Category: Civil Architecture > Museum
District: Beja > Odemira > Corte Malhão
The Necropolis of Pardieiro is situated on a gentle rise, nestled within the rural landscape of the municipality of Odemira, near Corte Malhão. This tranquil location, part of the Serra da Vigia, benefits from its proximity to the Monchique mountain range, offering a natural setting that invites reflection and observation of the Alentejo surroundings.
This archaeological site represents one of the most significant testimonies of the First Iron Age in Portuguese territory. The Necropolis of Pardieiro offers a rare perspective on the funerary practices and social organization of a community that flourished in this region approximately 2500 years ago. Its exceptional state of preservation makes it a privileged place for understanding a crucial period in the ancient history of Alentejo.
The site comprises a set of thirteen funerary structures. Of these, eleven are monuments built with dry stone, featuring a sub-rectangular plan, arranged contiguously. These structures covered pit graves, excavated directly into the schist bedrock. The pits were covered by large stone slabs, some of which were carefully worked and decorated, demonstrating a high degree of mastery and symbolism in the conception of these final resting places.
One of the most notable elements of the Necropolis of Pardieiro is the discovery of gravestones with inscriptions in the mysterious Southwestern Script. This writing system, considered the oldest in Western Europe, was developed by the Tartessians, a civilization that inhabited these lands. The presence of these inscriptions offers a unique opportunity to connect with an ancient alphabet, whose meaning largely remains undeciphered.
In addition to the writing, stelae adorned with foot-shaped engravings, known as podomorphs, were found. These intriguing representations suggest possible symbolic meanings, such as the journey of the deceased to the afterlife or even rituals associated with the consecration of important figures of the time.
Excavations carried out at the necropolis brought to light a diverse collection of votive offerings, which accompanied individuals in their final rest. Among the findings are bead necklaces made of amber, glass paste, gold, silver, and black glass, as well as carnelian pendants, ceramic pieces, and various iron weapons, such as knives and spearheads. These objects provide valuable information about the daily life, beliefs, and social status of the people buried here.
Of particular interest is the discovery of toasted barley grains, which suggests that the cereal might have been processed for preservation or for the production of malt, a fundamental ingredient for the elaboration of a primitive fermented beverage known as cervoise, an ancestor of modern beer, common in the Iron Age.
The identification of the Necropolis of Pardieiro in 1971, following the accidental discovery of a stele, marked the beginning of continuous archaeological work. Over the years, various campaigns of excavation, study, restoration, and enhancement have been carried out. Thanks to these dedicated efforts, the site has been prepared for visitation, allowing anyone interested to now explore this important vestige of the past and marvel at the historical and cultural richness it holds.
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 37.6008551,-8.356105
Coordinates DMS: 37°36'3.1"N 08°21'22.0"W
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