Buried for Centuries: Ancient Treasure Rescued from Flames in Spain

Spanish authorities evacuated the remains of the first three kings of Aragon from the 11th century from the San Juan de la Peña monastery after a large fire approached the site. The remains, along with paintings and ceremonial garments, were transferred to the provincial museum. The fire has burned more than 9,000 dunams and forced the evacuation of 16 communities. In the south, another fire consumed about 31,000 dunams and forced the evacuation of about 700 people.

Two days ago (Thursday), Spanish authorities evacuated the remains of historical figures from the 11th century after a large fire approached the historic San Juan de la Peña monastery. The remains, along with other rare items, were transferred under security to the provincial museum until conditions in the area improve. The fire began raging on Monday and approached the monastery threateningly on Thursday evening. A team from the Spanish Military Emergency Unit entered the monastery, located in a mountainous area with difficult access, and first evacuated ceremonial garments belonging to an 18th-century count buried there. Due to the approaching flames and thick smoke, the team had to leave hastily, but later returned accompanied by police and heritage officials, and evacuated the bones of the first three kings of Aragon, who ruled the area between 1035 and 1104, along with historically valuable paintings. So far, more than 9,000 dunams have been burned in the large fire in the area, and 16 communities have been evacuated. Meanwhile, in southern Spain, another large fire intensified on Thursday, which has already consumed about 31,000 dunams in the Huelva province and led to the evacuation of about 700 people from their homes.