Discoveries from the south of Spain, in Munigua – the current archaeological site of Sierra Morena – prove that ancient Romans made significant improvements to the copper mine system.
Archaeologists are surprised at the level of complexity of the tunnels built, which allowed the extraction of copper from very deep levels that previously could not be achieved by peoples inhabiting these areas before Roman rule. The tunnels were ventilated and equipped with numerous shafts.
In the 2nd century BCE metal mining has peaked. Its fall began in the 3rd century CE, due to a strong earthquake that struck the region, and Munigua never regained its glory. At the end of the 6th century, Municipium Flavium Muniguense was finally abandoned.
