Antequera - Ancient stone monument in Spain

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In summary, the Antequera site in Spain is a mixture of human-made and natural monuments, including three stone structures built between the third and fourth millennium B.C. It is also known for its "sleeping giant" stone formation, La Peña de los Enamorados, and a recently discovered megalithic grave called Piedras Blancas. The site is a UNESCO world heritage site and some of the structures align with the summer solstice sunrise. The site is located about 286 miles from Madrid and has a rich history with potential for more discoveries.
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https://www.yahoo.com/news/ancient-stone-monument-spain-hid-152221762.html
The Antequera site has a mixture of human-made and “natural monuments” but is best known for its prehistoric megaliths, according to a study published April 15 in the journal Antiquity.

The human-made monuments include three stone structures built between the third and fourth millennium B.C. Antequera is an UNESCO world heritage site because of these megalithic constructions, the study said.

The “natural monuments” at the site include La Peña de los Enamorados, a stone “sleeping giant” that towers about 2,900 feet above the ground, researchers said.

Archaeologists unearthed a previously overlooked tomb: the Piedras Blancas megalithic grave. When seen from afar, the tomb “resembles the chest of the ‘sleeping giant,’” researchers said.

The rectangular stone structure was constructed at least 5,000 years ago, the study said. It was used for three distinct phases across a millennia before being abandoned between 1950 and 1180 B.C.

The tomb’s stone slabs were carefully arranged to coincide “with the summer solstice sunrise,” researchers said. Some of the “heavily engraved” slabs “appear to have been precisely placed to ‘funnel’ the light from the rising sun towards the back of the chamber at the summer solstice.”

A triangular, “arrow-like” stone stuck to the chamber floor with mud points in the direction of the rising sun, the study said.

The Antequera site is about 286 miles (460 km) SSW of Madrid.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Antequera_Dolmens_Site
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Antequera - Antequera lies 47 km north of the city of Málaga on the A45 highway,

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Andalusia
 
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With thousands of years of history what other secrets are hiding in plain site?
 

1. What is Antequera?

Antequera is an ancient stone monument located in the town of Antequera, Spain. It is also known as the "Heart of Andalusia" due to its central location within the region.

2. How old is Antequera?

Antequera is estimated to be over 5,000 years old, making it one of the oldest stone monuments in Europe. It was built during the Neolithic period by prehistoric communities.

3. What is the significance of Antequera?

Antequera is a significant archaeological site as it provides insights into the lives and beliefs of prehistoric communities. It also showcases impressive engineering and construction techniques of the time.

4. What can visitors see at Antequera?

Visitors can see three main structures at Antequera: the Menga Dolmen, Viera Dolmen, and Tholos of El Romeral. These structures are believed to have served as burial sites and have unique architectural features.

5. Is Antequera open to the public?

Yes, Antequera is open to the public for visits and tours. However, some areas may have restricted access for preservation purposes. It is recommended to check the opening hours and ticket prices before planning a visit.

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