Archaeologists at Son Fornés have discovered a previously unknown prehistoric monument hidden beneath vegetation, opening a new chapter in the study of one of Mallorca’s most important ancient settlements.
A fourth talayot has been discovered at the Son Fornés archaeological site in Montuïri, Mallorca, in a find researchers have described as both unexpected and potentially significant.
The prehistoric structure came to light almost by chance after archaeologists asked the Balearic Institute of Nature (Ibanat) to clear vegetation from land close to the estate buildings, which are due to become home to the new museum of the Son Fornés Archaeological Park.
Researchers had intended simply to improve the heritage area around the future museum entrance. But once the vegetation was removed, they realised that a substantial ancient structure had been concealed beneath it.
“We simply wanted to clear the heritage area, as it’s not very large and that’s the entrance to the museum,” said archaeologist Vicenç Lull, who discovered the first talayot at Son Fornés 50 years ago.
When the Ibanat team cleared the site under archaeological supervision, the researchers were stunned by what emerged.
The discovery brings the number of known megalithic monuments from the Talayotic period at Son Fornés to four. Until now, three talayots had been excavated at the site.
What makes the latest find particularly intriguing is its location. Unlike the other three monuments, it stands some distance away in an elevated and highly visible part of the settlement.
Only part of the structure can currently be seen. Archaeologists have identified the two upper sections of its central column, part of its perimeter and several large fallen stones. The surviving remains indicate that the building could be comparable in scale to the other talayots at Son Fornés.
The presence of the characteristic central column has also raised hopes that undisturbed archaeological layers may survive beneath the structure. Such deposits could contain artefacts, sediments and other evidence capable of revealing how the building was used and how it fitted into life at the prehistoric settlement.
Excavation to investigate monument’s origins
A team of six specialists from the Autonomous University of Barcelona (UAB), supported by volunteers, is due to begin a three-week excavation campaign at Son Fornés.
Among the biggest questions is the age of the newly discovered monument. Archaeologists want to establish whether it was constructed at the same time as the three previously known talayots.
Its shape also remains uncertain. Excavation will determine whether the structure is circular or square and could provide evidence about its original function.
“It doesn’t look like a typical talayot, but rather the odd one out in the settlement,” Lull said, pointing to both its position and the uncertainty surrounding the purpose of a large building in such an elevated area.
Researchers will eventually analyse material recovered during the excavation in the laboratory. The longer-term intention is to conserve the monument and prepare it for public access alongside the site's other talayots.
Previous talayots had very different roles
The discovery is particularly significant because excavations of Son Fornés’ other talayots have shown that the monumental buildings did not necessarily serve the same purpose.
Talayot I, discovered in 1975, appears to have played an important economic and social role. Archaeological evidence indicates that food was distributed there for the wider settlement, something researchers believe reflects the collaborative organisation of early Talayotic society.
Talayot II, excavated in 1981, was markedly different. Restricted access and other evidence suggested that it had a cultic or religious function.
Talayot III was found to have existed at the same time as the first two structures, but later communities extensively remodelled and reused it during the post-Talayotic or Punic-Balearic period. Those alterations prevented archaeologists from establishing its original purpose.
The fourth monument could now provide another piece of evidence showing how varied these monumental buildings were within the same prehistoric community.
Discovery could reveal links with neighbouring sites
Its unusual position may also have implications beyond Son Fornés itself.
Researchers have noted the monument’s proximity to the archaeological sites of Campanar dels Moros and Sabor. Together, the three sites form what Lull describes as a geographical triangle, raising questions about whether there may have been a relationship between the settlements.
The possibility could become an important new avenue of archaeological research.
Lull has also called for discussions over the future of the privately owned Sabor site, whose talayots are protected as an Asset of Cultural Interest. He suggested authorities should explore acquiring the land through purchase or transfer to help secure its preservation and accessibility.
For Son Fornés, meanwhile, the accidental discovery means researchers are entering their latest excavation campaign with an entirely new set of questions.
Half a century after the first talayot was identified there, a monument concealed beneath Mallorca’s vegetation could once again reshape archaeologists’ understanding of the prehistoric settlement.
Sources : ASOME-UAB