Old Nora 2

Category: Archaeology > Noria

District: Beja > Ourique > Marchique Nova > Nora Velha

Location

Nora Velha 2 is located in the Nora Velha area, in the locality of Marchique Nova, within the municipality of Ourique. This archaeological site is situated in a typical Alentejo landscape, characterized by vast fields and a tranquil rural environment, offering direct contact with the serenity of nature.

Testimony of the Iron Age

This site corresponds to an ancient necropolis, a cemetery, dating back to the Iron Age. The remains found here point to a period between the late 9th century BC and the late 5th century BC, revealing aspects of the communities that inhabited this region thousands of years ago. Nora Velha 2 offers a glimpse into the life and beliefs of the peoples who preceded the formation of Portugal.

An Ancestral Rite of Passage

The funerary practices observed at Nora Velha 2 were centered on cremation. After death, bodies were incinerated, and the remaining ashes and bones were carefully collected and deposited in ceramic urns. These urns were then placed in pits dug in the earth, in a ritual that demonstrated deep respect for their dead and their conceptions about life after death.

Funerary Architecture

The necropolis of Nora Velha 2 stands out for the diversity of its burial structures. One can observe graves excavated directly into the rock outcrop, known as covachos, and others with a more defined, orthogonal plan, built with local stones. Additionally, there is a large circular-plan structure, which internally houses two other small orthogonal-plan tomb structures, each with unique characteristics.

Archaeological Significance

Discovered and studied in the 1990s, Nora Velha 2 is a site of great importance for Portuguese archaeology. It allows for a better understanding of Iron Age funerary practices in the Ourique region and the Lower Alentejo. A visit to this site provides an experience of discovery and direct contact with a significant piece of ancient history, in a freely accessible space. It is important to remember that access is permitted with the collaboration of the land owner, and the site must be respected and kept clean for its continued safeguarding. It should be noted that the site does not have accessibility for people with reduced mobility.

License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt