Anta of Alter Pedroso

Category: Archaeology > Dolmen

District: Portalegre > Alter do Chão > Alter Pedroso

Location:

The Anta de Alter Pedroso is located in the surrounding area of the locality of the same name, in the heart of the Alter do Chão municipality. It is situated in a predominantly rural context, characteristic of the Alentejo landscape. Its position, often integrated into the natural environment, offers a sense of peace and distance, inviting a more introspective and earth-connected experience.

A Testament to Prehistory

This monument is an ancient vestige dating back to one of the oldest periods of human occupation in the region: prehistory, particularly the Neolithic or Chalcolithic. The Anta de Alter Pedroso is one of several testimonies that prove the presence of organized communities in this area thousands of years ago, demonstrating their ability to transform the landscape and erect large-scale structures.

A Glimpse into the Distant Past

Antas, or dolmens, are megalithic structures that primarily served as collective burial sites. They were funerary monuments that held central importance for the communities of the time, functioning as ritual and memory spaces. Visiting the Anta de Alter Pedroso allows one to delve a little into the beliefs, social organization, and rituals of the peoples who inhabited the deep Alentejo long ago.

The Megalithic Structure

Typically, an anta consists of large vertical stones, known as orthostats, which form a chamber, sometimes preceded by a corridor. These stones support one or more horizontal slabs that serve as a roof. Originally, many of these structures would have been covered by an artificial mound of earth and stones, known as a mamoa (tumulus). Observing the Anta de Alter Pedroso is to marvel at the ingenuity and strength required to handle and position these colossal stones without modern technology.

An Environment for Contemplation

A visit to the Anta de Alter Pedroso is more than just observing ancient stones; it is immersing oneself in an environment of serenity and antiquity. The site, nestled in the tranquility of the Alentejo countryside, provides a moment for pause and reflection. Being in the presence of a structure thousands of years old invites contemplation of the vastness of time and connection to the profound history of the territory and its earliest peoples.

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