Unearthing the Battle of Mallorca: An Archaeological Perspective on the Spanish Civil War.

This article presents a detailed archaeological analysis of the Battle of Mallorca, an impactful yet understudied aspect of the Spanish Civil War, framed within the “Espais de la Batalla de Mallorca (2017–2022)” project. Conducted in the summer of 2019, the excavation at Son Carrió focused on a key area to understand the dynamics and consequences of this significant early military defeat for the Spanish Republic. Through the integration of archaeological data, historical documentation, and ethnography, the study employs a multifaceted approach that enriches our understanding of both the military strategies employed and the everyday realities faced by individuals during the conflict. The research highlights how the combination of landscape archaeology, memory studies, and heritage studies can provide profound insights into the way battles shape physical and cultural landscapes. These theoretical frameworks help articulate how material remnants and spatial configurations from the battle contribute to ongoing cultural memory and heritage preservation efforts. By examining the material culture and defensive structures discovered at Son Carrió, the study offers new perspectives on the combatants’ experiences and the broader sociopolitical implications of the war. This comprehensive examination not only deepens the historiography of the Spanish Civil War but also advocates for the integration of diverse theoretical perspectives in reconstructing historical events. The findings demonstrate the value of archaeological studies in revealing nuanced narratives that contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of past conflicts, emphasizing the role of archaeology in bridging the gap between historical events and contemporary collective memory. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]