Archaeological Heritage

Archaeological Heritage.

It is well known that the Valencian region contains one of the richest archaeological legacies in Europe due to the impact on these lands of complex and long-lasting historical events.

According to the Spanish Historical Heritage Law 16/1985, as well as the Valencian Cultural Heritage Law 4/1998 archaeological heritage is defined by its methods of investigation and is not defined by the historical age of the remains and evidence. Therefore the following form part of the Valencian Archaeological Heritage: "immovable property, objects, remains and all other signs of human manifestations of a cultural heritage nature that for their understanding require archaeological methodology, whether or not it has been extracted and whether it is to be found on the surface, in the ground or under the water. Geological features relating to the history of man and his origins and background also form part of this archaeological heritage" (article 58.1 LPHAV).

Up to now only one group of important archaeological sites has been found in the Orxeta area which dates to different periods and which belong to different cultures. However, most of the evidence found comes from the Medieval Period, which is logical if the importance of these lands during this period is taken into consideration.

For a few years a number of archaeological excavations have been carried out under the direction of the Municipal Service of Archaeology and Heritage. These have had excellent results, thanks to the early and rapid intervention in areas which had been previously defined as requiring archaeological protection, before the urban development projects could begin.