13th-century Muslim tombs discovered in Estepona, southern Spain

A dozen Muslim tombs dating from the 13th century were discovered in Estepona, southern Spain, during work to redevelop the central boulevard linking San Lorenzo and España avenues. The burials were unearthed under the supervision of archaeologists while the municipality was modernizing this major artery of the city. The tombs, oriented towards Mecca in accordance with Islamic rites, would be part of a necropolis from the end of the period ofAl-Andaluswhen the town was called Medina de Estebbuna. Experts believe that the site served as a burial site during the Muslim Middle Ages.

Located on the Costa del Solin the Malaga province of Andalusia, Estepona is located approximately 80 kilometers west of Malaga, on the Mediterranean Sea. The area affected by the work had been identified in advance as archaeologically sensitive. Al-Andalus designates the territories of the Iberian Peninsula placed under Muslim domination between the 8th and 15th centuries. This period profoundly shaped southern Spain, leaving a lasting legacy in urban planning, culture, science and the organization of cities.

The excavations are supervised by the historical heritage service of the municipality and by the Regional Government of Andalusiain order to guarantee the preservation and study of the remains. This discovery is part of a series of recent major archaeological finds in southern Spain, revealing the historical wealth buried beneath Andalusian towns.