21 September, 2021

Cave of La Tazona

In a small flat hill, which is now even flatter due the cuts made by backhoes at its top, hidden from view and very close to the junction between the Carivete road and the Tajo-Segura water transfer, in Totana, It is located the Cave of La Tazona. At the end of the 19th century, the famous Luís Siret already documented in his book “L’Espagne Préhistorique” (Prehistoric Spain) remains of the Upper Paleolithic. In fact, there is evidence of that the occupation even today. However, it was almost devastated by some works where, surprisingly, It was considered a good idea to pour the excess soil through an open hole in the vault of the cavity.

It was challenging to find its entry since it had been listed for some time in the bibliography as missing and of unknown location. In addition, as we have commented, It was almost buried by the ground earth extracted from the top of the hill. Although its access could be cleared again by removing the sediment, the work seemed to be very tedious. In fact, it has two close accesses. In any case, lying on the floor, one can look inside the cavity through both entry holes and even creep inside. However, when I did, I did not realize that a fox passed away in it and it was almost decomposed and full of fleas. So the moral is obvious: Sometimes it is better not to tread where you are not welcome!!

AUTHOR: Carlos Velasco