Offerings for an entrance: the Western Gate of La Bastida de les Alcusses

Showcase 78
The main entrance to the town of La Bastida de les Alcusses was rebuilt in the middle of the fourth century BC. This must have been a very important moment for the community, because a ritual was carried out and offerings were deposited to celebrate the event. Here the finds include burned fragments of the previous gate, ceramic vessels, seeds and fruits, animal remains, and five sets of weapons – each one comprising a sword, known as a falcata, a shield, and a spear and a javelin. Almost all the remains are burned and the weapons were put out of action, either broken or bent, in accordance with the patterns known in funeral rituals. However, no human remains have been found here. The find is, to date, unique in the western Mediterranean.
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