Fortified settlement of Serra da Amoreira

Category: Archaeology > Fortified Settlement

District: Lisboa > Odivelas > Serra da Amoreira > Bairro do Castelo Poente

Location

The Fortified Settlement of Serra da Amoreira is located in Ramada, in the municipality of Odivelas, district of Lisbon.

History and Occupation

The region has traces of human occupation from the Paleolithic period to the present day. Archaeological evidence demonstrates the historical importance of this territory, where various cultures have settled over the centuries.

Threatened Heritage

Many evidences of the past have been destroyed due to human activities, such as quarrying. The settlement of Serra da Amoreira suffered looting, which threatened the preservation of its archaeological heritage.

Natural Resources

The area is rich in basaltic soils and is close to important aquatic resources, such as the Loures floodplain. The availability of raw materials, such as flint, attracted ancient populations who needed these resources for the manufacture of utensils.

Archaeological Investigation

Between 2002 and 2004, a survey of the archaeological heritage of the region was carried out. The research revealed a concentration of vestiges in the parishes of Caneças and Ramada, where urbanization was not yet so intense.

Cultural Importance

The artifacts found in the region are deposited in several museums, such as the National Museum of Archeology and the Municipal Museum of Loures. The Municipality of Odivelas is also committed to safeguarding new spoils that may be found in the future.

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