Dolmen of Troviscos 1

Category: Civil Architecture > Museum

District: Viseu > Carregal do Sal > Azenha > Troviscos

Location

The Dólmen de Troviscos 1 is located in the area of Troviscos, in the locality of Azenha, belonging to the municipality of Carregal do Sal. Situated in an area that is today characterized by its urban or semi-urban surroundings, the monument offers an interesting contrast between its profound antiquity and the contemporary environment that surrounds it. Its presence stands out in the local landscape, making it accessible to those who explore the region.

Ancestral Memory

This ancient megalithic monument, also known as an orca, is a testament to human presence in the region thousands of years ago. Its main construction dates back to the Neolithic period, having been built between 3900 and 3200 BC. Primarily conceived as a collective burial site, the Dólmen de Troviscos 1 served the agricultural communities that inhabited this land, revealing the complexity of their beliefs and social organization in a distant past.

Layers of Time

The history of the Dólmen de Troviscos 1 is remarkably complex and multifaceted. Detailed archaeological studies have revealed that the site was already inhabited long before the dolmen's construction, with evidence of human occupation and possible simple dwelling structures, dated from around 5000 to 4000 BC. Later, during the Bronze Age, between 2300 and 1750 BC, the monument was transformed again. In this period, wooden posts were added to its northern sector, in a configuration that suggests a renewed function for the space, demonstrating the continuous and evolving relationship of populations with this sacred place over millennia.

An Archaeological Legacy

The importance of the Dólmen de Troviscos 1 extends beyond its monumental architecture. Every layer of excavated soil and every find at the site contribute to a richer understanding of the ancient societies that shaped the prehistory of central Portugal. This monument is a fundamental piece for unraveling the customs, rituals, and way of life of Neolithic and Bronze Age communities, allowing us to glimpse how they lived and interacted with their environment. Its preservation is crucial so that future generations can continue to explore and learn from this valuable heritage.

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