Advanced LiDAR surveys over the rugged interior of Gran Canaria have revealed a sprawling, previously unknown defensive network. The 'Sky Fortress' consists of hundreds of terraced stone platforms and a central keep, indicating that the indigenous Ganche people possessed far more sophisticated military engineering and urban planning than historical accounts suggested.
The survey identified hidden grain silos and a complex water-harvesting system carved directly into the volcanic rock, allowing the population to withstand long sieges. This discovery challenges the traditional view of the Guanche as a simple pastoral society and highlights their role as masters of high-altitude fortification.