"This discovery could change the story of Mallorca’s history"

What exactly have you found in this last campaign at Son Fornés?

Over three months, we selectively removed vegetation that concealed a large part of the site. This vegetation had been covering structures that, although not buried, were invisible until now for at least a century. By removing it, clearly visible architectural elements have come to the surface. Until now, we only knew about the 3,300 m² excavated and exhibited, but now we’ve discovered a spectacular site, with an astonishing monumentality.

And what makes you think that it could be one of the lost Roman cities, like Tucis or Guium?

There’s no epigraphic evidence to confirm this, but there are strong indications. In the Balearic Islands, one of the great challenges for archaeology has always been to locate these two cities mentioned by Pliny the Elder. For years, there was speculation about Petra based on very little epigraphic documentation, but never on any substantial archaeological remains. What we’ve now found at Son Fornés has enough substance: the visible urban planning, tiled roofs, buildings materials... everything fits in with the features of a Roman city. We can’t say for sure yet, but the archaeological evidence points in that direction.

Until now, what was really known about these cities?

We know what the classical sources tell us. Pliny the Elder mentioned them as places that adopted Latin law. But that’s all. It’s the same as for many of the biblical cities: the sources cite them, but they have to be found archaeologically. In the Balearic Islands, we’re missing that piece. We know they existed, but not where they were or what they looked like. And this is where archaeology can make a difference.

Why would it be so important for Balearic archaeology to actually locate one of these cities?

It would be essential. Because our history becomes clearer when it’s based on material facts. In this case, it would serve to learn more about how Latin law was applied and how the Balearic Islands were part of the Roman world. Right now, we only have the names. Everything else depends on what we can find underground. And only archaeology can give us that. It’s the only chance to understand the role this island played at that time.

What team has been involved in this action, and what method has been used?

In the beginning, our team was small. We did surface survey and forest clearance work, taking great care of the natural environment. There were about eight of us including professionals and volunteers, who are so important at Son Fornés. In July, we were joined by the permanent team from Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, co-director of the project. Six or seven more people arrived. In total, there were about 15 to 20 of us.

What struck you most about what you found?

Without a doubt, the monumentality of the site. Often what you find on the surface are just fragments of pottery that suggest something is buried. But not here: we can see the walls. There are cyclopean structures, with blocks up to 2.5 metres high. It’s striking to see this method of construction, so characteristic of the Balearic Islands, in a context that seems clearly Roman. Moreover, it’s possible that even older remains of the original Talayotic settlement from 3,000 years ago lie underneath. But the density of Roman materials found on the surface makes it clear that this was its greatest period of glory.

What would it take now to confirm that it is in fact a Roman city?

We have to dig. Only excavation can give us context: dates, precise locations, layers of occupancy. What we see now is a palimpsest of materials from different periods mixed together on the surface. We’ve found metal objects, pottery, construction mortars, and more. But without excavating, we can’t accurately order or date them. A stratigraphic excavation will tell us exactly what happened and when.

Is a thorough excavation already in the works?

Yes. We’re currently in talks with the authorities, because this finding goes far beyond the scope of the five-year project we had planned. It’s such a major discovery that we believe it deserves greater effort. And we’re working to make it happen in the near future.

Would this discovery change how we tell the story of Mallorca?

Absolutely. If confirmed as a Roman city, it would be a huge change in its story. It’s one of those moments when history and archaeology align. We’ve been talking about these cities for years without any material evidence. Now, we may have them before our eyes.

This discovery coincides with the 50th anniversary of excavations at Son Fornés. What’s your assessment of the past 50 years?

It’s been exceptional. Son Fornés is one of the few sites where work has been carried out continuously for half a century, especially in the area of Prehistory. We also have the only monographic museum of Balearic Prehistory. But we wanted to end this period with a broader vision of the site: to know its true boundaries, how it evolved in Roman times, and shape its future as an archaeological site. That’s exactly why we did this work this year, and the results have been even more promising than we could’ve imagined.

Do you think the government will take up this new challenge?

I’d like to think so. In a place as wealthy as the Balearic Islands, there’s no excuse for not investing in culture. An archaeological site like Son Fornés is an investment in the future: it enhances cultural tourism, promotes more conscious, non-predatory tourism and ensures benefits for Balearic society. And we believe that this is the kind of tourism we all want to have.