Prehistoric Spanish Stonehenge re-emerges thanks to climate change

Climate change is drying up rivers and dams in Europe. But one of the side-effects of drought in Spain has been cheering up archaeologists. Dolmen of Guadalperal, also dubbed the 'Spanish Stonehenge', has emerged into view as a dam dried up. 

The thousands of years old prehistoric monument was submerged under water in one corner of the Valdecanas reservoir in central Spain. Scorching summer has led to a 28% drop in water level, which in turn has revealed the massive upright stones. 

From the 'Spanish Stonehenge’ emerging from Spain's Valdecanas reservoir to Mexico, which is facing its worst drought in 30 years, here’s a look at dried up rivers and dams around the world pic.twitter.com/MRvN2n2dbB

— Reuters (@Reuters) August 19, 2022

So what do we know about the Spanish Stonehenge? There is very little known about the monument. Due to its location and flooding, archeologists have not been able to study it thoroughly over the years, unlike the English Stonehenge. 

But here is what we already know: 

1. The monument is estimated to be at least 7,000 years old. It is a circle of more than 100 standing rocks. 
2. Archeologists think it served as a tomb, for religious rituals or even as a trading centre, due to its proximity to the Tagus river. 
3. The monument was first found by German archeologist Hugo Obermaier in the 1920s. 
4. But did you know that Stonehenge wasn't always underwater? Yes, the site of the monument was flooded only in the 1960s with the construction of the Valdecañas Reservoir under the then Spanish dictator, Francisco Franco. 
5. The Stonehenge last became visible in 2019 after 50 years due to drought. Now, it is visible again and archeologists are excited to study the site. 
6. There is also a menhir, often found at such European bronze age sites, which has a snake and several cups carved on it. A menhir is a large upright stone. 
7. Excavation has found ancient Roman remains on the site including ceramic pieces, grinding stones, a coin, axes, flint knives etc. German archeologist Hugo Obermaier also found houses near the site presumably meant for house builders. 

What we don't know: Archeologists have not been able to survey the area as extensively as the English Stonehenge. At the English Stonehenge, archeologists have discovered the existence of several more possible similar locations nearby and other constructions. They are also analysing hidden parts of the structure underground, taken over by vegetation. 

There is a petition to move the Stonehenge from its existing site to another dry land. But archeologists warn that hasty relocation attempts may damage the monument.