Bronze chariot from Tartessos found in Spain reveals ancient luxury trade networks

A unique bronze votive chariot dating to the 5th century BCE has been unearthed at the Casas del Turuñuelo archaeological site in Guareña, Badajoz, Spain. Announced by the Spanish National Research Council (CSIC) on June 24, 2026, the find is the first of its kind in the Iberian Peninsula. The chariot features griffins on its sides, a horned face with protruding tongue (possibly a hybrid of the river god Achelous and an underworld deity), and two male figures acting as Atlantes. Only two wheels and half the main body survive. Excavated since 2015 by the Institute of Archaeology of Mérida, the site also yielded Greek ceramics from Attica, an Egyptian alabaster vase, and hundreds of carved ivory fragments depicting warriors, lions, snakes, and lotus flowers. The chariot is linked to Etruscan parallels and likely used in ritual banquets, not as a vehicle. These finds demonstrate Tartessos's integration into Mediterranean luxury trade networks, countering its image as an isolated kingdom.