Archaeologists Uncover Remarkable 5,000-Year-Old Burial of Women Adorned with Seashells in Spain

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A groundbreaking archaeological find near Seville, Spain, has revealed the burial of 20 women adorned with over 270,000 seashell beads, marking one of the most significant discoveries from the Bronze Age. The site, known as the Tholos of Montelirio, consists of a circular tomb that dates back approximately 4,800 years, where the remains of these women were carefully positioned, possibly indicating their special status in society, according to research published in Science Advances.

Archaeologist Leonardo García Sanjuán from the University of Seville noted that the number of beads, primarily made from scallop and cockle shells, exceeds any known collection from other sites, with the next largest being just 30,000 beads found in northern Mexico. Additionally, the bones exhibited unusually high mercury levels, raising questions about potential poisoning or ritualistic practices involving the toxic substance, as discussed by researcher Raquel Montero.

This burial site serves as an exceptional glimpse into past ceremonial practices, emphasizing the women's significance in pre-Christian cultural contexts.

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