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). It is located at the top of a hill with great visibility of the territory. It is appreciably different from the main constructions in the nearby area and consists of rectangular building with a T-shaped chamber inside, covered by big orthostats of quarzite 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 in the design of the monument and the development of this landscape of power, supported by the election of such a symbolic location on an outstanding point in the territory. Furthermore, the astronomical patterns observed suggest potential connections between the construction of this monument with the Oretanian aristocracy, while providing a better understanding of the concepts of temporality, power and religion in this region during the Iron Age.

Iron Age. Iberian Culture. Archaeoastronomy. Solar cults.