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Rafael Rodríguez, archaeologist of the Diputación de Pontevedra, has been at the helm of the recent excavated Castro which were carried out at A Lanzada, Pontevedra. Rodríguez has stressed the importance of the archeological findings, which allows us to track the evolution of the inhabitants in the area from the 8th century BC until now.
-What would you say are the most remarkable findings during the excavations at A Lanzada in the second half of 2016?
-First, we have managed to expand the visible area of the archaeological site, which before was about 640 square meters and is now approaching 2,000. Initially we looked for remains of a Roman villa and a medieval monastery but, as it usually happens in archeology, the big surprise was that we discovered other more interesting things.
-What types of features did this settlement show based on the remains found?
-The castro of A Lanzada was a great trading enclave. In fact, it can be said that it would not even correspond to the denomination of a Castro per se because, although it covers a time in the Iron Age of the Castrexa culture, however, it does not show the typical features of a defensive settlement and it is not even located on a high place, as it happens with the majority of the Castros. This gives us an insight of the wealth and great variety of archaeological sites that we have in the province of Pontevedra.
-How can we label this settlement within the context of the existing ones in Galicia?
-I think, it is one of the most important settlements because it provides us with exceptional new features. For me it is real eye opener and a history book of Galicia from the 8th century BC until today because the remains found allow us to see how the way of life of its inhabitants had evolved at that point in time. At the moment, there is no similar settlements in Galicia so as to reach any far fetched conclusions about these new historical development.
-What piece would stand out from those found in these excavations?
-Needless to say, so far the most significant remain is a short bronze sword that can be dated between the VIII and IV centuries BC. We must investigate this piece a bit further before we can draw conclusions about the use of relics in antiquity. In addition, among the ceramic pieces, found there, are about a thousand “terra sigillata” (high quality tableware used by the Romans).
