Lexim Rock

Category: Archaeology > Fortified Settlement

District: Lisboa > Mafra > Lexim

Location

The Penedo de Lexim rises imposingly in the landscape of the municipality of Mafra, in the district of Lisbon, specifically in the locality of Lexim. This remarkable rock outcrop offers a particular emphasis on its surroundings, being situated in a naturally elevated position. Upon visiting this site, one's gaze is naturally drawn over the valleys and the surrounding orography, providing a wide perspective and direct contact with the nature of the territory.

Testimony of Remote Times

This prominent boulder is not only a geological landmark but also a significant testament to human presence in remote times. Thousands of years ago, its strategic position and natural defenses made it a preferred location for the establishment of communities. Traces have been found here indicating continuous occupation, namely from the Chalcolithic period (Copper Age) to the Iron Age, with evidence of use also in later periods, including Roman times. It is a site where our ancestors lived, sought shelter, and organized their social lives, benefiting from the security that the terrain itself could offer them.

A Strategic Settlement

The natural configuration of the Penedo de Lexim was intelligently leveraged by ancient populations to establish a site with remarkable defensive capabilities. The escarpments and elevation formed the basis for a complex protection system, where one can infer the walls and other structures that, in the past, delimited and safeguarded the settlement. Exploring this site means understanding the strategic choice of its ancient inhabitants, who found here a safe refuge and a point of control over the adjacent territory, allowing them to manage the region's resources and routes. The unique character of the boulder, integrated into the landscape, is a central element in the history and identity of this archaeological site.

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