Archaeologists from Arbotante Patrimonio e Innovación SL have made a remarkable discovery at the Castillo de Matilla de los Caños del Río, an ancient fortress near Salamanca, Spain. Their excavations have unearthed a complete suit of armor, shedding new light on the historical narrative of the site.
Previously, scholars believed that the castle was built following the Arab conquest of the Iberian Peninsula, which led to the establishment of the Umayyad Caliphate in the region around AD 711–732. However, despite this assumption, very little concrete historical information exists regarding the castle’s origins or its role throughout history. What is known is that the fortress was reportedly destroyed by order of Ferdinand II of Aragon in AD 1505.
Situated atop a small hill to the north of the village of Matilla de los Caños del Río, the castle once held a strategic position overlooking the surrounding plains. This vantage point would have provided defenders with an excellent view of any approaching threats, making it a valuable military stronghold during its time.
Excavations by the team from Arbotante Patrimonio e Innovación SL began in early 2023 and have since revealed significant structural details about the castle’s interior and exterior. Through their work, archaeologists have identified what is likely the entrance gateway, a cistern, circular defensive towers, and an armory containing remnants of weaponry and pieces of armor.
According to the researchers, the archaeological findings contradict the previously accepted historical narrative. Despite assumptions that the castle had been occupied during the Arab rule of the Iberian Peninsula, the excavations have yielded no evidence of Arab habitation or architectural elements that would typically be associated with such a presence.
One of the most extraordinary discoveries made at the site is a complete suit of armor dating from the 16th century. This well-preserved armor set consists of nearly 50 individual components and was discovered alongside a crossbow and a knife. Archaeologist Iván García Vázquez, speaking to Salamanca24horas, described the armor as being remarkably intact, including all its functional pieces. The suit comprises a helmet, a breastplate, trellis reinforcements, elbow pads, greaves, and additional protective elements designed for the arms and legs.
Beyond the armor, the excavation has also yielded a significant quantity of medieval weaponry. Numerous crossbow bolts have been recovered, some of which feature a socketed head with an almost square cross-section, a design specifically intended to pierce armor. Other bolts discovered include spike points, which were effective in penetrating chainmail. Among the various forms of medieval ammunition found at the site, archaeologists also unearthed fragments of bolaño, a type of stone cannonball also referred to as “stoneshot,” which was commonly used in early artillery.
The implications of these findings are profound, as they challenge long-standing beliefs regarding the castle’s history and function. The presence of 16th-century armor and weaponry suggests that the fortress may have played a more prominent role in conflicts of that period than previously assumed. Additionally, the absence of Arab architectural elements raises questions about whether the castle was indeed constructed during the early medieval Islamic rule of Spain or if it had a different origin entirely.
As archaeologists continue their work at the site, further discoveries may help to refine our understanding of the castle’s past. Each unearthed artifact provides another piece to the puzzle, offering valuable insights into the military strategies, defensive structures, and daily life of those who once occupied the stronghold.
The discovery of the complete suit of armor is particularly significant, as it represents a rare and valuable find. Complete sets of armor from the 16th century are relatively uncommon in archaeological contexts, particularly in a preserved state. Such armor would have belonged to a high-ranking soldier or nobleman, as full plate armor was both expensive and typically reserved for individuals of considerable status.
Given the location of the castle and its commanding view of the landscape, it is possible that the site served as a military outpost or a stronghold used by noble families engaged in territorial disputes. The presence of crossbow bolts and stone cannonballs suggests that the castle saw active combat, potentially playing a role in the conflicts that characterized late medieval Spain.
Historians and archaeologists alike are eager to delve deeper into the findings at Matilla de los Caños del Río, as ongoing research may continue to rewrite the known history of the fortress. The contradictions between the new archaeological evidence and the previously accepted narrative underscore the importance of excavation and analysis in refining our understanding of the past.
As the excavations progress, researchers will likely conduct further studies on the artifacts, including metallurgical analyses of the armor and weaponry. Such investigations can provide additional insights into the materials used, the techniques employed in their manufacture, and even potential trade routes that supplied the fortress with military equipment.
The Municipality of Matilla de los Caños del Río has expressed great interest in the discoveries, as they offer an opportunity to promote local heritage and historical tourism. With such remarkable finds being uncovered, there is potential for the site to be preserved and presented as an educational resource, allowing visitors to gain a deeper appreciation for Spain’s medieval past.
The significance of the discoveries at Castillo de Matilla de los Caños del Río cannot be overstated. The newly unearthed suit of armor, along with the arsenal of weapons and ammunition, not only provide tangible connections to the individuals who once occupied the castle but also serve as a testament to the turbulent history of the region. Through meticulous excavation and research, archaeologists are gradually revealing the fortress’s true story—one that may be far more complex and dynamic than previously believed.
With further excavations planned, the team hopes to uncover additional structures and artifacts that will continue to shed light on the castle’s enigmatic past. Each layer of soil removed has the potential to bring forth new revelations, contributing to a more comprehensive understanding of the site’s historical significance.
As history is rewritten through each discovery, the work of archaeologists at Matilla de los Caños del Río serves as a reminder of the ever-evolving nature of historical research. What was once thought to be an established fact can change dramatically with the unearthing of a single artifact, proving that the past is never truly set in stone.
