Egyptian Goddess Figure found at the 2,700-year-old site of Cerro de San Vicente in Spain. In modern-day Salamanca, there existed a walled community called Cerro de San Vicente. Its location is in north-west central Spain. Also, it has a status of an archaeological site since 1990, and more recently a tourist attraction.
Egyptian Goddess Figure Pieces Are Not the Only Thing Archaeologists Discovered
The discovered object was previously one of several parts that assembled to form a glazed ceramic inlay image of Hathor. Hathor was a strong goddess who guards women. She was also the mother of the falcon-headed god Horus and the solar god Ra’s daughter.
This fragment was used to create representations of gods in ancient Egypt by being set down on flat surfaces. The newly discovered artifact measures about 5cm. The archaeologists discovered it in a three-roomed building, located with other items. That includes shark’s tooth, necklace beads and shards of clay.
Also, the archaeologists found a separate artifact depicting the same goddess in 2021 at the same location. Embellished with gold leaf, it features a section of the goddess’ renowned curly hair. They also have a great similarity with a jigsaw puzzle.
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The unearthed piece is under examination by a lab. The goal is to figure out what kind of glue ancient people used for the artifact. It is the newest discovery at the location, after several others. This also includes jewellery and ceramics adorned with Egyptian motifs.
Why did the inhabitants of an Iron Age settlement have Egyptian artifacts?
Another research team found in the summer of 2021 another portrait of Hathor. This time it was an amulet made of blue quartz. It comes from ancient Egypt and reached the Iberian Peninsula in around 1,000 B.C. Also, when viewed collectively, these items raise issues regarding the area’s past.
“It’s a very surprising site”, the archaeologist Carlos Macarro stated. “Why did the inhabitants of an Iron Age settlement have Egyptian artifacts? Did they adopt their rites? I can imagine Phoenicians entering the hilltop settlement carrying these objects, wearing their brightly colored clothing. What would these two peoples have made of each other? It’s very exciting to think about”, he added.
Along with Cristina Alario, another archaeologist, Macarro is working on the excavation. They are also collaborating with Antonio Blanco and Juan Jesús Padilla. They are professors of prehistory at the University of Salamanca.
