In a major breakthrough for Iberian archaeology, researchers have uncovered a series of saffron-stained stone offering tables within a Tartessian sanctuary in southern Spain. The presence of concentrated crocus pollen residues on the stone surfaces suggests that the ancient Tartessians engaged in large-scale floral festivals to celebrate the arrival of the spring equinox.
These tables were found adjacent to a large central hearth, indicating that the saffron was likely burned as incense or used to dye ritual textiles during the ceremonies. The discovery links the Tartessian culture to a wider Mediterranean tradition of using aromatic and rare spices to delineate sacred time, providing new insights into the economic and ritual complexity of this legendary Iron Age civilization.