Imagine unearthing a piece of history that has been hidden for centuries – what secrets might it reveal? On the beautiful Isla de Lobos, a small paradise located between Fuerteventura and Lanzarote, a German tourist discovered a disturbing Roman site in 2012. Specifically, the foreigner found a fragment of an amphora buried in the area of La Concha beach. But what can we learn from this discovery? Join us on this fascinating journey back in time.
A Roman settlement on the Island of Lobos
The remains discovered on the island of Lobos are evidence that there was a Roman settlement on the island. This discovery is particularly curious because, until now, the Roman presence in the Canary Islands has been relatively limited.
Since the initial discovery of the Roman site on the islet, up to five extensive excavation campaigns have been carried out. These efforts have covered an area of approximately 450 square metres and have provided us with extremely valuable information about these incredible objects of historical value.
Some of the treasures that have been found include house structures, pottery, tools and other artefacts of Roman daily life. In addition, traces of purple dye have also been found, specifically on the Calera beach. Scientists have therefore determined that the island of Lobos was a production site for this dye.
But what do all these objects mean? These discoveries suggest that the Isla de Lobos was not just a passing place for the Romans, but a settlement where they lived for a long period. Furthermore, by analysing the artefacts found, experts have been able to learn more about what daily life was like in this settlement and what economic activities sustained its population.
Why is this discovery so important for the Canarians?
The discovery of a Roman settlement on the island of Lobos has revolutionised the scientific community. This is due to the new perspectives on the Roman expansion and its evident presence in the Canary Islands, being one of the most important events in the archipelago!
On the other hand, this discovery has helped to rewrite some aspects of the islands’ history. Undoubtedly, by learning more about how the Romans lived and worked on Lobos Island, we can get a more complete picture of the Canary Islands, their history and our ancient heritage.
The future of the Roman site
The Roman site on Isla de Lobos is currently being carefully studied by archaeologists and other experts. As research continues, we can expect to learn more details about this intriguing discovery. However, much remains to be discovered. Despite the excavation campaigns already carried out, there is much more ground yet to be explored. As far as archaeological experts are concerned, they argue that the total extent of the settlement could be significantly larger, suggesting that we may only be at the beginning of a long road.
An environment that arouses curiosity
Although the Roman site is not currently open to the public, its existence reminds us of the Canary Islands’ historical connection to the ancient world and its role in the trade routes of the time. At the same time, it is a reminder of how cultures intertwined across time and space.
Hopefully this information has piqued your curiosity and will help you to learn more about the great historical value of the islands. Without a doubt, the Isla de Lobos is an environment that arouses the curiosity of everyone who visits it, not only for its beaches or coastline, but for all the events and stories that surround the life of this marvellous islet.