Graffiti Unearthed
A groundbreaking archaeological find has rewritten the history of Marbella. A stone block adorned with graffiti, believed to be over 200,000 years old, has been discovered. This significant find confirms the presence of Middle Palaeolithic settlers in the town.
Marbella’s Cultural Heritage Unveiled
The discovery was reported by Marbella town hall’s department of culture, education and heritage. The stone block was found during an archaeological dig in the Coto Correa enclave in Las Chapas, an area known for housing the town’s oldest remains. The site has been under archaeological protection since the 1950s when tools from the lower Palaeolithic period were unearthed.
Implications of the Discovery
The importance of this discovery is twofold. Firstly, it confirms the existence of settlers in Marbella during the Early Middle Palaeolithic period, a time little known in Spain and previously unknown in the province of Malaga. Secondly, the stone block contains graphic representations of human origin that could be 100,000 years older than the oldest known cave art.
Investigating the Stone Block
The town hall is currently studying this unique artistic document to confirm its age. The dating techniques involve quartz analysis of different sediment samples, which will provide a precise chronology. Additionally, 3D digitisation will be used to create a high-resolution virtual composition, allowing for detailed study of the entire surface.
Funding and Future Research
The research phase has been funded with 8,000 euros. If the proposed dating is confirmed, Marbella will become a reference point in Palaeolithic studies. Once the studies are completed, the town hall plans to announce various activities to present the findings and their scientific implications.
Historical Significance of the Coto Correa Site
The Coto Correa site has been known since 1953 when a series of lithic tools were discovered. The site, located on marine terraces and beaches 20 to 40 metres above the present day, was once a campsite for fruit gatherers and primitive hunters. The site’s size and the volume of material found there have led to its division into three sectors: Coto Correa I or Artola Alto, Coto Correa II and Coto Correa III.
