The archaeological site of L’Alt de Benimaquia, which corresponds to the Archaic and Full Iberian periods, is located in La Xara, within the municipal area of Dénia, in the northwestern part of El Montgó.

The settlement was fortified by a wall measuring 100 metres in length and one and a half to two metres in width, forming a triangular space, with a preserved height of just over two metres. Six towers, similar in appearance to the wall, are attached to it. It was an Iberian fortification, with the presence of remains consisting of ceramics with geometric decoration, possibly from the 8th century BC.

An installation dedicated to wine production has been identified, as well as the presence of indigenous amphorae imitating contemporary Phoenician types, presumably used to contain the said wine production.

The collection of ceramics found at L’Alt de Benimaquia mostly comes from the level of the destruction that marked the end of the initial phase of occupation, which can be dated to 600-560 BC.

References:

Schubart, H; Fletcher, D; Oliver, J. (1962) Excavaciones en las fortificaciones del Montgó cerca de Denia (Alacant) (in Spanish). 13. Madrid: Ministerio de Educación Nacional. Dirección General de Bellas Artes. Servicio Nacional de Excavaciones Arqueológicas.

Llobregat Conesa EA. (1972) Contestania Ibérica. Instituto de Estudios Alicantinos, Alacant.

Gómez Bellard; et alii (1993) "El vino en los inicios de la cultura ibérica. Nuevas excavaciones en l'Alt de Benimaquia, Denia". Revista de Arqueología [Madrid], p. 16-27.