Category: Civil Architecture > Museum
District: Lisboa > Azambuja > Vila Nova de São Pedro
The Archaeological Site of Vila Nova de São Pedro is situated on an elevation of land, in the locality of Vila Nova de São Pedro, municipality of Azambuja, in the district of Lisbon. This strategic position, typical of prehistoric fortified settlements, allowed for visual control over the surroundings, granting its inhabitants a defensive advantage. The location offers a perspective on the surrounding rural landscape, inviting contemplation of the natural environment that, in ancient times, served as sustenance and shelter for these communities.
This archaeological site is recognized as one of the most important fortified settlements of the Chalcolithic period (Copper Age) in the Iberian Peninsula. It dates back to a crucial era, between approximately 2500 and 1800 BC, a period of profound transformations marked by the introduction and development of copper metallurgy. Its discovery and study have been fundamental to understanding the social, economic, and technological organization of the prehistoric communities that inhabited this region.
The Archaeological Site of Vila Nova de São Pedro stands out for its impressive and complex defensive structure. Excavations have revealed the remains of several lines of stone walls, complemented by bastions and towers. This architecture reflects the community's need for protection and its engineering capabilities, evidencing careful planning and spatial organization that denote a high degree of sophistication for the time. The construction characteristics provide clues about the techniques and materials used by the builders of that era.
Archaeological campaigns at the site have revealed a vast collection of artifacts that allow us to understand the daily life and technological innovations of that civilization. Among the findings, various types of pottery, chipped and polished stone tools, and, notably, numerous copper objects stand out. These material remains are key to uncovering the economic practices, artisanal skills, such as primitive metallurgy, and the cultural and symbolic aspects of the Chalcolithic populations that once inhabited Vila Nova de São Pedro. The richness of the collection contributes to a comprehensive view of life in this fortified settlement.
Since its discovery, the Archaeological Site of Vila Nova de São Pedro has been a fundamental pillar for the study of Prehistory in Portugal and the Iberian Peninsula. The information gathered at this site is crucial for understanding the evolution of fortified settlements and the social organization of the first metallurgical communities. Its scientific legacy continues to contribute to the knowledge of the cultural and technological heritage that preceded us, offering a unique opportunity for the study and interpretation of a defining period in the history of humanity in the region.
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 39.2197424,-8.8403823
Coordinates DMS: 39°13'11.1"N 08°50'25.4"W
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