Discovery of 5,000-Year-Old Tomb Reveals Ancient Rituals and Toxicity

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Archaeologists have unearthed a remarkable 5,000-year-old burial site near Seville, Spain, containing the remains of 20 women adorned with over 270,000 seashell beads. According to a study published in Science Advances, the beads, made from about 800 kilograms of various mollusks, underline the significance of these women in ancient funerary practices. The site, known as the Tholos of Montelirio, features two chambers and a 40-meter corridor, with the majority of remains found in a central chamber, indicating a unique burial custom that excluded men and children.

Lead archaeologist Leonardo García Sanjuán notes that the conditions under which these women died are still uncertain; radiocarbon dating suggests they may have died roughly within the same timeframe. Additionally, studies confirm dangerously high mercury levels in their bones, likely from cinnabar found at the site. Expert Raquel Montero indicated these concentrations may point to some ceremonial use, possibly linked to a poison-related ritual. The discovery raises questions about the burial's cultural significance and the role of these women in society around 2800 BCE.

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