The Complex Cancho Roano in the Light of Modern Archaeology: Residence of the Tartessian Ruler or Fortress-Sanctuary?
Kozlovskaya Viktoria I.
In the light of modern archaeological research, which went over from practical stratigraphical study of the complex of Cancho Roano to the method of continuous widening of the territory and clearing up the question of interaction between the object and space, one may say that the axe function of the complex during the whole of its existence was religious and ideological. In the Proto-Tartessian period this function was carried out by a small indigenous sanctuary С with a cult of the Supreme Deity, the Bull. In the orientalizing Tartessian period a number of auxiliary buildings В was attached to the enlarged temple С This can mean that the head of the indigenous community, who was at the same time its religious leader (regulus), spent much time at Cancho Roano serving the interests of the cult and meeting the earthly needs of his community. In the post-Tartessian period, when the central authority declined, the heads of local communities, connected by friendship and fidelity to the most authoritative ruler, needed a palace for regular meetings in order to solve together the most vital common problems under the auspices of the Supreme Deity. Cancho Roano A could well serve for such purposes. In the last quarter of the 5th century ВС this palace-sanctuary acquired some characteristics of a fortress, but unable to stand the ordeals of time it perished in a fire as well as other contemporary residences of local kings.