The talayots of Mallorca: the island’s mysterious prehistoric culture
Long before hotels, roads or even the arrival of the Romans, Mallorca was already inhabited by a civilisation capable of erecting enormous stone structures that still inspire admiration and mystery today. These are the talayots, one of the island’s great prehistoric treasures.
What are the talayots?
A talayot is a type of structure resembling a tower, truncated conical in shape, not very tall and built from large stones (a dry-stone technique known as cyclopean masonry). They usually have a circular base, although some have a square base. The most typical ones have very thick walls, a small interior space with a central pillar to support the roof, and a narrow access passageway.
The origin of the word and what were the talayots used for?
It is said that ‘talaiot’ derives from the word ‘talaia’ (watchtower), meaning ‘a tower built on high ground to keep watch over a wide area’.
But the truth is that we do not know exactly what function they served: were they solely for observation or defence? A kind of sanctuary or ritual site? Perhaps for burials and cremations? Or simply a place of residence for the clan’s most privileged members?
It is possible that they served several functions, and that these may even have varied depending on the period.
The Talayotic Period in Mallorca
In Mallorca, the Talayotic culture is dated to approximately 1300–123 BC, until the arrival of the Romans on the island. It is clear that this was not an isolated phenomenon; rather, in various parts of the Mediterranean and Europe there were prehistoric constructions made of large stone blocks, known as the megalithic culture. This word has its origins in Greek and is a combination of two others, ‘mega’ and ‘lithos’, meaning ‘large’ and ‘stone’ respectively. A typical example would be the Stonehenge complex in Great Britain.
It stands to reason that during the nearly 1,200 years that this culture was present on our island, there were changes and external influences from various peoples who sailed and traded throughout the Mediterranean.
The Talayotic settlements
During the period in question, settlements began to be established, sometimes making use of existing talaiots and at other times starting entirely from scratch. The most typical layout consisted of outer walls, built from large stone blocks, forming an oval enclosure. The talaiot would be situated more or less at the centre, with the remaining space set aside for the inhabitants’ homes. It is believed that at their peak, there may have been as many as 200 settlements scattered across the island of Mallorca, each with between 200 and 250 inhabitants.
How the ancient inhabitants lived
The main activity was livestock farming, primarily—and in order of importance—sheep, goats, cattle and pigs. Subsistence farming (wheat, oats, pulses) and the gathering of wild fruits were secondary activities, perhaps carried out only by women.
Hunting (rabbits, hares, field mice, etc.) and fishing (molluscs, some fish and even turtles) were also of marginal importance.
But let us not forget that the Talayotic period was quite long and that at various times there were influences from outsiders and traders. This meant evolution and changes depending on the era, and for that reason, excavations have uncovered the skeletal remains of animals rarely found in this area, such as seals, deer and… even lions!
Crafts and other activities
Many high-quality bronze objects (spearheads, swords, belts, needles, etc.) have been found, as well as pottery, although the latter is rather rudimentary, having been made without a potter’s wheel.
But where our ancestors truly excelled was in the use of the sling to hurl stones. First the Carthaginians, then the Romans, recruited Balearic mercenaries as highly regarded elite troops.
The arrival of the Romans and the decline
In 123 BC, the troops of the Roman consul Caecilius Metellus conquered the island and, from that moment on, that world would change forever. Rome had a far superior culture and civilisation, much more advanced in every respect, and little by little it swept away the traditional way of life of the Talayotic culture.
What remains of the Talayots in Mallorca today
Many aspects of this ancient culture remain a mystery, but if you’re interested in history, we recommend you visit one of the Talayotic settlements and let your imagination run wild as you picture life in an era so different from our own.
One of the best-preserved sites in Mallorca is the settlement of “Ses Païsses” in Artá, but “Capocorb Vell” in Llucmajor and “Son Fornés” in Montuïri are also well worth a visit.
Find out how it was and what the Roman conquest of Mallorca meant. Follow the link: The Roman conquest of Mallorca
Roman conquest of Mallorca
Mallorca’s history began long before the Roman era. Traditions, the landscape and Mediterranean culture continue to form part of the island’s identity and many of its most authentic products. Discover the best gourmet products from Mallorca
