History and archaeology

Mural dedicated to various archaeological remains

This mural takes us back to Fuente-Tójar’s most ancient past. Before the village we know today existed, this area was already inhabited by various cultures that left their mark on the landscape and in the historical memory of the place. The artwork brings together pieces inspired by the municipality’s archaeological remains. The composition functions almost like an open display case on the street, where objects from different eras appear side by side to commemorate the rich history of Fuente-Tójar. Among the most significant periods are the Iberian and Roman eras. At sites such as Cerro de las Cabezas and La Mesa, remains of great interest have been discovered, including the Iberian-Roman settlement of Iliturgícola and an Iberian necropolis containing more than fifty tombs. These sites allow us to gain an insight into the way of life, beliefs and rituals of the communities that inhabited this area centuries ago. The significance of the Roman presence is also evident at Cerro del Lucerico, where remains associated with a large olive oil mill, complete with six presses, have been preserved. This finding is particularly significant, as it shows that olive oil production was already important in this region in ancient times. In this way, the mural connects the past with the present. Olive oil, so closely associated today with Fuente-Tójar and the Subbética region, is not merely a contemporary economic activity, but a tradition with very deep roots. The artist sought to bring together elements from different cultures to show that a town’s identity is built up over time. Each era leaves something behind: a tool, a tomb, a way of working, an everyday object or a way of understanding the world. This mural invites us to look more deeply at Fuente-Tójar. Beneath the tranquil life of the village today lies an ancient, rich and diverse history. To learn more about it, visitors can also visit the Municipal History Museum, where artefacts and resources are preserved that help to understand the archaeological significance of the area.