Researchers in Spain Discover the Oldest Greek Marble Altar in the Western Mediterranean

Archaeologists have uncovered what may be the oldest Greek marble altar ever found in the western Mediterranean. The discovery was made during the latest excavation campaign at the ancient site of Casas del Turuñuelo, located in Guareña, in southwestern Spain.

The altar was found by a team from the Mérida Institute of Archaeology, a joint center operated by Spain’s National Research Council (CSIC) and the regional government of Extremadura. The researchers say the altar dates back to at least the 5th century B.C. and highlights the site’s role in long-distance trade during the Tartessian period.

A rare marble altar from Asia Minor

The altar is shaped like a column, measuring approximately 60 centimeters (about 24 inches) in diameter at its base and standing around 1.5 meters (nearly 5 feet) tall. It is made from Proconnesian marble, which comes from the island of Marmara in present-day Turkey.

Anna Gutiérrez, a specialist from the Catalan Institute of Classical Archaeology, said the marble was identified through visual analysis. Laboratory tests are now underway to confirm the exact quarry from which the stone was sourced.

NOTICIAS ARQUEOLÓGICAS

Finaliza la campaña del Turuñuelo con nuevas sorpresas.

En concreto, la pieza estrella de este año han sido los fragmentos de una pila o altar, luterio o louterion en griego. pic.twitter.com/vROIn7ZrJk

— El Profesor (@ChifladoEl) July 4, 2025

Lead archaeologists Rodríguez and Sebastián Celestino noted that while other Greek marble pieces have been found in coastal areas such as Ampurias in Gerona, this is the only known example made from Asian marble found this far inland in Spain.

A symbol of Mediterranean connection

The oldest Greek marble altar was uncovered alongside ceramic vessels, including drinking cups from ancient Athens, suggesting close contact with the Greek world. The presence of such imports, along with earlier finds, like Macedonian glass and marble sculpture fragments, shows that Casas del Turuñuelo was not isolated.

El yacimiento del Turuñuelo no deja de sorprendernos. A los hallazgos encontrados, sumamos el altar de mármol griego más antiguo del Mediterráneo Occidental y una impresionante obra hidráulica que refleja el talento de una civilización asombrosa.

Gracias a todo el equipo del… pic.twitter.com/ZNBBh8h60J

— María Guardiola (@MGuardiolaM) July 4, 2025

Instead, it was part of a larger Mediterranean trade network. This discovery proves “once again demonstrates the political and economic importance of this enclave,” said Celestino.

The water system shows engineering skill

Excavation in the eastern part of the site also revealed a structure built to direct water flow. The stone-built channel stands nearly a meter tall and predates the building it runs beneath. Archaeologists believe it was part of an early construction phase and shows advanced planning by Tartessian builders.

Celestino explained that this is an example of their technical knowledge, and it was not a simple settlement—it was carefully designed.

Half of the site has now been excavated

Researchers have uncovered only about 50 percent of the full site since excavations began in 2015. Earlier campaigns unveiled significant discoveries, such as a large animal sacrifice, the first known human representations from Tartessos, and a slate tablet with engraved battle scenes and what may be a local script.

Government pledges more support for research

At a press event announcing the discovery, Victoria Bazaga, Extremadura’s Minister of Culture, called Casas del Turuñuelo “the center of global scientific research” and said the regional government is committed to promoting the site as a public and educational resource.

Javier De Francisco, Secretary General of Science, Technology, and Innovation, praised the research team and announced an additional €236,000 ($277,958 US) in funding through 2026. He called the archaeologists “a world reference” for their continued success.

Project part of the national Tartessos initiative

The excavation is part of “Building Tartessos 3.0,” a national research project focused on studying early Iron Age architecture in southern Spain. The project is supported by Spain’s Ministry of Science and other public and private institutions, including the MAPFRE Foundation and the Badajoz Provincial Council.

Margarita Paneque, CSIC’s regional delegate, said the collaboration between researchers and government institutions is a positive example of how science and culture can work together. She called the ongoing work at Casas del Turuñuelo “good news” for both heritage and public understanding.