The persistence of memory: reuse and resignification of prehistoric petroglyphs in historical times. Two case studies from Malagón (La Mancha, Spain)

This paper presents two unpublished petroglyph sites from Malagón (La Mancha, inner Iberia) as case studies in the long-term cultural reuse and reinterpretation of prehistoric rock art. Through a diachronic-biographical approach that combines archaeological, historical, and ethnographic sources, our research has identified several graphic phases spanning from Late Prehistory to the 19th century. These include cup-marks, schematic motifs, inscriptions, Christian iconography, and modern imagery. Moreover, interviews with locals indicate that these sites have remained in use through to the present day. Consequently, both sites represent an ideal scenario to explore how different human communities have persistently engaged with these sites throughout millennia, attributing new meanings aligned with changing worldviews. Thus, rather than conceiving archaeological sites as static relics, the study emphasizes their dynamic role in the construction of collective memory and identity. Ultimately, all this supports the notion that integrating traditional knowledge into archaeological interpretation can result in a more inclusive and socially grounded approach to heritage preservation.