The Treasure of Villena, a dazzling Bronze Age hoard discovered over 60 years ago in Spain, holds some remarkable metal treasures—new analysis reveals that parts of it were crafted from meteoric iron.
Discovered by archaeologists in 1963 in the province of Alicante, the hoard comprises 59 meticulously crafted items, including bottles, bowls, and jewelry made of gold, silver, amber, and iron. Initially, researchers noted curious details about some iron pieces, describing them as a “dark leaden metal” with a shiny surface and a ferrous-looking oxide coating.
Recent research, published in the journal Trabajos de Prehistoria, found that the iron in two artifacts—a C-shaped bracelet and a hollow sphere topped with a gold sheet—originated from a meteorite that fell to Earth around 1 million years ago. These items, crafted between 1400 and 1200 B.C., hold significant symbolic and social value, possibly representing a hidden treasure belonging to a community rather than an individual.
Mass spectrometry analysis revealed traces of iron-nickel alloy in the artifacts similar to those found in meteoric iron, suggesting they came from the same meteorite. This discovery sheds light on the innovative metallurgy practices of the Late Bronze Age, as working with meteoritic iron required new technology distinct from copper-based metallurgy and noble metals like gold and silver.
While the origin of the artifacts remains uncertain, they represent the oldest meteoritic iron objects found in the Iberian Peninsula. The hoard’s artifacts offer valuable insights into ancient metallurgical practices, expanding our understanding of Bronze Age cultures. Although the exact origin of the artifacts is still unknown, they are housed in the Archaeological Museum in Villena, Spain, enriching our knowledge of ancient civilizations.