A remarkable discovery within the 3,000-year-old Treasure of Villena in Spain has revealed that a bracelet and a potential sword pommel were crafted from meteoritic iron. This finding suggests that during the Bronze Age, Iberians possessed and utilized extraterrestrial materials for jewelry and weaponry.
Unearthed 50 years ago by archaeologist José María Soler beneath a boulevard in Villena, the treasure hoard comprises 66 pieces of gold and silver, including bowls, bracelets, bottles, and ornaments. Among these precious artifacts were two iron pieces, a significant find given that the hoard predates widespread iron metallurgy.
The Treasure of Villena, hidden approximately 3,000 years ago, challenges conventional understanding of ancient metalworking. The presence of iron artifacts within a Bronze Age context raises questions about the source and acquisition of this material.
Published in Trabajos de Prehistoria, recent research suggests these iron artifacts may have been created during the Late Bronze Age, before terrestrial ironwork became common practice. The bracelet is entirely composed of iron, while the hemispherical object, believed to be a sword pommel, is made of iron and adorned with a gold four-pointed star design.
To ascertain the origin of the iron, researchers analyzed the pieces, focusing on nickel composition, which is typically higher in meteoritic iron compared to its terrestrial counterpart. Using mass spectrometry, the team also examined the presence of elements like cobalt, commonly found in meteorites. The results indicated a high probability of the iron’s extraterrestrial origin.
Prior to the development of iron metallurgy, ancient civilizations utilized iron from meteorites for crafting valuable items. A prominent example is the meteoritic dagger found in the tomb of Tutankhamun. A 2022 study suggested that Tutankhamun’s dagger was forged at low temperatures, possibly originating outside of Egypt. One of the Amarna Letters, dating back 3,400 years, mentions an iron dagger gifted to Tutankhamun’s grandfather, Amenhotep III, by the king of Mitanni, a region in Anatolia, suggesting the dagger may have been a family heirloom.
Unlike the well-documented history of Tutankhamun’s dagger, the origins of the Villena Treasure’s iron remain shrouded in mystery. The creators of the treasure and their source of meteoritic iron are still unknown. Similar to the theory surrounding Tutankhamun’s dagger, it’s possible the materials for the Villena hoard originated outside of Spain. Further analysis is needed to illuminate the origins of this remarkable treasure and potentially reveal the identity of those who once possessed these ancient luxury items.
The discovery of meteoritic iron within the Treasure of Villena provides a captivating glimpse into the resourcefulness and advanced craftsmanship of the Bronze Age Iberians. It highlights their ability to utilize rare and valuable materials, even those originating beyond Earth, to create exquisite objects of adornment and weaponry. Further investigation promises to uncover more secrets hidden within this extraordinary archaeological find.
