LOS SANTUARIOS DE CALESCOVES (ALAIOR, MENORCA): COBERXO BLANC Y COVA DELS JURATS O DE L’ESGLESIA. INFORME PRELIMINAR

Abstract

The archaeological site of Calescoves (Menorca), located in the creek of the same name, is made up of a Proto-historic burial place, a ritual well, and a defensive seaside settlement, and was an anchorage from IV century BC to the Late Roman period. Some cuts inthe stone have also been identified, conceivably used to situate the votive sculptures that sailors used to offer when they arrived at the anchorage. Finally, the Report highlights the presence of a cave, known as Cova dels Jurats or l’Esglesia that was a cave shrine fromthe Late Talayotic culture to III century AD. Some epigraphic inscriptions —most of themengravings, others paintings— located in a natural shelter, just at the main access to the cave, provide evidence of the celebration of the Parilia, a festivity dated the 21 April, the same day on which Rome celebrated its foundation. Presumably here ludi Ceriales was also celebrated.