Architecture, Landscape and Skyscape of the Singular Monument of Sala de Moros (Argamasilla de Calatrava, Ciudad Real-Spain)

Sala de Moros is a singular Protohistoric monument in Argamasilla de Calatrava (Ciudad Real, Spain), located at the top of a hill with great visibility across the territory. It is appreciably different from the most significant constructions in the nearby area, and consists of rectangular building containing a T- shaped chamber, covered by big orthostats of quartzite and surrounded by a wall that defined a sacred precinct. This paper presents the results of an archaeoastronomical study that reveals that astronomy may have been integrated into the design of the monument and the development of this landscape of power, supported by the choice of such a symbolic location at an outstanding point in the territory. Furthermore, the astronomical patterns observed suggest potential connections between the construction of this monument and the Oretanian aristocracy, while providing a better understanding of the concepts of temporality, power and religion in this region during the Iron Age

National monument · Point (geometry) · The Symbolic · Visibility · Ancient Egypt and Archaeology · Architecture · Historical and Architectural Studies · Historical Astronomy and Related Studies