Archaeologists from the University of Durham (UoD) in the United Kingdom have discovered an ancient monument that changes the understanding of the distribution of roles in Iron and Bronze Age society. The research was published in the official gazette Web site scientific institution.
Scientists made the discovery during excavations at the 3,000-year-old Las Capellanias tomb complex in Cañaveral de León in southwestern Spain. They found a carved stele depicting a human figure with a detailed face and other body parts, including male genitalia. The unknown character appeared to be armed with two swords, and his outfit included a headdress and a necklace.
Before this discovery, archaeologists believed that there was a clear distinction in male and female attributes when depicting people in the Iron and Bronze Ages. The presence of weapons always indicated a warrior, that is, a man, and other decorative elements, including jewelry and hats, were considered a feminine sign.
The researchers concluded that the culture that existed in Southern Europe three thousand years ago was more flexible in displaying social roles than previously thought.
The discovered stele was the third monument of its kind found in Las Capellanias. The scientific team suggested that the location of the tomb was important in the past and that the carved stones served as territorial markers.
Anthropologists before Establishedthat primitive women also participated in hunting on an equal basis with men.