The Dolmen of Soto is a magnificent archaeological site located in Trigueros, Andalusia, Spain. This ancient subterranean structure dates back approximately 4,500 to 5,000 years, making it a prime example of Neolithic architecture.
Key Features:
The dolmen is built underground, with a circular mound covering its entrance. It is one of the largest dolmens in the region, measuring approximately 21 meters in length. One of its most amazing features is its alignment; the dolmen is oriented towards the east, allowing sunlight to enter the chamber during the equinoxes. This alignment is believed to symbolize the eventual rebirth of the buried.
Archaeologist Antonio Pérez, who has studied the site, remarked, “The alignment of the Dolmen of Soto with the equinoxes demonstrates a sophisticated understanding of astronomy by its builders, suggesting that the concept of life after death was central to their belief system.”
The site contains the remains of eight individuals buried in the fetal position, accompanied by artifacts such as daggers, cups, and marine fossils. As historian Dr. Laura Sánchez notes, “The presence of these artifacts, particularly the marine fossils, suggests that the people who built the Dolmen of Soto had connections to distant regions, highlighting the significance of this site in prehistoric trade and culture.”