Jaciment de Son Espases

Jaciment de Son Espases in Palma brings together post-Talaiotic remains and a Roman Republican camp within l’Horta d’Amunt. The indigenous area includes a worn sanctuary beside former living spaces. The surrounding landscape also preserves traces of activity from the Islamic period. The camp is considered Mallorca’s first documented Roman camp. Its military layout follows the pattern described by the ancient historian Polybius, with narrow streets connecting distinct sectors. A central courtyard provided communal space for the camp.

The camp included quarters, barracks, and a communal courtyard. Archaeologists found ritual deposits and distinctive objects there. These finds include a gold ring with an onyx warrior, animal bones, coins, vessels, dice, and fishing hooks. Hospital construction brought the archaeological site to light. Excavated remains were moved north beside the old Son Espases estate buildings, where information panels explain the evidence. Nearby Son Cabrer connects this place with a wider indigenous landscape near Palma. The remains document contact between local communities and Rome on Mallorca.