building methods, however, were the same. In its oldest and most simple form, it was a round
tower-like construction built of large stone blocks enclosing a single room roofed by corbelling
or more commonly a roof supported by a central column. It was surrounded by a wall of Cyclopean
masonry and it shows similarities with contemporary structures in Sardinia (nuraghes) and Corsica
(filitosa and torres).
In all, more than 400 talayots have been found, plus some
100 walled settlements, and dozens of other constructions. They are often built on rises or small hills
with commanding views over the surrounding area. There was an inhabited settlement every mile and a
half or so, both on the Plains and in the mountains. On average, each settlement had a population of
some 200 people. Livestock raising was important to the people of that time so it would strongly
suggest that they were a peaceful society, sharing water sources and grazing areas, etc.
to have been some form of communal government with a single chief or king although the site of his
capital has not yet been found. The largest one to date is Can Daniel Gran in Pollenša, which is much
bigger than average and had huge walls and towers. Its close proximity to the
Roman town of Pollenša invites speculation on the relationship between the two. It has not been
excavated. Further evidence of a single
peaceful community is the Son Real Necropolis
between Son Baulˇ Torrent and Son Real in Alc˙dia Bay
where there are more than 70 tombs.
Sea People / Talayots I.