The precise origin and function of stone octagons (in Euskara [Basque]): sarobe, saroi, sario, korta, cayolar, barrendegi, *ol(h)a) in Euskal Herria are unknown. Although the first written testimonies bearing witness to their presence date back to the 12th century (Gipuzkoa, 1178), their existence can be perceived in 11th century documentation (Araba, 1025). Additionally, in Cantabria, only a short distance from Euskal Herria, there is documentary evidence that the term sel, or stone octagon, was already in use in the 9th century (Santander, 853). Even so, the most recent archaeological work suggests an even earlier chronological axis for the data. Stone octagons should not be understood as exclusive to Euskal Herria for similar structures are encountered all cross the Cantabrian facade of the Iberian Peninsula (Galicia, Asturias, Cantabria), and their presence is documented further south in Extremadura and Castilla-La Mancha. It is likewise possible that stone octagons or their cognitive analogues may have existed further to the north along the Atlantic facade in Breizh (Brittany). The distribution of stone octagons normally coincides with the grazing places utilized for transhumantic pastoralism. In Euskal Herria, they are often found in near proximity to megalithic monuments, but the latter are never encountered within the perimeter of the stone octagon itself. ••••Map.Montes Francos del Urumea.

••••Vertical map of the stone octagons 1. Legarralde 2. Zuloeta 3. Asolamakio 4. Altzusta		••••Vertical map of the stone octagons 1. Gorostarbe 2. Olaberriaga 3. Mendabio
Continuous line: Present day configuration. Doted line: Past configuration. (Photos: Paisajes Españoles)

To date several definitions have been provided by scholars concerning the origins and cultural significance of stone octagons, and several hypotheses have been brought forward on the subject of their measurements and system of configuration. In general, investigators who have addressed the problem are in agreement: the stone octagons form an integral part of the pastoral economy. Despite the above-mentioned general agreement in reference to the relationship of the stone octagons to pastoral practices, important differences emerge with respect to their original function, which is one of the main questions still to be resolved. Nevertheless, we can safely state that until now this subject has not received the attention it deserves, particularly when we keep in mind the cultural importance of the stone octagons and their possible astronomical significance. In short, this research area still has not been addressed with sufficient resolution by Euskal Herria's scholarly community. ••••Map.Montes Francos del Urumea. Center stones (In Euskara: artamugarri, austarri, kortarri) are the "...light, guide and marker..." of the stone octagons. The latter are built in petrean material and serve to mark the layout of the stones forming the stone octagon. Therefore, on the superior plane of an artamugarri (central stone), we often will find four, eight or sixteen incisions forming either a cross or an asterisk-like figure. These incisions serve to indicate the locations of outer stones composing the complex in question. The latter act as peripheral landmarks (baztermugarri in Euskara) for they are located along the cardinal and intercardinal points of the structure, although the reason for this distribution and its possible symbolic and/or astronomical function is still unclear. After several years of fieldwork, during which we also collected documentary and oral information on the function and structural characteristics of the stone octagons, we came to the conclusion that the only way to proceed with our project was to establihs the chronological axis of the octagons by carrying out an archaeological exploration on an artamugarri. One of the results of this operation was the confirmation by means of several of the coal fragments located inside the structure, that the stone octagon in question did not date from the Middle Ages. Rather the results determined that it dated from the 2nd century A.D. (C14 Method). ••••Today's stone octagons map. - Map Etnogintza c.b. This text has been taken from Luix Mari Zaldua Etxabe´s book "Stone octagons in Urnieta" Kulturnieta, 1996.