Researchers examining Copper-Age resource use and how it affected society, trade and migration in Spain have discover a 6 ha. enclosure dating to the Bell-Beaker period in Southern Spain.

The Bell-Beaker period (2600 BC – 2200 BC) named after the characteristic shape of the cultures pottery vessels, is known to have had a major settlement, Valencina outside of Seville. The settlement which stretched over 400 ha is Spain’s largest Copper-Age settlement and shows evidence farming, stock-rearing and distant trade with Africa and Northern Europe.

The earthworks are situated about 50 km East of Valencina, the porpuse of the site is still a mystery but evidence indicates that it was not used for continuous habitation but rather short-term intensive use. One suggestion is that it might have been used for religious purposes, but the fact that it is strategically located near the ore-rich Sierra Morena mountains should also be considered.

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