2,000-Year-Old Trisquel Stone Found in Galician Hillfort 2026

A 2,000-year-old stone bearing a carved trisquel and an unidentified petroglyph has been discovered at the Castro do Pico da Bandeira in A Guarda, Pontevedra, Galicia. The find, made on the final day of the excavation campaign, has left archaeologists puzzling over the meaning of the enigmatic engravings.

The stone, a granite block measuring 25 centimeters high and 33 centimeters wide, was found among the rubble of a collapse. When workers lifted it to turn it over, they revealed a well-preserved trisquel—three identical spirals rotating in the same direction and joined at a central point—on the hidden face. The other side features a petroglyph that no team member has been able to identify.

Discovery at the Last Moment

According to the archaeological company Árbore Arqueoloxía, the stone was first spotted weeks earlier but left untouched. The team deliberately waited until October 17, the last day of the campaign, to recover it. The reason was practical: in the area, people sometimes pick up stones without knowing their significance and use them as filler in walls. If the stone had been taken, there would have been no second chance.

Nerea Vilariño, director of the excavation, explained to Telecinco that the delay was a precaution. “There is a law that never fails: on the last day of excavation, something always appears,” the company stated, echoing a common maxim among archaeologists and cavers.

What the Symbols Mean

The trisquel is a familiar symbol in Celtic and Galician culture, often associated with the cycle of life, death, and rebirth. However, archaeologist Benito Vilas, who spoke with La Voz de Galicia, points out that the combination of a trisquel and an unidentified petroglyph on the same stone is extraordinary. He knows of other trisqueles in hillfort settlements, but the presence of a second, unknown carving makes this find unique.

The petroglyph on the reverse side remains a mystery. It could be a geometric design, a representation of something natural, or a symbol with ritual significance. Without parallels, interpreting it is difficult. The team hopes that further analysis and comparison with other sites may shed light.

Context of the Hillfort

The Castro do Pico da Bandeira is located on Monte Torroso in A Guarda, a region rich in Iron Age settlements. Hillforts, or castros, are fortified villages typical of the northwestern Iberian Peninsula, dating from the Iron Age and Roman period. The discovery of a decorated stone in this context suggests the site may have had ceremonial or symbolic importance beyond ordinary domestic use.

Archaeologists are now studying the stone in the laboratory. They will analyze the carving techniques, wear patterns, and any residues that might indicate how the stone was used or displayed. The results could provide insights into the beliefs and artistic expressions of the people who lived there two millennia ago.

Why This Find Matters

This discovery is significant for several reasons. First, it adds to the growing body of evidence about the symbolic world of the Castro culture. Second, it highlights the importance of careful archaeological practice—waiting to recover the stone prevented its loss. Third, it captures public imagination, reminding us that even after centuries, new mysteries emerge from the ground.

• The stone features a well-preserved trisquel and an unidentified petroglyph.
• It was found on the last day of excavation at Castro do Pico da Bandeira.
• The trisquel is a Celtic symbol, but the second carving is unknown.
• Archaeologists delayed recovery to protect the stone from theft.
• Further analysis may reveal its purpose and meaning.

Comparison with Other Celtic Symbols

To appreciate the significance of this find, it helps to compare the trisquel with other Celtic symbols. The table below outlines key differences.

While the trisquel is relatively common, the combination with an unknown petroglyph sets this stone apart. It may represent a local variation or a personal expression. The background to this story is set out in Archaeologists Uncover Ancient Secrets on the Cíes Islands. A related thread runs through Alarcos Excavation Reveals Major Archaeological Discovery in Spain. Earlier coverage in Herculaneum Papyri: How Archaeologists Can Now Read Them shows how the argument developed.

What’s Next for the Stone

The stone will undergo conservation and detailed study. Archaeologists will examine the carving techniques, look for traces of pigment, and compare it with similar finds. They may also use 3D scanning to create a digital model for analysis and public display. The ultimate goal is to understand the stone’s function—whether it was a religious object, a boundary marker, or something else entirely. A closer look at the same subject appears in AVE to Galicia: Why Airfares Haven't Crashed. Anyone following the wider picture can start with Trending: latest articles. The same theme surfaces in Mayan Elites Traded Pedigreed Dogs Over 1,000 Years Ago, which takes a different angle.

Meanwhile, the excavation at Castro do Pico da Bandeira continues. The team plans to return next season to explore further. The discovery serves as a reminder that the past is never fully known, and each find adds a piece to the puzzle. Context on how this played out before sits in Ancient Roman Bronze Phallus Found at Hadrian's Wall. A companion piece, Tartessos Enigma: New Altar Found in Badajoz Excavation, approaches the same subject from another angle.

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