San Martín de Oscos

San Martín de Oscos is a municipality in the Autonomous Community of the Principality of Asturias. It is bordered on the north by Illano, on the south by Grandas de Salime, on the east by Pesoz and on the west by Santa Eulalia de Oscos and Villanueva de Oscos.HistoryThe first known human presence in the territory of San Martín goes back to the neolithic period, as witnessed by tumulus remains found in Os Pedrousos (Teixera).There are also remains of ancient mine workings at Arruñada, Piorno, Covas del Resalao, and in the Sotuelo and Ahío valleys.There are remains of ancient fortified settlements at San Isidro and Pico de la Mina, near to Bousoño, both situated in elevated positions clearly motivated by defensive considerations. The defensive nature is underlined by ditches, walls and stones embedded in the surrounding ground to hinder approach. A gold diadem thought to originate from this culture was found in Valderreixe.The existence of mineral wealth also attracted outsiders. In Tabladas and on the banks of the river Santalla traces of Roman smelting works have been found, including stone crucibles and slag heaps.During the medieval period San Martín, together with neighbouring Santa Eulalia and the rest of the Castropol district, was granted to the church in Oviedo by King Alfonso VII in 1154.