The prehistoric coastal settlement of Cala Morell

The coastal settlement of Cala Morell is a Menorcan pre-talayotic archaeological site located in Ciutadella de Menorca. It is situated on a 35-meter-high coastal headland which closes the northeast side of Cala Morell's bay. This promontory is protected by a dry-stone wall in the area where it connects to solid ground. The site shares many features with another site located some kilometers away: Es Castellet des Pop Mosquer.

It is one of the 32 Menorcan prehistoric sites that compose the series for the Talayotic Menorca nomination to become a UNESCO World Heritage site. Around twelve dwelling navetas - dwelling navetas that can be found in Menorca and Majorca - can be seen throughout the site. There is also an indeterminate 4-meter diameter circular structure built with large stone slabs on the promontory's highest part. Two large hollows cut through the bedrock towards the central area could have been used to collect rainwater.

Recent excavations of two dwelling navetas and the circular construction show that these units were oriented to the south and were domestic in function. Inside, benches surround a hearth, and grinding stone bases suggest food preparation. All evidence, including pottery, bone tools, and a huge quantity of domesticated animal bones from goats, sheep, pigs, and especially cows, indicates domestic use. Interestingly, the complete absence of marine animals suggests that despite living by the sea, the inhabitants did not consume or use marine resources.

The structures are enclosed by a dry-stone wall, and the sheer rocks form a natural defense on the sea-facing side. Researchers hypothesize the settlement was located on the promontory due to defense needs caused by social conflict. A planimetry was drawn by a research team in 1996, and a project called "Entre Illes" currently continues archaeological research at the site in partnership with the Municipal Museum of Ciutadella and the History Museum of Manacor.

Sources: Wikipedia, OpenStreetMap, Wikidata, Wikimedia Commons