On Thursday morning, August 27, the Provincial Archaeological Museum of Alicante (MARQ) was the scene of a high-profile theft. The thieves managed to steal a large part of the collection that contains the Treasure of Villena, one of the most important collections of the Bronze Age in Europe.
Alarm and first steps of the investigation
The mayor of Villena, Fulgencio Cerdán, reported during a press conference that the alarms of the complex were activated in a matter of minutes after the entry of the criminals. According to his statement, the stolen pieces included most of the gold, silver, and ornaments that form the historical set.
What remained in the museum’s hands
Of the pieces that were under custody, only three silver vases, a bracelet, and a large part of the ornaments of the staff remained. In addition, the only one of the four crowns that the museum possessed remained in its place, while the earrings were taken. “They have fallen” the crowns, according to the regidor, although no visible damage has been reported on the objects that remained.
Details about the Treasure of Villena
The treasure was discovered in December 1963 by the archaeologist José María Soler and his collaborators. It is a collection of metalwork dated around 1000 BC that includes 11 bowls, 28 bracelets, and three bottles, as well as pieces of silver, amber, and iron. The set weighs almost 10 kilograms and its value is incalculable.
Historical importance of the set
The MARQ and experts in peninsular metallurgy consider that the Treasure of Villena is the most relevant set of golden tableware of the Bronze Age, comparable to the findings of the royal tombs of Mycenaean Greece. Among the findings, stand out pieces that could be the tips of scepters or handles made with iron from a meteorite, which makes it the first example of the use of this metal in Western Europe.
The response of the authorities
The Civil Guard and the Judicial Police are investigating the case. According to the Civil Guard, the crime was committed by several people who used several vehicles. All hypotheses have been opened and the collection of clues and evidence continues.
Consequences and future of the treasure
The theft represents the disappearance of a “unicum”, that is, a singular and incomparable set, as stated by Manuel Olcina, director of the MARQ, and Gabriel García Atiénzar, professor of Prehistory at the University of Alicante (UA). The cultural and scientific impact of the discovery will be profound, since the Treasure of Villena offers a unique vision of the technology and art of the Bronze Age in the Iberian Peninsula.
Impact on the community and diaspora
For the population of Villena, a municipality of around 35,000 inhabitants, the theft not only represents a loss of patrimony, but also a blow to the cultural identity of the area. The community hopes that the investigation will be quick and that the pieces will be recovered, which would contribute to tourism and the valuation of their historical heritage.
Credits: robertocavada.com
