A group of archaeologists recently uncovered twelve graves in one of the two Muslim necropolises dating from the 8th to the 15th centuries in Estepona, in the province of Málaga. This discovery further enriches the scientific data on Al-Andalus and the Muslim past of Andalusia. One of the graves discovered in Estepona ‹ › Al-Andalus continues to unveil secrets about the Islamic heritage of the Iberian Peninsula. The latest revelation comes from Estepona, in the province of Málaga, where twelve graves have been discovered in one of the town's two Muslim necropolises. These graves, dating from the 8th to the 15th centuries, were uncovered during the redevelopment of San Lorenzo and España avenues. This ambitious project aims to transform the area into a vast pedestrian boulevard spanning 22,000 square meters, linking the historic center with the seaside promenade. Prior to initiating this urban transformation, the city council informed the Andalusian regional culture delegation about the necessity for archaeological supervision, given the known presence of this Muslim burial site. This was confirmed by the Estepona city council, citing municipal archaeologist Ildefonso Navarro. The site is designated as an archaeological zone in the General Urban Plan (PGOU) and the Special Protection Plan for the old town. Consequently, a team of archaeologists has been involved in the redevelopment project, under the coordination of the city's historical heritage service, with authorization and oversight from Andalusian heritage experts. Mario González, an archaeologist from MENIA, the company leading the excavations, notes that the remains are oriented towards Mecca and were buried directly in the earth, adhering to specific Muslim funerary practices. These human remains will undergo further study to determine the causes of death, age, and gender. Al-Andalus: Islamic and Roman relics that trace certain Taifa settlements In recent years, ten excavations have been conducted in the medina of Istibbuna, the Nasrid name for Estepona, which is known for its two Muslim cemeteries from that era. To date, these efforts have uncovered 600 remains. The city as a witness to the upheavals of Al-Andalus In Estepona, excavations are set to continue in the coming months, alongside new earthworks that could yield further discoveries. Archaeologists and urban planners remain optimistic, combining their expertise, especially since the first phase of excavations, which began in late 2024, has already uncovered unprecedented finds, including medieval weapons. Among these discoveries are five stone balls with peridotite bases, a material typical of the local massif. These weapons were likely used during the numerous sieges of Istibbuna in the 13th and 14th centuries by Christian forces. Medieval ceramic pieces have also been found, providing further insights into Estepona's Muslim history. In essence, through these remnants, many of which remain unexplored, this area is part of the broader tapestry of southern Spain that attests to the succession and coexistence of powers in Al-Andalus. Over time, Christians and Muslims sought to solidify their rule through alliances, notably with the Zirids (972–1148). Spain: The Almohads of Alarcos come back to life In Murcia, archaeologists previously uncovered the intact remains of an ancient caliphal palace, shedding light on previously unknown chapters of Al-Andalus history. In 2019, initial findings suggested an architecture closely related to the distinctive style of al-Madîna al-Zâhira. Between the 10th and 11th centuries, from 978 to 1009, this «resplendent city» served as the residence of the Umayyad emirs of Cordoba.
