Numantine Museum of Soria

Located in the heart of Soria, Spain, the Numantine Museum of Soria, known locally as Museo Numantino de Soria, is a treasure trove of ancient artifacts and historical wonders. This cultural institution is dedicated to preserving, restoring, and promoting research on the region's rich history, with a special focus on the archaeological site of Numantia, as well as Tiermes and Uxama.

The History of the Numantine Museum of Soria

The origins of the Numantine Museum of Soria date back to the fusion of two separate museums: the Provincial Museum and the Numantine Museum. The Provincial Museum was established in the 19th century following the Desamortización de Mendizábal in 1835, which led to the formation of Historical-Artistic Heritage Commissions. It officially opened its doors as a museum in 1913. Meanwhile, the Numantine Museum was born out of the study of the Numantia archaeological site, which began in the 1870s and gained significant momentum between 1906 and 1923. The Numantine Museum was officially founded in 1914 and inaugurated five years later, on September 18, 1919, in a building designed by architect Manuel Aníbal Álvarez and initially funded by Ramón Benito Aceña.

In 1932, the Provincial Museum was renamed the Celtiberian Museum, which was eventually incorporated into the Numantine Museum in 1941. Despite maintaining some independence, the two museums fully merged in 1968, first becoming the Provincial Museum of Soria, then the Museum of Soria, and finally the Numantine Museum of Soria. A significant renovation in 1989 expanded the exhibition space to 7,000 square meters, enhancing the museum's ability to showcase its extensive collections.

Exploring the Numantine Museum of Soria

Visitors to the Numantine Museum of Soria are greeted by an impressive building with a portico supported by eight square pillars. The original structure featured a single floor with three naves and two courtyards, but an expansion in the 1980s added a three-story wing and additional construction along the courtyard's side. The museum's layout is chronological, guiding visitors through the history of the Soria province from the Lower Paleolithic era to the medieval period.

The journey begins with Lower Paleolithic artifacts, including remains of the ancient Elephas Antiquus. The Bronze Age section features notable weapons and funerary stelae, while the Iron Age is represented by ceramics and vessels from local hillforts. The Celtiberian period, a highlight of the museum, showcases ceramics, fibulae, pectorals, weapons, and tools from Numantia, Uxama Argaela, Tiermes, and other regional sites. Roman-era exhibits include finds from villas and necropolises, and the tour concludes with a panoramic view of medieval archaeology, featuring architectural remnants, ceramics, and coins.

Key Exhibits and Collections

The Numantine Museum of Soria boasts three floors divided into two wings, with six main exhibition halls. The permanent exhibition traces the history of Soria province in a chronological narrative, beginning with the Lower Paleolithic and advancing through the Upper Paleolithic, where the Solutrean piece known as the Villalba Plate stands out. This artifact was declared a Cultural Interest Asset in 2014.

The museum's Neolithic collection is rich with objects from the southwestern part of the province, while the Bell Beaker culture and the Bronze Age are represented by significant pieces such as the Covelda deposit and the Villar del Alba menhir stela. The Iron Age exhibits, particularly those from Numantia, Tiermes, and Uxama, occupy the upper floors, forming the Celtiberian Section.

Roman occupation artifacts, including those from the Cuevas de Soria, Santervás del Burgo, and Quintanares de Rioseco sites, are prominently displayed, alongside items from the Roman period of Numantia. The museum also features Visigothic artifacts from Numantia, Osma, and Tiermes, as well as items from the Muslim presence in the Iberian Peninsula, particularly from the Marca Media with its capital in Medinaceli. The Christian repopulations that followed the Muslim period left a significant mark on Romanesque and Gothic art, which is also well represented in the museum.

The Celtiberian Section

The Celtiberian Section is organized into three major periods: the ancient, the full, and the late Celtiberian periods. Highlights include funerary goods with fronton and antenna swords, fibulae, pectorals, and funerary urns. The ceramic collection is also of particular interest, showcasing the artistic and practical skills of the Celtiberians.

Over the years, the museum has been under the direction of notable figures such as Blas Taracena Aguirre (1915-1951), Juan Zozaya (1969-1973), José Luis Argente Oliver (1974-1998), and Elías Terés Navarro (1999-present).

In conclusion, the Numantine Museum of Soria is not just a repository of historical artifacts; it is a vibrant institution that brings the rich and diverse history of Soria province to life. Whether you are a history enthusiast or a casual visitor, the museum offers a fascinating journey through time, providing invaluable insights into the ancient cultures that once thrived in this region. A visit to the Numantine Museum of Soria is a must for anyone looking to delve deep into Spain's archaeological and cultural heritage.