The metamorphosis of Villena trade of gold, tin and salt during the Late Bronze Age I between the Atlantic and the Mediterranean (1625-1300 BC)

Abstract

During the Late Bronze Age I there was a clear process of population concentration in the regions around the Lower Segura, Middle and Upper Vinalopó (Alicante, Southeast Spain), in settlements as Laderas del Castillo, El Portitxol and Cabezo Redondo. Next to the last one, the hoard of Villena, ca. 1575-1400 BC, is the second most important hoard of golden vessels in Europe, after the Shaft Graves at Mycenae, during the Late Bronze Age. This hoard, which was made from alluvial gold, required the full time work of 130-150 people during, at least, 1 year and 3 months. Also during the Late Bronze Age I in Southeast Spain an increase in new coastal settlements, the use of bronze alloys (Sn, 8-12 %) and horse breeding took place. The lion's share of this gold and tin had to be obtained by maritime trade with Northwest Iberia in exchange for salt, which Galicia lacks compared with other European Atlantic regions. The salt probably came from the lagoon of La Mata (Alicante), currently the largest saline complex of Europe.