Archaeological traces through time

The Alto de los Zancarrones archaeological site dates from the Copper Age. At Cabezo de los Moros, a much later settlement phase takes centre stage: the site lies near the hamlet of Los Zancarrones, in the Las Ramblillas area. A rural settlement from the Almoravid period stood there; its economy was based on dryland and irrigated agriculture. The settlement remained inhabited until the Almohad conquest of Murcia around 1172. The chronological gap between these two sites takes us from a Copper Age site to the history of a medieval settlement.

The Museo Arqueológico Los Baños lists a hand-operated rotary millstone. It comes from Cabezo de los Moros near the hamlet of Los Zancarrones, beside the Rambla de Algeciras, and was recovered during an archaeological survey in 1987. Alongside the settlement phases, this specific find adds another element to the area's archaeological context.

Archaeological sites in the area around the Rambla de Algeciras have been documented across a chronology spanning prehistory to the 20th century. The Rambla de Algeciras connected the Guadalentín/Sangonera Valley with the Sierra Espuña and the Mula Basin. Here, a broad span of time meets a geographical link between valley, mountains and basin.

Trails and landscape

The Sendero de la Fuente del Borrego also has a historical connection: it follows an old cart track that linked Alhama with the Los Zancarrones area near Fuente del Murtal. The route runs along forest tracks and a well-built path between reforestation terraces. This makes it possible to distinguish its former role as a connection route from the present-day description of its surface. Those interested in historic routes as well as their actual condition will find both aspects here.

The Barrancos de Gebas lie near Los Zancarrones. They were designated a protected landscape in 1995 and classified as a Site of Geological Interest (LIG) for their badlands. There is a signposted viewpoint at the Barrancos, with information panels. It is accessible by motor vehicle and has visitor parking. The protected landscape and the viewpoint offer different points of interest: the area's special designation and a practical way to find your bearings on site.

A former settlement centre

A rural settlement centre once stood near the present-day houses. It now lies beneath the waters of the Embalse de Algeciras, which was built in 1995. For the history of the landscape, it is worth distinguishing this former centre from the houses there today: each belongs to a different period in the area's history.

This provides a clear thematic framework for choosing a destination as you search for a holiday rental. Archaeological traces through time and the history of a rural settlement sit alongside the landscape features of the Barrancos and the historic cart track. Consider whether you would prefer to focus your trip on settlement history or the surrounding landscape.

Discover more destinations: La Escucha, Abanilla, Fortuna, Torre-Pacheco, Calasparra, Las Moreras, El Cabezo, Atamaria

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