Peñalosa, a prehistoric settlement on the banks of the Rumblar river · Baños de la Encina

The site sits on a slate spur, flanked by two steep slopes: to the north, the Rumblar River; to the south, the Salsipuedes stream. Today, the waters of the Rumblar reservoir bathe part of the visible structures of this ancient Argaric settlement. Its strategic location has allowed archaeologists to better understand the organization of life more than 4000 years ago. From the fortified hilltop to the inhabited terraces on the northern slope, everything reflects detailed planning and wise adaptation to the environment. A large cistern in the lower part of the settlement demonstrates the knowledge and control of water, a vital resource for its inhabitants. The remains found offer a valuable window into the material culture, social hierarchy and funerary practices of the Bronze Age in the Upper Guadalquivir. Thanks to this evidence, today we can reconstruct the daily life, beliefs and legacy of those who inhabited this fascinating enclave.