Museo Arqueológico Municipal de Villena

Located in the charming town of Villena, Spain, the Museo Arqueológico Municipal de Villena, also known as the José María Soler Archaeological Museum, is a treasure trove of history and culture. Situated on the ground floor of the Renaissance-style Casa Consistorial, a building dating back to the early 16th century, the museum offers a captivating journey through time, showcasing the rich archaeological heritage of the Alto Vinalopó region.

The Origins of the Museum

Inaugurated in 1957, the museum was established to house the extensive collection of archaeological finds gathered by José María Soler García over more than four decades of dedicated work in Villena and its surroundings. Soler's passion for archaeology and his meticulous efforts have resulted in an impressive array of artifacts that span from the Paleolithic era to the 20th century, providing visitors with a comprehensive understanding of the region's historical development.

Exploring the Paleolithic Era

The museum's journey begins with the Middle Paleolithic period, featuring some of the oldest artifacts found in the area. The collection includes flint tools such as points, scrapers, knives, burins, drills, and denticulates, typical of the nomadic hunters of the Mousterian culture. These tools, dating back 50,000 years, were primarily discovered in the Cueva del Cochino.

As visitors move through the exhibits, they encounter artifacts from the Upper Paleolithic and Epipaleolithic periods. Although similar to the earlier finds, these items reflect a greater specialization of work and more efficient use of raw materials. Significant discoveries from the two caves of Huesa Tacaña are also on display, offering further insights into these ancient cultures.

The Neolithic Revolution

Transitioning into the Neolithic era, the museum highlights the development of agriculture and animal husbandry. The collection features a variety of ceramic samples from new habitation sites like the Cueva del Lagrimal and later settlements such as Arenal de la Virgen, Casa de Lara, and La Macolla. These artifacts illustrate the significant changes in lifestyle and technological advancements during this period.

The Arrival of Metallurgy: The Eneolithic Period

The Eneolithic period marks the emergence of the first metallurgical societies, characterized by multiple burials in caves, such as those found in Cuevas del Alto and Cueva de las Lechuzas, and settlements like Casa de Lara. Among the notable artifacts from this era is the grave goods from Peñón de la Zorra, which includes a copper dagger, two Palmela points, a silver earring, and several necklace beads.

The Bronze Age Treasures

The Bronze Age saw a significant increase in population, evidenced by the more than twenty discovered sites dating throughout the 2nd millennium BC. The most important of these is the Argaric site of Cabezo Redondo, where numerous artifacts have been unearthed, including mills, sickle teeth, axes, adzes, cereals, and more. These findings underscore the importance of livestock and hunting during this period.

The museum's centerpiece from the Bronze Age is the Tesoro de Villena, discovered in 1963 in the Rambla del Panadero. This remarkable hoard consists of 11 gold bowls, 28 bracelets, five bottles (two gold and three silver), two mixed pieces (an amber and gold button and an iron and gold finial), and a gold ingot, totaling 10 kilograms of gold and 600 grams of silver. Declared a Cultural Interest Asset in 2005, the Tesoro de Villena is one of Europe's most significant Bronze Age finds.

The Iberian Culture

The Iberian culture is well-represented in the museum, with artifacts from the El Puntal de Salinas site, considered the best-known Iberian settlement in the Alto Vinalopó region. Highlights include the Leona del Zaricejo sculpture and the Dama de Caudete, a 4th-century BC stone bust. The collection also features the Arracada de la Condomina, a 6th-century BC gold earring, showcasing exceptional craftsmanship and preservation.

The Roman Influence

During the Roman period, the region saw the construction of numerous villas, although no significant settlements have been found. The museum's Roman collection includes terra sigillata, fine and common ceramics, amphorae, coins, and architectural elements like columns and capitals, offering a glimpse into the daily life and trade practices of the time.

The Medieval Period

The Middle Ages were a time of significant development for Villena, with notable discoveries from the urban area and its two fortresses, Castillo de Salvatierra and Castillo de la Atalaya. The museum showcases pieces from the Almohad necropolises and 14th and 15th-century golden and cobalt blue pottery, reflecting the town's importance during this era.

The Modern Era

The museum's exhibits conclude with artifacts from the Modern Age, spanning from the Middle Ages to the 19th century. Visitors can explore a variety of objects, including lamps, jugs, bowls, glassware, and coins, providing a comprehensive overview of the region's more recent history.

Documentary Collections

In addition to its impressive archaeological collection, the museum boasts a specialized library with over 1,800 volumes, including more than 1,000 periodicals and 640 monographs. The archives also contain a photographic collection initiated in the 1950s, now comprising over 5,000 images related to the museum's collection, historical heritage, excavations, and archaeological sites in the area.

The Museo Arqueológico Municipal de Villena is not just a museum; it's a journey through time, offering visitors a unique opportunity to explore the rich and diverse history of the Alto Vinalopó region. Whether you're an archaeology enthusiast or a curious traveler, this museum promises an unforgettable experience filled with fascinating discoveries and insights into the past.