The territorial delegate for Culture, José Ayala, visited the ongoing work at the Ibero-Roman site ‘Las Piedras del Cardado’ in Bailén, promoted by the local City Council, the University of Granada, and the University of Salamanca. Accompanied by the mayor, Luis Mariano Camacho, and Heritage Councilor Juan Jesús Padilla, Ayala emphasized that the excavations will provide a new heritage, cultural, and tourist resource for the province.
Heritage Councilor Juan Jesús Padilla highlighted the significance of the findings, which include archaeological evidence dating back over 4,000 years. Documented findings include settlements and huts from the Copper Age, an Iberian ritual fountain, walls, and a Roman-era wall, demonstrating continuous occupation in the Alto Guadalquivir area.
These remains offer insights into different historical periods, from the earliest communities to the Roman consolidation. The Roman wall, specifically, indicates the period of conquest and Roman settlement in the region until the mid-1st century. The historical succession of structures found confirms that Bailén has been inhabited for over 4,000 years.
The site's historical continuity is linked to Bailén's strategic position as a communication hub and a center for exploiting the region's mining resources. According to municipal officials, the discoveries establish ‘Las Piedras del Cardado’ as a top-tier archaeological reference point.
Mayor Luis Mariano Camacho acknowledged that Bailén's heritage has not been adequately cared for in the past but highlighted current efforts to recover and promote this historical legacy. He emphasized Bailén's significance in the Chalcolithic, Iberian, and Roman periods and pledged full commitment to valorizing this heritage.
Appreciation was expressed for the work of the staff and volunteers involved in the archaeological campaigns, who are contributing to uncovering Bailén's past. Officials agree on the need to sustain research continuity so that discoveries can translate into heritage, cultural, and tourism resources for the town and the province.
