La presencia fenicia en la Península Ibérica: el Cabezo Pequeño del Estaño (Guardamar del Segura, Alicante)

Abstract

In this paper the results of recent archaeological research in the settlement of Cabezo Pequeno del Estano (Guardamar, Alicante) are presented. The research consists of the study of the materials excavated in the 1990s and an architectural analysis during recent restoration works. This new research allows us to better understand the first evidence of Phoenician colonization on the Alicante Coast as well as the settlement pattern in the area of the mouth of Segura River during the Early Iron Age. The analysis of old pictures, made before the partial destruction of the site, has allowed to reconstruct its original dimensions (over one hectare) and a large part of its walls. New data allow us to observe the urban features of the site, which was previously published as a small fort. In parallel, the archaeological materials from its last occupation, dated to the end of the eighth century BC, make us think that it was the first Phoenician site in the Segura mouth. It was abandoned at that time and the population moved to a larger site, located by the open sea and known by the modern name of La Fonteta.