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Abstract: Vila Velha de Rodão is particularly known by the presence of open-air Mousterian sites,... more Abstract: Vila Velha de Rodão is particularly known by the presence of open-air Mousterian sites, some of them with great preservation. Among the last, stand out Foz do Enxarrique (33.4 ky), with the largest collection of faunal remains in Mousterian openair contexts in Portugal and Vilas Ruivas (68 ka +35 ka/−26 ka and 51 ka +13 ka/−12 ka), one of the very few, also open-air, with residential structures such as hearts, post-holes and windshields.

The study of the megalithic phenomenon practically follows the development of Archeology as a Sci... more The study of the megalithic phenomenon practically follows the development of Archeology as a Science, since the mid-19 th century. During this time, one can recognize several stages of analysis, from the first normative readings, that consider this phenomenon as an univocal episode (explaining its different nuances by essentially contemporary cultural factors) to the formulation of the first evolutionary sequences, mainly by Manuel Heleno based on his field works of almost a decade in megalithic monuments in Alentejo. These evolutionary diagrams, conditioned by the historical-culturalist thinking of their Time, result in linear, overly simplistic explanations for a theme as intricate as the origin and development of Megalithism. Basically they advocate, in general lines, a sequential evolution from simple to complex, with the universal, reductionist " shelving " of architectures and votive sets. The basic lines of this approach have remained in use until quite recently. New analyzes, mainly drawn since the 1980s, have presented alternative readings. Some plead for the total reversal of the simple – complex evolutionary sequence, almost like an " involution " ; others consent the contemporaneity of several architectural solutions, admitting the cultural and chronological coexistence of simple and complex monuments. The works conducted by Rui Boaventura, mainly dedicated to the Megalithism of Alentejo and the Portuguese Estremadura, sought to order, filter and compile all the available information, as means to provide solid bases of analysis, grounded on critical readings and on the non-biased evaluation of data. In this regard, and as strictly as it was permitted, Rui Boaventura sought to characterize and define the key issue in the study of Megalithism: its actual origins and its various evolutionary levels. In this task, he recognizes the fallibility of linear readings and substantiates his analyses unconditionally on what data demonstrate, in terms of architectures, votive sets and absolute chronologies (preferentially on human samples). In this paper, the authors intend to present a series of small simple megalithic monuments, excavated in collaboration with Rui Boaventura in the areas of Redondo and Monforte, under the projects he directed (COMONPH and MEGAGEO). These are small megalithic monuments, with simple artefactual sets and simple architectural features, of the type that is traditionally assumed to be the representative of a first moment of Megalithism. With an exclusive focus in the Southwestern Iberia, the authors seek to insert these monuments, with all the questions they raise, into the chrono-cultural levels of the megalithic phenomenon in this region, trying as well to define their evolutionary sequences, with regard to the architectural features of monuments, their funerary contents and available absolute dates. It is acknowledged that, taking into account the currently available data, a simple evolution scheme could not be so applicable to the reality under consideration: even if one can accept that a substitution of architectural models had occurred, it would not have been as linear nor as chronologically detailed as normally assumed. In fact, rather than this instantaneous substitution, it seems that a gradual replacement, considerably expanded in Time, of simple monuments by complex monuments takes place, with the coexistence of tombs with various

The Megalithism of small dolmens: new data to an old problem The study of the megalithic phenome... more The Megalithism of small dolmens: new data to an old problem

The study of the megalithic phenomenon practically follows the development of Archeology as a Science, since the mid-19th century. During this time, one can recognize several stages of analysis, from the first normative readings, that consider this phenomenon as an univocal episode (explaining its different nuances by essentially contemporary cultural factors) to the formulation of the first evolutionary sequences, mainly by Manuel Heleno based on his field works of almost a decade in megalithic monuments in Alentejo. These evolutionary diagrams, conditioned by the historical-culturalist thinking of their Time, result in linear, overly simplistic explanations for a theme as intricate as the origin and development of Megalithism. Basically they advocate, in general lines, a sequential evolution from simple to complex, with the universal, reductionist “shelving” of architectures and votive sets.
The basic lines of this approach have remained in use until quite recently. New analyzes, mainly drawn since the 1980s, have presented alternative readings. Some plead for the total reversal of the simple – complex evolutionary sequence, almost like an “involution”; others consent the contemporaneity of several architectural solutions, admitting the cultural and chronological coexistence of simple and complex monuments.
The works conducted by Rui Boaventura, mainly dedicated to the Megalithism of Alentejo and the Portuguese Estremadura, sought to order, filter and compile all the available information, as means to provide solid bases of analysis, grounded on critical readings and on the non-biased evaluation of data. In this regard, and as strictly as it was permitted, Rui Boaventura sought to characterize and define the key issue in the study of Megalithism: its actual origins and its various evolutionary levels. In this task, he recognizes the fallibility of linear readings and substantiates his analyses unconditionally on what data demonstrate, in terms of architectures, votive sets and absolute chronologies (preferentially on human samples).
In this paper, the authors intend to present a series of small simple megalithic monuments, excavated in collaboration with Rui Boaventura in the areas of Redondo and Monforte, under the projects he directed (COMONPH and MEGAGEO). These are small megalithic monuments, with simple artefactual sets and simple architectural features, of the type that is traditionally assumed to be the representative of a first moment of Megalithism. With an exclusive focus in the Southwestern Iberia, the authors seek to insert these monuments, with all the questions they raise, into the chrono-cultural levels of the megalithic phenomenon in this region, trying as well to define their evolutionary sequences, with regard to the architectural features of monuments, their funerary contents and available absolute dates.
It is acknowledged that, taking into account the currently available data, a simple evolution scheme could not be so applicable to the reality under consideration: even if one can accept that a substitution of architectural models had occurred, it would not have been as linear nor as chronologically detailed as normally assumed. In fact, rather than this instantaneous substitution, it seems that a gradual replacement, considerably expanded in Time, of simple monuments by complex monuments takes place, with the coexistence of tombs with various architectural features still during a full moment of the 4th millennium BCE. In this scope, one must also consider the funerary uses of natural caves and artificial caves, apparently contemporary and culturally comparable, according to the generic characteristics of the votive sets. Megalithism is thus a multi-faceted phenomenon, balanced by its own dynamics.
Most of the ideas presented herein were widely discussed with Rui Boaventura, and the authors sought to remain faithful to his line of reasoning, which, in general terms (with the elementary personal nuances, of course), they shared.

Revista Portuguesa de Arqueologia, 2005

The remarkable votive plaques of the dolmen of Cabacinhitos (Évora). From the passage grave na... more The remarkable votive plaques of the dolmen of Cabacinhitos (Évora).

From the passage grave named Anta de Cabacinhitos, near Évora, in Central Alentejo, Portugal, have been recovered 15 votive plaques, now studied by the «PLACA NOSTRA» team. The shapes are mostly of known types, with the exception of one, «ostrich egg» shaped. We must underline the presence of three cut shapes, which is very rare indeed in a single monument. The ensemble is truly exceptional, mostly by the presence of three plaques of cut contour, explicitly anthropomorphic, and by the presence of one plaque that has been engraved in both faces with the same motif, in which we can find the necklace of the Goddess.
It also has that to point out another extraordinary plaque, with Sun Eyes and a big nose, common symbols of the Goddess, and a hybrid composition of the Body (in the face). In the verso, two vertical braids, a motif known in a very little number of the «portuguese» plaques. One sandstone plaque belongs to an interesting complex present in the corridor Lisbon–Montemor–Portalegre, there associated with the schist plaques, and has also an anthropomorphic contour. Continuing the essays initiated with the STAM-3 passage grave monograph and the publication of the engraved schist plaques from Aljezur, paging readings are also done, looking forward to recover the sequence of gestures and the intentions of the plaques engravers. Nevertheless not having organic substance to date, first half of 3rd millennium BC is considered to be a very probable chronological scope for the votive plaques of Cabacinhitos.

Resumo divulgam-se três abrigos rupestres localizados em rios situados no sul do distrito de cast... more Resumo divulgam-se três abrigos rupestres localizados em rios situados no sul do distrito de castelo branco. Além das características estruturais, ciclópicas, têm a particularidade de conterem ou serem acompanhados por grafismos rupestres, pré-históricos e modernos. no rio Erges existem dois abrigos, distanciados, um do outro, vários quilómetros. O da Tapada da Foz tem vários painéis gravados por picotagem. Predominam as figuras antropomórficas, em paredes verticais e, no solo, ocorrem manchas de picotado e covinhas. no abrigo da Foz do ribeiro das Taliscas existe um painel profusamente gravado com filiformes e vários outros com escasso número de idênticos grafismos, em redor de uma entrada. no abrigo de chão das servas (rio Ocreza) os grafismos rupestres estão presentes no exterior, em frente da entrada. consistem em cinco pequenas manchas de picotado, de configuração subcircular, próximas umas das outras. O interesse da divulgação destas construções advém da sua suposta antiguidade, assinalada por grafismos rupestres, das suas características incomuns, localização em leito de cheia, e dimensões ciclópicas, e do seu aparente ineditismo na bibliografia arqueológica. AbstRAct 2 We reveal three cyclopean shelters disclose, with prehistoric rock art, located in the southern district of castelo branco. The three shelters in question in addition to its structural characteristics, have the particularity to contain or be accompanied by rock art, prehistoric and modern. in the Erges river there are two other shelters, distanced from one another, several miles. The shelter of Tapada da Foz has several panels (floor and walls) recorded by pecking (or perforation). in these graphics dominate the anthropomorphic figures on vertical walls and on the ground, staining occurs in perforated and dimpled. At another shelter, in Foz do ribeiro of Taliscas, there is a single panel profusely engraved with filiform and with several other small demonstrations around the previous entry in the shelter, which was extended in modern times. in the under floor of chão das servas (river Ocreza) the rock carvings are present on the outside and in front of the entrance, and consists of five small patches of perforation configuration sub-circular, near each other. The interest of these structures comes from: its location in the bed filled rivers of anthropogenic origin and their cyclopean dimensions; of their unusual characteristics and apparent newness in the archaeological literature.

uma idade de 3,0-3,5 ka (II milénio a.C.; Idade do Bronze) para a deposição do aterro de areia mu... more uma idade de 3,0-3,5 ka (II milénio a.C.; Idade do Bronze) para a deposição do aterro de areia muito fina siltosa. Caracterizaram-se também os palinomorfos associados a este sedimento.

Rendering Death: Ideological and Archaeological narratives from Recent Prehistory (Iberia), 2014

Since 2002, archaeological prospection carried out in the context of the Pinhal Interior Wind Far... more Since 2002, archaeological prospection carried out in the context of the Pinhal Interior Wind Farm Project (GENERG Group SA) has led to the discovery and study of mound structures, apparently used for burial purposes, on the final stretch of the Central Cordillera, south of Serra da Estrela.

This paper presents the results of the partial excavation of one of those structures, the mound of Cimo dos Valeiros, located at an altitude of 916 m in the mountains of Serra Vermelha (county of Oleiros). It consists of a mound of around 9 m in diameter constructed in sandy-clay material and capped with clasts of metasedimentary rocks. Excavation revealed an elliptical chamber and archaeological materials that suggest it was in use in the Neolithic.

This data indicates a new boundary in the occurrence of prehistoric burial structures in the uplands of Central Portugal. It also means that their area of distribution in the region of Castelo Branco extends between two high points of the Tagus basin, i.e. from the banks of the river to the highest mountains, passing through various intermediate formations that include hillocks and slopes of the ancient massif, peneplains, detritral tables and alluvial plains.

We characterize the first two shelters identified on Serra das Talhadas with prehistoric schemati... more We characterize the first two shelters identified on Serra das Talhadas with prehistoric schematic paintings. The figures identified are limited to the points, bars and a possible representation of a bear. The lack of graphics painted on quartzitic reliefs can be explained by the substitution effect exerted by the vast complex of prehistoric pictures of the Tagus, which focus on both banks of the river upstream and
downstream of the mountain Talhadas.

Estudos Arqueológicos de Oeiras, 2014

Lapa da Galinha (literally «The chicken’s cave»…) is a typical small cave of the portuguese Estre... more Lapa da Galinha (literally «The chicken’s cave»…) is a typical small cave of the portuguese Estremadura. Located near Alcanena, it was excavated more than a century ago and, at the time, the numerous human remains therein identified have already been removed to the local cemetery and are not available for study and dating. A first note about this cave, very insufficient for the importance of the site, have been presented to the 1st National Congress of Archaeology (Moreira de Sá, 1959). Lapa da Galinha revealed, for the cultural milieu in which it is included, a considerable amount of engraved schist plaques and a rather peculiar «crosier», morphologically resembling an axe. If the «crosier» is so peculiar and unique, also the plaques form a very bizarre ensemble. Most of them are double faced, the motifs and decorative patterns are also peculiar and some present unusual shapes for the area of Estremadura – disclosing possible cultural influences of other regional areas. The «PLACA NOSTRA» Project shows, for the first time, drawings of all the available plaques and presents some new perspectives on the meaning of the «Lapa da Galinha connection»...

no âmbito dos trabalhos arqueológicos realizados em 2009 na Pedreira da Moita da ladra foi escava... more no âmbito dos trabalhos arqueológicos realizados em 2009 na Pedreira da Moita da ladra foi escavado um depósito votivo do Bronze Final, localizado na base de um afloramento calcário, que tinha já sido identificado em 2003. Abrangendo uma área com pouco menos de 4 m de comprimento por 3m de largura e uma profundidade máxima com cerca de 70 cm, o local terá sido ocupado durante um curto período de tempo, ao longo do qual o espaço foi continuamente utilizado. no local foram exumados cerca de 50 vasos (nalguns casos com superfície brunida) e abundante fauna mamalógica e malacológica, que constituem o espólio votivo. Para além destes recolheram-se escassos fragmentos de adornos em bronze (entre os quais fíbulas, alfinetes e argolas) e uma conta de colar, aparentemente ali deixados sem qualquer intencionalidade. Perante os dados obtidos, a uniformidade na tipologia do espólio e a análise prévia do mesmo, admite-se um curto período de ocupação do espaço (100 anos se tanto) com distintos momentos cerimoniais, tendo esta decorrido, de acordo com os paralelos obtidos para o espólio, numa segunda etapa da idade do Bronze Final, cerca do século X-iX a.C. (datação relativa).

Abstract: Vila Velha de Rodão is particularly known by the presence of open-air Mousterian sites,... more Abstract: Vila Velha de Rodão is particularly known by the presence of open-air Mousterian sites, some of them with great preservation. Among the last, stand out Foz do Enxarrique (33.4 ky), with the largest collection of faunal remains in Mousterian openair contexts in Portugal and Vilas Ruivas (68 ka +35 ka/−26 ka and 51 ka +13 ka/−12 ka), one of the very few, also open-air, with residential structures such as hearts, post-holes and windshields.

The study of the megalithic phenomenon practically follows the development of Archeology as a Sci... more The study of the megalithic phenomenon practically follows the development of Archeology as a Science, since the mid-19 th century. During this time, one can recognize several stages of analysis, from the first normative readings, that consider this phenomenon as an univocal episode (explaining its different nuances by essentially contemporary cultural factors) to the formulation of the first evolutionary sequences, mainly by Manuel Heleno based on his field works of almost a decade in megalithic monuments in Alentejo. These evolutionary diagrams, conditioned by the historical-culturalist thinking of their Time, result in linear, overly simplistic explanations for a theme as intricate as the origin and development of Megalithism. Basically they advocate, in general lines, a sequential evolution from simple to complex, with the universal, reductionist " shelving " of architectures and votive sets. The basic lines of this approach have remained in use until quite recently. New analyzes, mainly drawn since the 1980s, have presented alternative readings. Some plead for the total reversal of the simple – complex evolutionary sequence, almost like an " involution " ; others consent the contemporaneity of several architectural solutions, admitting the cultural and chronological coexistence of simple and complex monuments. The works conducted by Rui Boaventura, mainly dedicated to the Megalithism of Alentejo and the Portuguese Estremadura, sought to order, filter and compile all the available information, as means to provide solid bases of analysis, grounded on critical readings and on the non-biased evaluation of data. In this regard, and as strictly as it was permitted, Rui Boaventura sought to characterize and define the key issue in the study of Megalithism: its actual origins and its various evolutionary levels. In this task, he recognizes the fallibility of linear readings and substantiates his analyses unconditionally on what data demonstrate, in terms of architectures, votive sets and absolute chronologies (preferentially on human samples). In this paper, the authors intend to present a series of small simple megalithic monuments, excavated in collaboration with Rui Boaventura in the areas of Redondo and Monforte, under the projects he directed (COMONPH and MEGAGEO). These are small megalithic monuments, with simple artefactual sets and simple architectural features, of the type that is traditionally assumed to be the representative of a first moment of Megalithism. With an exclusive focus in the Southwestern Iberia, the authors seek to insert these monuments, with all the questions they raise, into the chrono-cultural levels of the megalithic phenomenon in this region, trying as well to define their evolutionary sequences, with regard to the architectural features of monuments, their funerary contents and available absolute dates. It is acknowledged that, taking into account the currently available data, a simple evolution scheme could not be so applicable to the reality under consideration: even if one can accept that a substitution of architectural models had occurred, it would not have been as linear nor as chronologically detailed as normally assumed. In fact, rather than this instantaneous substitution, it seems that a gradual replacement, considerably expanded in Time, of simple monuments by complex monuments takes place, with the coexistence of tombs with various

The Megalithism of small dolmens: new data to an old problem The study of the megalithic phenome... more The Megalithism of small dolmens: new data to an old problem

The study of the megalithic phenomenon practically follows the development of Archeology as a Science, since the mid-19th century. During this time, one can recognize several stages of analysis, from the first normative readings, that consider this phenomenon as an univocal episode (explaining its different nuances by essentially contemporary cultural factors) to the formulation of the first evolutionary sequences, mainly by Manuel Heleno based on his field works of almost a decade in megalithic monuments in Alentejo. These evolutionary diagrams, conditioned by the historical-culturalist thinking of their Time, result in linear, overly simplistic explanations for a theme as intricate as the origin and development of Megalithism. Basically they advocate, in general lines, a sequential evolution from simple to complex, with the universal, reductionist “shelving” of architectures and votive sets.
The basic lines of this approach have remained in use until quite recently. New analyzes, mainly drawn since the 1980s, have presented alternative readings. Some plead for the total reversal of the simple – complex evolutionary sequence, almost like an “involution”; others consent the contemporaneity of several architectural solutions, admitting the cultural and chronological coexistence of simple and complex monuments.
The works conducted by Rui Boaventura, mainly dedicated to the Megalithism of Alentejo and the Portuguese Estremadura, sought to order, filter and compile all the available information, as means to provide solid bases of analysis, grounded on critical readings and on the non-biased evaluation of data. In this regard, and as strictly as it was permitted, Rui Boaventura sought to characterize and define the key issue in the study of Megalithism: its actual origins and its various evolutionary levels. In this task, he recognizes the fallibility of linear readings and substantiates his analyses unconditionally on what data demonstrate, in terms of architectures, votive sets and absolute chronologies (preferentially on human samples).
In this paper, the authors intend to present a series of small simple megalithic monuments, excavated in collaboration with Rui Boaventura in the areas of Redondo and Monforte, under the projects he directed (COMONPH and MEGAGEO). These are small megalithic monuments, with simple artefactual sets and simple architectural features, of the type that is traditionally assumed to be the representative of a first moment of Megalithism. With an exclusive focus in the Southwestern Iberia, the authors seek to insert these monuments, with all the questions they raise, into the chrono-cultural levels of the megalithic phenomenon in this region, trying as well to define their evolutionary sequences, with regard to the architectural features of monuments, their funerary contents and available absolute dates.
It is acknowledged that, taking into account the currently available data, a simple evolution scheme could not be so applicable to the reality under consideration: even if one can accept that a substitution of architectural models had occurred, it would not have been as linear nor as chronologically detailed as normally assumed. In fact, rather than this instantaneous substitution, it seems that a gradual replacement, considerably expanded in Time, of simple monuments by complex monuments takes place, with the coexistence of tombs with various architectural features still during a full moment of the 4th millennium BCE. In this scope, one must also consider the funerary uses of natural caves and artificial caves, apparently contemporary and culturally comparable, according to the generic characteristics of the votive sets. Megalithism is thus a multi-faceted phenomenon, balanced by its own dynamics.
Most of the ideas presented herein were widely discussed with Rui Boaventura, and the authors sought to remain faithful to his line of reasoning, which, in general terms (with the elementary personal nuances, of course), they shared.

Revista Portuguesa de Arqueologia, 2005

The remarkable votive plaques of the dolmen of Cabacinhitos (Évora). From the passage grave na... more The remarkable votive plaques of the dolmen of Cabacinhitos (Évora).

From the passage grave named Anta de Cabacinhitos, near Évora, in Central Alentejo, Portugal, have been recovered 15 votive plaques, now studied by the «PLACA NOSTRA» team. The shapes are mostly of known types, with the exception of one, «ostrich egg» shaped. We must underline the presence of three cut shapes, which is very rare indeed in a single monument. The ensemble is truly exceptional, mostly by the presence of three plaques of cut contour, explicitly anthropomorphic, and by the presence of one plaque that has been engraved in both faces with the same motif, in which we can find the necklace of the Goddess.
It also has that to point out another extraordinary plaque, with Sun Eyes and a big nose, common symbols of the Goddess, and a hybrid composition of the Body (in the face). In the verso, two vertical braids, a motif known in a very little number of the «portuguese» plaques. One sandstone plaque belongs to an interesting complex present in the corridor Lisbon–Montemor–Portalegre, there associated with the schist plaques, and has also an anthropomorphic contour. Continuing the essays initiated with the STAM-3 passage grave monograph and the publication of the engraved schist plaques from Aljezur, paging readings are also done, looking forward to recover the sequence of gestures and the intentions of the plaques engravers. Nevertheless not having organic substance to date, first half of 3rd millennium BC is considered to be a very probable chronological scope for the votive plaques of Cabacinhitos.

Resumo divulgam-se três abrigos rupestres localizados em rios situados no sul do distrito de cast... more Resumo divulgam-se três abrigos rupestres localizados em rios situados no sul do distrito de castelo branco. Além das características estruturais, ciclópicas, têm a particularidade de conterem ou serem acompanhados por grafismos rupestres, pré-históricos e modernos. no rio Erges existem dois abrigos, distanciados, um do outro, vários quilómetros. O da Tapada da Foz tem vários painéis gravados por picotagem. Predominam as figuras antropomórficas, em paredes verticais e, no solo, ocorrem manchas de picotado e covinhas. no abrigo da Foz do ribeiro das Taliscas existe um painel profusamente gravado com filiformes e vários outros com escasso número de idênticos grafismos, em redor de uma entrada. no abrigo de chão das servas (rio Ocreza) os grafismos rupestres estão presentes no exterior, em frente da entrada. consistem em cinco pequenas manchas de picotado, de configuração subcircular, próximas umas das outras. O interesse da divulgação destas construções advém da sua suposta antiguidade, assinalada por grafismos rupestres, das suas características incomuns, localização em leito de cheia, e dimensões ciclópicas, e do seu aparente ineditismo na bibliografia arqueológica. AbstRAct 2 We reveal three cyclopean shelters disclose, with prehistoric rock art, located in the southern district of castelo branco. The three shelters in question in addition to its structural characteristics, have the particularity to contain or be accompanied by rock art, prehistoric and modern. in the Erges river there are two other shelters, distanced from one another, several miles. The shelter of Tapada da Foz has several panels (floor and walls) recorded by pecking (or perforation). in these graphics dominate the anthropomorphic figures on vertical walls and on the ground, staining occurs in perforated and dimpled. At another shelter, in Foz do ribeiro of Taliscas, there is a single panel profusely engraved with filiform and with several other small demonstrations around the previous entry in the shelter, which was extended in modern times. in the under floor of chão das servas (river Ocreza) the rock carvings are present on the outside and in front of the entrance, and consists of five small patches of perforation configuration sub-circular, near each other. The interest of these structures comes from: its location in the bed filled rivers of anthropogenic origin and their cyclopean dimensions; of their unusual characteristics and apparent newness in the archaeological literature.

uma idade de 3,0-3,5 ka (II milénio a.C.; Idade do Bronze) para a deposição do aterro de areia mu... more uma idade de 3,0-3,5 ka (II milénio a.C.; Idade do Bronze) para a deposição do aterro de areia muito fina siltosa. Caracterizaram-se também os palinomorfos associados a este sedimento.

Rendering Death: Ideological and Archaeological narratives from Recent Prehistory (Iberia), 2014

Since 2002, archaeological prospection carried out in the context of the Pinhal Interior Wind Far... more Since 2002, archaeological prospection carried out in the context of the Pinhal Interior Wind Farm Project (GENERG Group SA) has led to the discovery and study of mound structures, apparently used for burial purposes, on the final stretch of the Central Cordillera, south of Serra da Estrela.

This paper presents the results of the partial excavation of one of those structures, the mound of Cimo dos Valeiros, located at an altitude of 916 m in the mountains of Serra Vermelha (county of Oleiros). It consists of a mound of around 9 m in diameter constructed in sandy-clay material and capped with clasts of metasedimentary rocks. Excavation revealed an elliptical chamber and archaeological materials that suggest it was in use in the Neolithic.

This data indicates a new boundary in the occurrence of prehistoric burial structures in the uplands of Central Portugal. It also means that their area of distribution in the region of Castelo Branco extends between two high points of the Tagus basin, i.e. from the banks of the river to the highest mountains, passing through various intermediate formations that include hillocks and slopes of the ancient massif, peneplains, detritral tables and alluvial plains.

We characterize the first two shelters identified on Serra das Talhadas with prehistoric schemati... more We characterize the first two shelters identified on Serra das Talhadas with prehistoric schematic paintings. The figures identified are limited to the points, bars and a possible representation of a bear. The lack of graphics painted on quartzitic reliefs can be explained by the substitution effect exerted by the vast complex of prehistoric pictures of the Tagus, which focus on both banks of the river upstream and
downstream of the mountain Talhadas.

Estudos Arqueológicos de Oeiras, 2014

Lapa da Galinha (literally «The chicken’s cave»…) is a typical small cave of the portuguese Estre... more Lapa da Galinha (literally «The chicken’s cave»…) is a typical small cave of the portuguese Estremadura. Located near Alcanena, it was excavated more than a century ago and, at the time, the numerous human remains therein identified have already been removed to the local cemetery and are not available for study and dating. A first note about this cave, very insufficient for the importance of the site, have been presented to the 1st National Congress of Archaeology (Moreira de Sá, 1959). Lapa da Galinha revealed, for the cultural milieu in which it is included, a considerable amount of engraved schist plaques and a rather peculiar «crosier», morphologically resembling an axe. If the «crosier» is so peculiar and unique, also the plaques form a very bizarre ensemble. Most of them are double faced, the motifs and decorative patterns are also peculiar and some present unusual shapes for the area of Estremadura – disclosing possible cultural influences of other regional areas. The «PLACA NOSTRA» Project shows, for the first time, drawings of all the available plaques and presents some new perspectives on the meaning of the «Lapa da Galinha connection»...

no âmbito dos trabalhos arqueológicos realizados em 2009 na Pedreira da Moita da ladra foi escava... more no âmbito dos trabalhos arqueológicos realizados em 2009 na Pedreira da Moita da ladra foi escavado um depósito votivo do Bronze Final, localizado na base de um afloramento calcário, que tinha já sido identificado em 2003. Abrangendo uma área com pouco menos de 4 m de comprimento por 3m de largura e uma profundidade máxima com cerca de 70 cm, o local terá sido ocupado durante um curto período de tempo, ao longo do qual o espaço foi continuamente utilizado. no local foram exumados cerca de 50 vasos (nalguns casos com superfície brunida) e abundante fauna mamalógica e malacológica, que constituem o espólio votivo. Para além destes recolheram-se escassos fragmentos de adornos em bronze (entre os quais fíbulas, alfinetes e argolas) e uma conta de colar, aparentemente ali deixados sem qualquer intencionalidade. Perante os dados obtidos, a uniformidade na tipologia do espólio e a análise prévia do mesmo, admite-se um curto período de ocupação do espaço (100 anos se tanto) com distintos momentos cerimoniais, tendo esta decorrido, de acordo com os paralelos obtidos para o espólio, numa segunda etapa da idade do Bronze Final, cerca do século X-iX a.C. (datação relativa).

Vila Velha de Ródão (central inland Portugal) is best known for well preserved open Mousterian ca... more Vila Velha de Ródão (central inland Portugal) is best known for well preserved open Mousterian campsites such as the Foz do Enxarrique (33.6 ka) or Vilas Ruivas (54 ka) that yielded evidence of highly preserved occupational layers with abundant faunal remains (the first) and features interpreted as hearts and windshields (the second). The region is also rich in other periods, namely Acheulean and, during the Holocene, Pre- and historical sites, rock art, dolmens and mines.
Here we report another site, Cobrinhos, located 2,3km upstream from Foz do Enxarrique and 2,5km from the Pleistocene course of the Tagus River. Cobrinhos is an open-air site found in the fall of 2014 during the construction of a new building for a paper factory. The occupation seems to result from a Neanderthal quarry that exploited a dense debris flow from the nearby 400m high quartzite crests. The original archaeological layer seems to have moved downslope and presently occupies an area of 2500m2.
By opposite to what is usual in open-air sites, there are no remains that can be associated to other time-periods, which suggests a good integrity of the deposit.
The assemblage is composed by more than four thousand artifacts, from cores to chips, ~99% in quartzite and ~1% in milky quartz. The cortex present in the artifacts is congruent only with the debris, suggesting an exclusive local exploitation. The industry is typically Mousterian, with predominance of Levallois and Discoidal debitage, and abundant retouched tools, suggesting that retouch was a desirable and not only a result of edge reshaping.
Several sediment samples were taken for geological analysis and absolute dating. Also, the assemblage is presently under study for technological, typological refitting and special analysis.
In short, Cobrinhos represents a novel type-site in Portugal with crucial information to understand Neanderthal ecological and technological behavior.

Actas do 2º Congresso de Arqueologia da Região de Castelo Branco, 2016

Until the end of the twentieth century, the archaeological work carried out at the municipality o... more Until the end of the twentieth century, the archaeological work carried out at the municipality of Proença-a-Nova was characterized by episodic, discontinuous or inconclusive interventions. As examples of this in the first decade of the century, the records made by Francisco Tavares de Proença Jr., the inventory of megalithic monuments produced by Georg and Vera Leisner probably during the 1940’s, but only published by the end of the century, and occasional news or studies under the responsibility of other researchers. Most recently, from the late 1970’s until the present day, one should mention the surveys undertaken by the Associação de Estudos do Alto Tejo, and, this century already, the contribution provided by environmental impact assessment studies of several projects.

In recent years, archaeological research in the territory of Proença-a-Nova took on new dimensions as a result of the commitment of the municipality of Proença-a-Nova with the Associação de Estudos do Alto Tejo, by establishing a longer term course of action. In this context, it was possible to extend the knowledge of the archaeological heritage of Proença-a-Nova in three different areas: (1) the development of an inventory of archaeological sites at the municipal level; (2) the study and promotion of megalithic graves, priority given to those integrated into the pedestrian path created by the municipality at Moitas, called “The History in the Landscape”; and, (3) the study and promotion of military structures (eighteenth-nineteenth centuries) belonging to the Defensive Line of Talhadas-Moradal.

This program culminated in 2012 with the creation of Proença-a-Nova International Archaeological Field Camp, whose fourth edition, covering the year 2015, included a diversified program, with excavation works performed at the megalithic monuments of Cabeço da Anta and Vale de Alvito (fourth to third millennium BC), at the eighteenth century fort overlooking the Alvito bridge, and at the walled enclosure of Chão de Galego (second to first millennium BC). The latter illustrates the intention to expand the investigation to the knowledge of this territory ancient settlement patterns.

Research financed by national funds through the Fundação para a Ciência e Tecnologia: SFRH/BPD/74... more Research financed by national funds through the Fundação para a Ciência e Tecnologia: SFRH/BPD/74015/2010 and PEst-OE/SADG/UI0283/2013.

Megalithic tombs in Western Iberia: excavations at the Anta da Lajinha, 2020

Chapter 3.1. in Chris Scarre & Luiz Oosterbeek (editors), Megalithic tombs in Western Iberia: exc... more Chapter 3.1. in Chris Scarre & Luiz Oosterbeek (editors), Megalithic tombs in Western Iberia: excavations at the Anta da Lajinha, published by Oxbow Books.