Archaeologists have uncovered a remarkable 2,500-year-old monument in southern Spain that demonstrates the sophisticated astronomical knowledge of ancient Iberian peoples. The stone complex, discovered near Jódar in Andalusia, was specifically designed to capture the winter solstice sunrise in what researchers describe as a dramatic recreation of sacred fertility rituals.
The discovery, published in the journal Complutum, represents one of the most significant finds related to Iberian star mythology in recent decades. The monument consists of two carefully positioned stone structures that create a spectacular solar alignment during the shortest day of the year, revealing the deep connection between ancient astronomy and religious practices.
Sacred Architecture Aligned with Celestial Events
The monument at El Fontanar features a towering phallic-shaped stone measuring 5.3 meters (17.3 ft) in height, positioned in front of two smaller cylindrical stones. This vertical element faces a rock shelter standing 6.8 meters (22.3 ft) tall, whose V-shaped entrance was deliberately carved to represent female anatomy. The entire complex was engineered with extraordinary precision to create a winter solstice phenomenon that ancient Iberians believed recreated the sacred union between divine forces.
