Canteras Romanas del Cerro Bellido

Probably, the first quarrying work began in Roman times (under the empire), with the aim of providing counterweights to the oil mills that were distributed in the Genil valley area and that were destined to supply oil to a large part of the Empire. During the Modern Age, the occupation in these quarries was detected again, as a consequence of the repopulation of the territory as a result of the conquest of Granada, which will mean a new boom in oil mills and olive production in the area. The enhancement of this natural and archaeological environment highlights the cultural and heritage potential that the municipality of Casariche has, highlighting the importance of archaeological sites such as this Cerro Bellido, where nature and heritage go hand in hand in a unique space beauty, a sample of the occupation of these lands since ancient times and whose legacy has been kept alive through the years.To the south of Casariche, on a small elevation, the natural and archaeological environment of Cerro Bellido is located, which has an important outcrop of fossiliferous sedimentary rocks, which were intensively exploited as a quarry, whose origins date back to Roman times, and which According to the latest studies carried out in the place, they maintain their continuity until Modern times. Even so, there are signs of occupation in Cerro Bellido long before the quarries themselves were exploited. Thanks to the archaeological work carried out in this site, constructive and ceramic remains have been identified that allow affirming the existence of activity from the Punic period (5th century BC - 2nd century BC), continuing until the Ancient Age (2nd century BC - IV AD).
This enclave offered its first settlers an ideal location for their settlement and exploitation, since it is a place that allows a favorable defense of the environment given its elevation; In addition, the proximity of the Yeguas River, which borders the western hill of the hill together with the small seasonal streams that surround it, provided water supply, allowing its exploitation from an agricultural point of view.
Por el momento, no hay constancia de la ocupación del lugar durante la Edad Media, ya que no se han localizado restos arqueológicos que permitan verificarlo.
With the passage of time, the human presence in these quarries was confirmed again in Modern times, thus resuming their exploitation.
After the latest studies carried out in the interior area of the quarries, the large number of pieces that were extracted from them has been verified, the vast majority destined for the carving of cylindrical elements whose function was to act as counterweights in the different oil mills distributed around this stone farm. This enormous production, which today can be clearly seen in the high number of tracks that have been marked in the inner area of the quarry, supports the theory of continuity in terms of its exploitation, as in the case of other nearby quarries, where it continues to be exploited over time, not only in Roman times, but pieces were extracted in times close to the present, always destined for the same purpose.