Pre-Historic Settlement of Santa Vitória

Category: Archaeology > Settlement

District: Portalegre > Campo Maior > Campo Maior > São João Baptista

Location

Situated on a hill on the outskirts of Campo Maior, this archaeological site is set within a rural Alentejo landscape. Its elevated position allows for observation of the surrounding area, in the parish of São João Baptista.

Ancient Occupation

This site represents a settlement that existed during Prehistory, more precisely during the Chalcolithic period, also known as the Copper Age. It is estimated to have been occupied for about 500 years, between 3000 and 2500 BC, marking human presence in the region during this distant past.

Visible Marks on the Ground

Upon visiting the settlement, one observes the marks left by two distinct phases of occupation. The oldest structure suggests a central enclosure, perhaps a main area or "acropolis," surrounded by defensive systems composed of moats and adobe walls, arranged in a circular fashion. From a later phase, remains of ancient huts and hearths are visible, possibly built directly on the rock.

To facilitate the interpretation of the site and allow for a better view of its organization on the ground, a modern metallic observation platform has been integrated, accessible by spiral stairs, offering an aerial perspective over the archaeological remains.

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