Antas, a modern municipality built connected ancient crushed – wherever nan secrets of El Argar proceed to surface. Credit: Q77photo - Shutterstock
An ancient enigma returns location for 1 period only, offering visitors a uncommon chance to spot 1 of Spain’s astir funny Bronze Age treasures.
A uncommon artefact returns to its roots
The Copa Argárica de Teóso – a uncommon 3,800-year-old alloy from nan El Argar civilisation – has gone connected show this November astatine nan Centro de Interpretación de la Cultura Argárica (CICA) successful Antas, Almeria.
Declared “pieza del mes” (piece of nan month), nan cup is singular for its pierced base, rim perforations, and moulded grip bosses – specifications dissimilar immoderate different known Argaric pottery. Its return to nan Almanzora Valley marks some a homecoming and a ceremony of Spain’s Bronze Age heritage.
Archaeologists picture nan find arsenic “singular” – not conscionable for its craftsmanship, but for what it mightiness uncover astir Argaric ritual life. As Antonio Luis Rodríguez Ridao, head of CICA, explains, “This is simply a portion that invites america to extremity for 30 days, look astatine it calmly, perceive to it and observe each that it offers.”
A singular portion pinch a communicative to tell
The Argaric civilisation, which flourished betwixt 2200 and 1550 BC crossed modern Almeria and Murcia, was among Europe’s earliest organised societies. Its ceramic accumulation was standardised and widespread, but nan Copa de Teóso stands apart.
Experts judge its different perforations and precocious stem whitethorn bespeak ceremonial use, perchance linked to ritual libations aliases symbolic offerings. Though residue study has yet to corroborate its purpose, akin Argaric cups person shown traces of fermented drinks and works oils, hinting astatine communal aliases ineffable functions.
This benignant of find is rare. Most Argaric objects stay successful Madrid aliases Alicante collections, making this short-term grounds a typical opportunity for residents and visitors to spot a portion of early European history up close.
Explore nan world of El Argar successful Antas
Visitors tin position nan Copa de Teóso passim November astatine nan CICA Antas, located connected Calle Arrieros 2. Entry is free, and nan centre’s displays trace nan emergence of El Argar done excavated artefacts, interactive maps and standard models.
A wider rediscovery of El Argar
The Teóso show comes amid a nationalist revival of liking successful Spain’s Bronze Age roots. The National Archaeological Museum (MAN) successful Madrid is presently exhibiting “La Princesa de los Cárpatos: Oro Árgárico de San Antón”, moving until January 25 2026, featuring aureate ornaments and funerary treasures from nan aforesaid taste sphere.
Together, these exhibitions are helping to reframe El Argar not arsenic a location curiosity but arsenic 1 of Europe’s first analyzable societies – a civilisation that mastered metal, built fortified towns and near down an enduring ceramic legacy.
Visit earlier it vanishes again
The Copa Argárica de Teóso will stay connected position until November 30, aft which it will return to conservation storage. For anyone pinch an liking successful archaeology, art, aliases simply nan mysteries of Almeria’s heavy past, this is simply a chance not to beryllium missed.
Where: CICA Antas, Calle Arrieros 2, Antas, Almeria
When: Until November 30 2025
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