Category: Archaeology > Fortified Settlement
District: Aveiro > Águeda > Lamas do Vouga > Cabeço do Vouga
The Cabeço do Vouga archaeological site, also known as Castelium Marnelis, is located on Cabeço do Vouga, in the locality of Lamas do Vouga, municipality of Águeda.
This site occupies an elevated position, extending over two ridges known as Cabeço Redondo and Cabeço da Mina. It is strategically located between the Vouga river to the north and the Marnel river to the south, offering a point of control over the surrounding valley. The area is set in a rural context, with the presence of forest and scrubland. At the top of this hill, where the archaeological remains are situated, there is also a chapel dedicated to the Divine Holy Spirit and Our Lady of Victory.
This site reveals a long history of human occupation, with remains spanning various periods. Although there are indications of presence since the Bronze Age, the occupation became more expressive and organized during the Iron Age and, especially, in the Roman era, maintaining some presence until the Middle Ages.
Archaeological investigations suggest that this may correspond to the ancient oppidum of Talabriga, an important population and administrative center of the region during Roman times. The choice of this location for a fortified settlement underscores its geostrategic relevance over several centuries.
Excavations at Cabeço do Vouga have brought to light the foundations and part of the structures of the ancient settlement. It is possible to observe the constructive differences between periods, with remains of circular-plan constructions associated with the Iron Age and rectangular-plan buildings from the Roman era.
A walled artificial platform stands out, especially visible in the area designated Cabeço da Mina. A notable segment of this wall, built with sandstone blocks, reaches over three meters in height and forty meters in length, featuring lateral reinforcements and attached semi-circular structures. The foundations of these ancient constructions are now visible testimonies to the solidity and organization of the settlement.
The archaeological material recovered from the site offers insight into the daily life and economic activities of its inhabitants. Fragments of varied pottery are found, from domestic pots and jugs to amphorae used for transporting products such as wine and olive oil.
The presence of imported fine pottery, such as terra sigillata, and metal objects, such as nails, tools, fibulae (pins for fastening clothing), and adornments, as well as glass and necklace beads, demonstrate the commercial links and the level of integration of the settlement into the networks of the time, especially during Roman rule.
Sources: https://pt.wikipedia.org/wiki/Esta%C3%A7%C3%A3o_arqueol%C3%B3gica_do_Cabe%C3%A7o_do_Vouga
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 40.6370327,-8.4639865
Coordinates DMS: 40°38'13.3"N 08°27'50.4"W
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