Dolmen of Casas do Canal 4

Category: Archaeology > Dolmen

District: Évora > Estremoz > Glória > Casas

Location:

The Anta de Casas do Canal 4 is located in the "Casas" area, integrated into the locality of Glória, near Estremoz. The monument is situated in a rural area characterized by the Alentejo landscape.

It is positioned on slightly elevated ground, south of a locally known landmark, Monte de Água Santa. This setting provides an understanding of the geographical context where it was erected thousands of years ago.

Origin and Purpose

The Anta de Casas do Canal 4 dates back to the Neo-Chalcolithic period, a phase of Prehistory several millennia old. This type of megalithic structure was built to serve as a collective sepulchre, a place intended for the burial of human groups.

It represents a testament to the beliefs and funerary practices of the communities that inhabited this region a long time ago.

The Original Structure

Originally, the dolmen consisted of a polygonal funerary chamber, built with large vertical stone slabs (orthostats). Connected to the chamber was a corridor, also delimited by orthostats, which allowed access to the interior.

Although some of the original orthostats of the chamber and corridor are no longer in place or have fallen, the main structure is still visible, giving an idea of the monument's imposing appearance at the time of its construction.

Vestiges of the Mamoa and its History

Originally, the stone structure of the dolmen would have been covered by a large mound of earth and stones, known as a mamoa or tumulus. Vestiges of this mamoa that enveloped the monument are still visible today.

Over the centuries, like many ancient monuments, the Anta de Casas do Canal 4 has undergone changes. There are signs of ancient excavations and interventions in the surrounding terrain (such as the opening of a path), which slightly modified its form, telling the story of the site beyond its original use.

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