Trending Now - Ancient Treasure Reveals Unidentified Metal From Space

WHO:

Salvador Rovira-Llorens, researcher at the Instituto de Historia of the Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC) in Madrid

Archaeological Museum “José María Soler” in Villena, Spain

WHAT:

Archaeologists discovered a Bronze Age hoard known as the Treasure of Villena containing 66 objects, mostly gold and silver, with some iron pieces.

At least two pieces from the hoard were identified as made from meteoritic iron.

The hoard includes 21 gold objects, 27 silver pieces, 18 amber beads, and 2 iron items.

The iron bracelet measures 8.5 centimeters (3.35 inches) across.

The research was published in Trabajos de Prehistoria.

WHERE:

The Treasure of Villena was discovered near the town of Villena, in the province of Alicante, Spain.

The collection is housed in the Archaeological Museum “José María Soler” in Villena.

WHEN:

The Treasure of Villena dates to approximately 1400–1200 BC.

The hoard was discovered in 1963.

WHY:

The unusual composition of the iron items suggested they were made from a special material not available through contemporary manufacturing techniques.

HOW:

Researchers used mass spectrometry and other analytical techniques to examine the nickel content and chemical signature of the metal in the objects.

The analysis revealed a nickel signature characteristic of meteoritic iron, indicating the metal originated from a meteorite.

(UPDATED March 22, 2026 01:40 UTC)

Archaeologists in Spain have made an exciting discovery, unearthing a Bronze Age hoard known as the Treasure of Villena, which contains 66 objects primarily made of gold and silver, along with some iron pieces. Among the findings are 21 gold objects, 27 silver pieces, and two iron items, including a bracelet made from meteoritic iron, suggesting advanced techniques not available during that time. This remarkable collection, dating back to approximately 1400 to 1200 BC, is now housed at the Archaeological Museum “José María Soler” in Villena, following research published in Trabajos de Prehistoria.