Tag

Villena Treasure

All articles tagged with #villena treasure

Meteoric Iron Rewrites Iberian Bronze Age Metalwork
science1 month ago

Meteoric Iron Rewrites Iberian Bronze Age Metalwork

Testing two ferrous-looking items from the Villena Treasure—the hollow iron hemisphere and a bracelet—found evidence they are made of meteoritic iron, indicated by nickel content measured despite heavy corrosion. Dating places them around 1400–1200 BCE, earlier than the Iberian Iron Age’s terrestrial iron production (~850 BCE), suggesting advanced metallurgical skills in Iberia over 3,000 years ago. While the results are not conclusive due to corrosion, non-invasive methods could further confirm the meteoritic origin and timing.

"3000-Year-Old Treasure Reveals Extraterrestrial Metal Crafting, Scientists Confirm"
archaeology2 years ago

"3000-Year-Old Treasure Reveals Extraterrestrial Metal Crafting, Scientists Confirm"

Spanish researchers have found that two iron artifacts from a hoard of precious treasure dating back to the Late Bronze Age contain iron from meteorites estimated to be around 1 million years old. The artifacts, part of the Villena Treasure, have long puzzled researchers due to their chronology predating the widespread smelting of iron. Analysis using a spectrometer strongly suggests the iron came from space, shedding new light on ancient metallurgy practices and prompting further investigation into the origins of the extraterrestrial material.

"Bronze Age Treasure: Extraterrestrial Metal Unearthed on the Iberian Peninsula"
archaeology2 years ago

"Bronze Age Treasure: Extraterrestrial Metal Unearthed on the Iberian Peninsula"

The Villena Treasure, a remarkable Bronze Age collection found in Spain, contains artifacts made with iron from a meteorite that crashed into Earth about a million years ago. Recent research has revealed that two of the iron objects in the treasure were crafted from extraterrestrial material, shedding light on Late Bronze Age metallurgical practices and demonstrating how ancient cultures innovated with new technologies. These artifacts not only serve as historical treasures but also provide insight into the development of new technologies and societal evolution, making them the first and oldest meteoritic iron artifacts discovered on the Iberian Peninsula.