Castro do Zambujal

Category: Archaeology > Hillfort

District: Lisboa > Torres Vedras > Casais da Torre

Location

The Castro do Zambujal rises in a semi-rural landscape, on the outskirts of Torres Vedras, more precisely in the locality of Casais da Torre. It is strategically located on a rocky spur, a natural promontory that gently slopes down to the confluence of the Ribeira de Pedrulhos with the River Sizandro. This position, once advantageous due to its proximity to an ancient natural harbor with sea access, offers a unique perspective on the surroundings, highlighting the reason for its historical importance.

A Glimpse into the Remote Past

The Castro do Zambujal represents a remarkable testament to the Copper Age, with its origins dating back to the beginning of the third millennium BC. This fortified settlement is considered one of the most important in the Iberian Peninsula, standing out for its size and the good state of preservation of its structures. Over approximately eight hundred years, the site prospered, becoming, apparently, a relevant center for the smelting and trade of ore in the Portuguese Estremadura region. Its historical and archaeological importance was recognized in 1946, when it was classified as a National Monument.

The Architecture of an Ancient Fortification

A visit to the Castro do Zambujal reveals a complex defensive structure, resulting from several phases of construction and reinforcement over the centuries. Initially, the settlement was protected by a central fortress, composed of robust walls and massive towers, of circular and semi-circular shape. Over time, the need for greater security led to the construction of two more imposing lines of walls and the addition of a barbican, an advanced defensive structure that intrigued archaeologists with its possible "arrow slits". Some of its ancient walls still stand, reaching about four meters in height, allowing a glimpse of the original dimension of this fortification. Accesses to the interior were narrow, designed to strictly control the entry of people and goods.

Daily Life and Trade

Life at Castro do Zambujal was organized around essential activities and a defined social system. Although most of the population dedicated themselves to agriculture and livestock farming in the surrounding lands, the central enclosure of the settlement was reserved for an elite, where the most valuable goods resulting from metallurgy and trade were kept. Archaeological finds, such as precious stone ornaments and the renowned Bell Beaker pottery, a style that spread across much of Europe, attest to the wealth and cultural sophistication of this community. The strategic location, with an ancient natural harbor nearby, must have been crucial for the development of its trade exchanges and its prominence in the Copper Age.

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