Archaeological research in the middle valley of the Guadalete River has taken on a new dimension thanks to the efforts of a team of researchers from the University of Cádiz (UCA). Led by Professor Macarena Lara from the Archaeology Department, this group has conducted an exhaustive study of Roman settlements in the region, shedding light on previously unknown aspects of the organization and structure of these settlements. This effort not only aims to identify new sites but also to deepen the understanding of the topography and interconnection of the ancient Roman inhabitants in this area.

The archaeological work began in 2023 with financial support from the Campus of International Excellence of the Sea (CEI·Mar). The main focus is to analyze Roman settlements and their territorial organization in key areas such as Arcos de la Frontera, Bornos, Villamartín, and Puerto Serrano. Additionally, the study examines land and river communication routes, trade routes, and the region’s economic resources. The research seeks to understand the interaction between the Bay of Cádiz and the settlement of the Guadalete River valley during the Roman period, an aspect that had been little explored until now.

During the first phase of the investigation, the team carried out an intense archaeological survey in the four mentioned municipalities, successfully locating 57 new sites from the Roman period. These discoveries not only represent new findings but also allow for the spatial and chronological delimitation and definition of archaeological remains previously cited in the 1980s and 1990s, but which had not yet been formally cataloged.

Planning at the beginning in one of the sections of archaeological prospecting
Planning at the beginning in one of the sections of archaeological prospecting. Credit: University of Cadiz

In May 2024, the second phase of the project began, which includes excavations at the Roman villa of El Cañuelo in Bornos. The work at this villa has provided new data about the functional areas of the villa, both in its residential and productive parts. This comprehensive approach marks a milestone in Roman archaeological studies in the Sierra de Cádiz, marking the first time a Roman settlement in this environment has been thoroughly analyzed. The funding for this second campaign has been made possible through collaboration with the City Council of Bornos, which has worked closely with the UCA to create synergies between the two institutions.

Additionally, the El Cañuelo site has been partially explored with ground-penetrating radar, allowing for a better definition of the distribution of wall structures that are not visible on the surface. This non-invasive approach provides a more detailed view of the site’s organization without damaging its integrity.

One of the most notable innovations of the project is the use of advanced technologies, such as drones equipped with multispectral sensors and LiDAR, provided by the Peripheral Drone Service of the Institute of Marine Research (INMAR) of the UCA. The campaign has included acquiring aerial images of four archaeological sites in Villamartín, Arcos de la Frontera, and Bornos, covering three Roman villas and an Iberian oppidum. These sensors allow for the collection and processing of a large amount of information in a short time, without disturbing the archaeological sites.

Archaeologists at the site of El Cañuelo
Archaeologists at the site of El Cañuelo. Credit: University of Cadiz

To select the study sites, various factors were considered, such as whether the areas were cultivated or not, the topography, and the presence of visible structures on the surface. The collected data has allowed for the understanding of the area’s topography through Digital Elevation Models (DEM) and Digital Terrain Models (DTM), in addition to obtaining information about the urban distribution of the sites. The analysis of the different spectral bands has revealed details about the organization of the settlements, aspects that were previously unknown at some of these sites.

The project also benefits from an interdisciplinary approach, which includes collaboration with experts in archaeology, numismatics, and archaeometry. This combination of knowledge will help to better understand the fundamental aspects of the sites in the mountain region and their relationship with other archaeological sites. The identification and cataloging of all the materials found is a fundamental part of the study, providing a solid basis for future research.

Research in the Guadalete River valley has generated a base of archaeological information and documentation that will allow for continued investigations in the coming years. Professor Macarena Lara highlights that the main objective is to continue conducting excavations and surveys with innovative techniques and tools, complemented by the study of the found contexts and the analysis of the documented materials. This holistic approach aims to offer a complete view of Roman settlement and the territory around the Bornos and Arcos de la Frontera reservoirs.

SOURCES

University of Cádiz

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