The Guadalperal Dolmen (Cáceres, Spain). Archaeological and heritage protection interventions on an artificially submerged archaeological site which resurfaces

Abstract

In 2019, the Iberian Peninsula suffered the worst drought in recent decades, leading to a clear reduction in water levels at Spanish reservoirs. This situation allowed previously flooded lands to re-appear, and in many cases they became accessible by foot. The Dolmen of Guadalperal (made of approximately 150 orthostats) was a spectacular sight when it re-emerged and attracted several curious visitors and the media, who understood that this was a unique opportunity to visit it. The responsible administrations therefore needed to act by protecting and archaeologically studying the site.

Keywords

• archaeology
• climate change
• drought
• dolmen
• heritage management
• guadalperal
• spain