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14h ago

Medieval Artifacts, Including 13th-Century Sandal, Found in Bearded Vulture Nests in Spain

Scientists say the cliff-cave nests act as long-term archives that could guide future bearded vulture conservation.

Researchers studied a dozen bearded vulture nests between 2008 and 2014 in southern Spain.
A 700-year-old-plus sandal made of woven twigs and grasses is the oldest artifact to date found among the bearded vulture nests examined.
A painted fragment of medieval leather that resembles a mask also was recovered.
A crossbow bolt and its wooden lance were among over 200 cultural artifacts uncovered in the nests.

Overview

  • An Ecology study published September 11 details excavations of 12 long-abandoned bearded vulture nests in southern Spain conducted between 2008 and 2014.
  • Researchers recovered 2,483 items, including 2,117 bone fragments, with more than 9% identified as human-made objects such as textiles, leather, esparto-fiber pieces, horse tack, a slingshot and a crossbow bolt.
  • Radiocarbon dating shows the oldest artifact is a woven esparto sandal from the 13th century, preserved by the dry, stable microclimate of cliff-cave nest sites.
  • Bearded vultures have been locally absent from the study area for roughly 70 to 130 years, leaving undisturbed deposits that include eggshells useful for pesticide and contaminant analyses.
  • Lead author Antoni Margalida describes the nests as “natural museums,” with experts noting the findings can inform reintroduction planning and inspire similar investigations in other mountain regions.