Category: Archaeology > Hillfort
District: Beja > Moura > Moura > Santo Agostinho e São João Batista e Santo Amador
The Castro de Azougada is located in the municipality of Moura, within the area of the parishes of Santo Agostinho, São João Batista, and Santo Amador. It is situated on an isolated hill, a natural mound that benefits from a strategic position. On one side, the slope descends abruptly towards the left bank of the Ardila River, while on the eastern side, the slope is gentler, marked by a series of three embankments.
The surrounding landscape is typically Alentejan, characterized by rugged terrain and natural vegetation including holm oaks and olive trees, offering an authentic and peaceful setting.
At this site, it is possible to observe the remains of an ancient fortified settlement, more commonly known as a "castro". The structure of what were once stone fortifications, which protected the hilltop, remains visible. Complementing these masonry defenses, there is also a line of semi-earthen embankments that encircle the elevation, outlining the perimeter of the ancient settlement.
Some signs of excavations carried out over the years are still discernible, revealing the archaeological importance of the site and the continuous interest in understanding its history.
The Castro de Azougada represents an important proto-urban agglomeration, whose peak was between the 6th and 4th centuries BC, fully belonging to the Iron Age. Archaeological excavations at the site revealed intense and complex occupation, with several construction phases. The architectural structure suggests remarkable planning, with compartments developed around the top of the hill, and what appears to have been a large gate controlled access to the interior area of the settlement.
The absence of Roman materials in the area suggests that this settlement maintained its pre-Roman cultural identity, making it a valuable testimony to the life and communities of that era in Alentejo.
Archaeological findings provide a glimpse into the lives of the inhabitants of Castro de Azougada. Discoveries indicate an emphasis on the exploitation of agricultural, livestock, and fluvial resources, with the presence of cattle and ovicaprids, in addition to evidence of hunting, particularly deer. The presence of freshwater shells and river fish confirms the active exploitation of resources from the Ardila and Guadiana rivers.
A particularly intriguing aspect is the discovery of vestiges of a silver smelting industry, which was likely obtained through cupellation of lead. This fact, along with the identification of artifacts such as loom weights and worked bone pieces, suggests a diversified economy that included textile production and metallurgical activities. The existence of shells and fish fragments from marine species points to the existence of trade routes with the coast, enriching the local diet and economy.
The collection of artifacts recovered from Castro de Azougada is remarkably rich and offers clues about the culture and beliefs of its ancient inhabitants. Among the ceramic objects, Attic bowls and Iberian-featured vessels stand out, testifying to cultural and commercial links with other regions.
Metallic finds such as iron weapons, horse harness elements, seals, and, in particular, a well-known bronze belt buckle depicting twin antelope protomes, as well as a statuette of a "smiting god" and ritual objects, suggest the practice of symbolic or magic-religious acts and the presence of a sophisticated material culture for the period.
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 38.169338535038555, -7.4765682359770675
Coordinates DMS: 38°10'9.6"N 07°28'35.6"W
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