Roman Villa - Frielas Archaeological Station

Category: Civil Architecture > Museum

District: Lisboa > Loures > Frielas > Sítio Arqueológico

Location

The Frielas Archaeological Site is located in the locality of Frielas, within the municipality of Loures. This historic site is situated in the Loures floodplain, specifically on the right bank of the Ribeira da Póvoa stream. Its position took advantage of the abundance of water and the fertility of the soil, crucial factors for the prosperity of the ancient villa.

Proximity to this watercourse offered advantages such as navigation, supply, and fishing activity, in addition to salt extraction, elements that shaped the daily life and economy of the Roman community established here. Approximately two kilometers away, the Frielas Bridge marks the route of an ancient Roman road that connected the city of Olisipo (present-day Lisbon) to Conímbriga.

A Window into the Roman Past

This ancient Roman villa, which operated from the 4th century until the mid-7th century, was part of the vast territory dependent on Olisipo. It represented one of the large agricultural estates of the time, known as "villae," which were the economic engine of the region and the backbone of rural life during the Roman Empire.

The remains found in Frielas tell the story of a period of great activity and prosperity. The villa was an important productive center, benefiting from its strategic location and surrounding natural resources. Its longevity of occupation is a testament to the relevance this site had in the Roman rural landscape.

Architectural Details and Daily Life

The excavation of the Frielas Archaeological Site uncovered architectural elements that reveal the opulence and standard of living of its ancient inhabitants. Among the findings are mosaic pavements and fragments of wall coverings, which demonstrate the care taken with decoration and adherence to the aesthetic standards of the Empire, even if with a certain economic restraint.

The already uncovered site plan reveals the existence of a peristyle, a courtyard surrounded by a portico, with a brick pavement. It is believed to have included a water mirror and a triclinium, a dining room. These spaces were complemented by a garden area and an irrigation tank, illustrating not only the residential component of the villa but also its functionality related to agricultural exploitation. The abundance of pottery, such as African Terra Sigillata, underscores the commercial dynamism and the villa's connection to broader trade networks.

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