The defensive system of Lloma Comuna is bordered to the east and west by two major wall outlines which protected this habitat in some way. Some of the surveys carried out showed sections of this perimeter, remains of living structures and spaces were also documented inside the site, as were others connected to the wall. There was also a curved bastion known as South Tower.
In 2009 archaeological work focused on the south section of the site, revealing an intricate urban system that was in turn divided into two parts, one further east, parallel to the adjoining wall where most of the material found is from the early Iron Age. The other sector is made up of a more irregular urban fabric around the South Tower where pottery remains from the Iberian period were found.
The probes and excavations carried out revealed the perimeter and defensive structure of the village. The walls, 2-3 m thick, follow a N-S orientation and are built irregularly using different sizes of stones and slabs. Differences can be seen between the outer and inner wall, with the latter appearing to be better conserved.
The diverging orientation of both walls forms a fortified enclosure with a trapezoid floor plan which gradually closes up as it moves sourthwards. A small gap has been detected in the mid part of these walls, suggesting the existence of an access system with front doors apparently connected with the livestock trail which crosses the site from east to west. This is confirmed by the documentation of two antemurals, matching these two openings, and contemporary with the wall.
Population with two occupation phases: early Iron Age and Middle Iberian
Following close analysis of the spatial distribution of the east area it can be stated that the construction of these walls is closely tied to the period in which the village was first created, the early Iron Age. In fact, the construction of perpendicular structures adjoining a section of wall during this period is particularly striking. It suggests a radial and peripheral spatial distribution, showing a clear preference for optimising the fortified perimeter zones while leaving the central part of the village free.
Part of this first urban segment was destroyed and transformed during the second phase (early Iberian) continuing until the Ibero-Roman. This area stands out for the highly irregular distribution of space - making use of different levels in the rock - while its complexity reflects an evolution in terms of construction.
Within the space of this Iron Age habitat we find several elements worth noting. Firstly, an infant’s burial site was found, connected with a ceremonial funeral rite. The body of a baby between two and six months old was found buried directly on the ground under slab paving beside a wall. The second discovery suggests a possible sacrifice as ovicaprid remains were found under the perimeter wall and researchers believe these could be connected with a ritual celebrating the foundation of the village.
The spaces and departments identified show significant differences depending on the area discovered and its function. For instance, a space for use as a grain store was found high up beside the west entrance to the site.
Several probes of the north part of the village uncovered the remains of a necropolis. The floor plan was documented, with two burial mounds, placed eight metres apart, with quadrangular cists with slabs set in the centre. The cremated remains of an individual were found in the sediment covering the first one, with a small amount of grave goods and parts of another burial. The second mount contained a cremated adult alongside material remains.
A grave was also identified near the mound, containing a partially cremated body. In addition, in the southeast part of the necropolis there is evidence of a third burial construction with the appearance of another mound, with a fill of cremated remains.
Fortified settlement with a double-walled defensive system and a tower to protect its perimeter
As we have seen, the pottery found played a major role in identifying the occupation processes in Lloma Comuna. This material spans the early Iron Age (7th c. BCE) and the Middle Iberian (5th-3rd centuries BCE ).
These are mainly remains of handmade pottery made using local clay. For the most part these are large or medium containers, many of which present simple decorations while others are more complex. There are some open shapes (different sizes of bowls with circular decorations imprinted on the edges). Some wheel-thrown vessels were also found in different sizes, medium and large, including jars, small jars and pitchers decorated with painted motifs. Finally, it is worth noting remains of painted Iberian amphorae and those of a patera2 and oinochoe3. Apart from some fragments dating from sometime between the 2nd and 1st centuries BCE in the Roman era, there is no imported pottery.
We finally observed the presence of metal remains in very poor condition. Numerous bronze objects were found including links, sheets, cuff fragments, fibulae, pendants and needles. Iron fragments also found included nails, rivets, knives, awls, arrowtips, an axe, a small scythe, a hoe with a ring and a solid iron weight.
It is also worth noting the discovery of some stone utensils including different saddle querns, rotary querns and whetstones, as well as two idols, a loomweight made with an epiphysis, and a needle.
A necropolis with two types of funeral rites was found nearby
1Urnfield Culture: Culture which spread through Europe in the late Bronze Age and early Iron Age, with a new characteristic funeral rite: cremating the dead and depositing them in ceramic urns2Patera: Shallow plate from the Roman era which was used in sacrificial rituals.
3Oinochoe: From the Greek term oinochòe meaning to pour wine. Term used to refer to a vessel for liquids, either a jar or pitcher, dating from 8th-early 6th c. BCE.
