The work to refurbish ‘la Cova dels Diablets’ in Alcala de Xivert will begin in September
The tasks will consist of clearing the site and consolidating the cavity and excavation points
![[Img #79423]](http://el7set.es/upload/images/08_2020/8742_1415_dipu.jpg)
In September, Castellón Diputación Archaeological Service, together with the Alcala de Xivert Council, will begin the refurbishment work at the important prehistoric site of la Cova dels Diablets. This will determine the possibility of starting a campaign for excavations in the area after many years of inactivity.
As Ruth Sanz, the head of the Archaeology section, advised, the completion of the first stage of the work will include general refurbishment of the cavity and the adoption of the protective measures appropriate to preserve it and stop the deterioration of the cave, which has become worse since the 1998 campaign to the extent of affecting the excavation area. In this case, the whole archaeological area will proceed to be cleaned, the excavated areas to be made safe and the documentation and evaluation of the dangers of erosion in the area and the application of preventive measures. For these tasks the Diputación’s Archaeological Service and Alcala de Xivert Council will carry out the technical requirements and make materials available.
This first action, which will probably last for several weeks in September, will be to prepare the terrain for future excavations. In any event, Sanz has not ruled out a first archaeological intervention during the first two weeks of October. “Everything depends on the first inspections which can be made on the terrain following the refurbishment”.
In any event, Sanz explained that there is “complete willingness in the Diputación to go ahead with the excavations because we carry putting value on all the natural, artistic and cultural resources we possess in our DNA”. She also continued, “we are looking at the opportunity of continuing to learn more about the history of our ancestors, and therefore we are cooperating to obtain more information which could determine how life was and from when human presence existed in the Xivert corridor area”.
Up to now, the experts say, there is proof of the existence of inhabitants in the cave 10,000 years ago. In the excavations at the end of the 90’s, important finds were made from the last Palaeolithic age, including ceramics, stone tools and human remains.
In September, Castellón Diputación Archaeological Service, together with the Alcala de Xivert Council, will begin the refurbishment work at the important prehistoric site of la Cova dels Diablets. This will determine the possibility of starting a campaign for excavations in the area after many years of inactivity.
As Ruth Sanz, the head of the Archaeology section, advised, the completion of the first stage of the work will include general refurbishment of the cavity and the adoption of the protective measures appropriate to preserve it and stop the deterioration of the cave, which has become worse since the 1998 campaign to the extent of affecting the excavation area. In this case, the whole archaeological area will proceed to be cleaned, the excavated areas to be made safe and the documentation and evaluation of the dangers of erosion in the area and the application of preventive measures. For these tasks the Diputación’s Archaeological Service and Alcala de Xivert Council will carry out the technical requirements and make materials available.
This first action, which will probably last for several weeks in September, will be to prepare the terrain for future excavations. In any event, Sanz has not ruled out a first archaeological intervention during the first two weeks of October. “Everything depends on the first inspections which can be made on the terrain following the refurbishment”.
In any event, Sanz explained that there is “complete willingness in the Diputación to go ahead with the excavations because we carry putting value on all the natural, artistic and cultural resources we possess in our DNA”. She also continued, “we are looking at the opportunity of continuing to learn more about the history of our ancestors, and therefore we are cooperating to obtain more information which could determine how life was and from when human presence existed in the Xivert corridor area”.
Up to now, the experts say, there is proof of the existence of inhabitants in the cave 10,000 years ago. In the excavations at the end of the 90’s, important finds were made from the last Palaeolithic age, including ceramics, stone tools and human remains.
