The Fifth Mojácar La Vieja Excavation Campaign Comes to an End

After a month of intensive excavation work at the Mojácar la Vieja site, the team of archaeologists from the University of Granada unveiled their findings and preliminary conclusions to local residents at the Mojácar fountain.

Led by José María Martín Civantos, coordinator of the University of Granada MEMOLab Biocultural laboratory, the researchers highlighted significant discoveries made during this campaign. They shed light on the fortified area, revealing two walls indicating the presence of military fortifications dating back to the Almoravid and Nasrid periods. Additionally, they uncovered evidence of a monumental defense system with 18 towers surrounding the hill, alongside urban structures such as houses, patios, silos, and communal ovens.

Excavations outside the exterior wall unveiled insights into daily life in Mojácar between the 12th and 13th centuries. Discoveries included pottery workshops, kitchens, and even a communal oven, offering a glimpse into food practices and textile industries of the time. Remarkable findings like a cooking pot with snails, prohibited by religious dietary laws, added depth to our understanding of societal norms and customs.

However, questions remain about the origins of Mojácar la Vieja. The team is exploring whether the settlement emerged from small farmsteads or through a process of population concentration directed by the state. Nonetheless, the presence of state representatives suggests the settlement’s significance as an administrative center, shaping the surrounding landscape and community structure.

Moving forward, the archaeologists aim to piece together the puzzle of Mojácar la Vieja’s origins, preserving disappearing heritage like irrigation canals and waterwheels. Their ultimate goal is to transform this cultural resource into a catalyst for social and cultural development, fostering community cohesion and identity among residents and visitors alike.