Talaiotic settlement of Talati de Dalt

Menorca has lots of prehistoric settlements which are gradually being excavated by archaeological societies intent on their restoration and preservation; I find these fascinating and visit them every time I come here.

This is the sanctuary and taula (altar stone), unusual because the pilaster fell against the capital after its break with the base. This is a sacred place where bonfires, animal sacrifices and ritual banquets were celebrated to ensure the fertility of the soil and animals. It was possibly built between the 6th and 4th centuries BC.

There is the strangest feeling here; very peaceful but odd, as if something is about to happen or appear just outside your range of vision. No birds sing here, although there are many which do in the olive and fig trees on the perimeter of the settlement. Lizards are the only living creatures I found here, and me.