The stele of Villafranca de los Barros and its context in the archaeology of Tierra de Barros

Abstract

A newly decorated stela from Villafranca de los Barros (Badajoz, Spain) is presented, along with an analysis of settlement patterns during the Late Bronze Age and Early Iron Age in the central region of Tierra de Barros, between the Bonhabal and Harnina streams. Recent studies in this area have revealed a much denser and more complex protohistoric occupation than previously believed, and the research presented here identifies phases of protohistoric settlement at sites where none had been previously recorded. Among the sites revisited and those documented for the first time, up to twelve settlements from this period have been identified within the basins of these two streams, in addition to two stelae.