Unveiling the Surprising Identity of a Copper Age Ruler in Ancient Spain

A burial site from the Copper Age in southwest Spain, previously believed to be the resting place of a young male leader, has been revealed to belong to a female ruler known as the 'Ivory Lady'. The discovery challenges the assumption of a male-centered society and suggests the existence of a matriarchal society in ancient Europe. The tomb contained a diverse array of precious objects, indicating the Ivory Lady's high social status. Another nearby burial site with similar wealth and pomp also contained mostly women, suggesting the presence of a group of religious specialists. The findings prompt a reevaluation of power dynamics, social complexity, and gender roles in early complex societies.