THE ACEHuCHE GOLD TORC: GOLD AND SACRED LAND ON THE SHORES OF THE TAGUS RIVER (CaCERES, WESTERN SPAIN)

This article describes the important discovery of a Late Bronze Age gold torc that was unearthed in a field of Acehuche (Caceres, Spain). It was buried underneath some rocks at a site near a river crossing over the Tagus river. In its immediate vicinity, archaeological remains dating from the Copper Age to the Late Bronze Age have been found, which indicates the long use of this crossing. Until recently here, there existed a ferry and a chapel; and the place went by the toponym of the Dehesa de San Cristobal. Legend too has it that the water from the river had curative properties. All of these components have maintained the sacred nature of the spot, otherwise transformed over the course of time, and reflect an earlier sacred landscape with quite ancient roots.

Automated summary

This article discusses the significant finding of a gold torc from the Late Bronze Age in Acehuche (Caceres, Spain). Buried beneath rocks near the Tagus river crossing, it was discovered alongside archaeological remains dating back to the Copper Age. The presence of a ferry, chapel, and legends about the river's healing properties contribute to the spot's sacred nature and reveal its ancient roots.