Prehistoric Murcia Art Route

Human presence in Murcia dates back to 1.500.000 years ago, if qe follow the conclusions derived from the findings in the archaeological excavations from Cueva Victoria, a cavity near the town of La Union, where the oldest hominid site in Europe was found.

Numerous quartzite and flint tools found at different sites also speak of an intense human activity in the Region about 200.000 years ago. But it is not until the Neanderthal period that himinids found important settlements in Lorca, Totana, Mazarron and Cartagena.

An important number of coastal dwellings appear in the years of the iron Age, aided by the commercial routes of the time. After this, the Argaric period, the most important cultural trend in the south-east of the peninsula within the Bronze Age. And later still, the Iberian period, with perfect examples at a large number of sites in the Region, especially those of Cigarralejo, in Mula, and Coimbra del Barranco Ancho, in Jumilla.

Weapons, tools carved in flint, ceramics, clothing, burial treasures, wines, amphore, bronzes, glasses, and ivory pieces of all those times may be admired at present in the numerous archaeological museums all over the Region. Cave art may also be appreciated in many sites, and its remarkable quality has granted applications to UNESCO for it to be considered World Heritage.

ANOTHER ROUTES IN MURCIA: