Vale da Laje Dolmen

Category: Archaeology > Dolmen

District: Santarém > Tomar > São Pedro de Tomar

Location:

The Anta do Vale da Laje is situated in a tranquil rural landscape, in the locality of São Pedro de Tomar, municipality of Tomar. Nestled within the Zêzere river basin, it is surrounded by vegetation and some tree cover, offering a serene environment conducive to contemplation. Its isolated position allows for an appreciation of the connection between the monument and the surrounding nature.

A Megalithic Legacy:

This dolmen represents a remarkable vestige of the Megalithic Era, having been constructed over six thousand years ago. Originally, it served as a funerary monument, part of a complex of similar structures that existed in the region, of which it is today the best-preserved example. Its existence is fundamental for understanding how the first communities of shepherds and farmers settled and organized themselves in the Middle Tagus region.

Its Structure:

The monument stands out for its polygonal chamber, composed of five large orthostats, vertical stones over two and a half meters high, which impress with their size. The chamber was accessed via a shorter and lower corridor. Originally, the entire complex was covered by a mamoa, a mound of earth that enveloped it. Centuries later, this mamoa was reinforced with stones and an exterior wall was added, embellished with small stelae and pebbles brought from the river. Later, in the Bronze Age, the site was again used for burials, without significant structural alterations.

Archaeological Testimony:

The Anta do Vale da Laje is a site of great archaeological interest. Over the decades, it has been the subject of excavation and study campaigns, including the participation of Portuguese-British teams seeking to unravel more about its builders and the life of the region's prehistoric communities. The remains found, such as ceramics and stone tools, contribute to a greater understanding of the habits, techniques, and beliefs of the peoples who lived here. Today, it is an important historical and cultural landmark, inviting discovery of our most remote past.

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