Megalithic Tombs in Western Iberia: Excavations at the Anta da Lajinha

The Anta da Lajinha is a small megalithic tomb in the hill-country north of the River Tagus in western Iberia. It was the subject of joint British-Portuguese excavations in 2006-2008, accompanied by environmental investigations and OSL dating. This volume discusses the megalithic tombs of western Iberia, including their landscape, chronology, settlement, and interregional relationships. It also considers the Iberian tombs within the broader family of west European megalithic monuments, focusing on chronologies, parallels, and patterns of contact.

Format: Hardback
Length: 256 pages
Publication date: 30 November 2019
Publisher: Oxbow Books

Western Iberia boasts an impressive collection of Neolithic chambered tombs, particularly in Galicia, northern Portugal, and the Alentejo. However, less attention has been given to the significant concentration of tombs located along the Tagus valley, spanning the border between Portugal and Spain. Among these is the Anta da Lajinha, a small megalithic tomb situated in the hilly region north of the River Tagus. Unfortunately, the tomb has suffered significant damage due to forest fires and stone removal, leading to joint British-Portuguese excavations in 2006-2008. These excavations were accompanied by environmental investigations and optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) dating to provide insights into its history and significance.

This volume serves as a starting point for a comprehensive examination of the megalithic tombs in western Iberia. It explores key themes relevant to these tombs, including their landscape, chronology, settlement patterns, and interregional relationships. The book delves into questions such as the construction and usage periods of these tombs, whether they represent a horizon of intensive monument construction or the result of a persistent, long-lived tradition. It also examines the connections between these tombs and the renowned rock art of the Tagus valley, as well as the cave burials and open-air settlements in the region, in terms of chronology and landscape.

In a final section, the book considers the Iberian tombs within the broader context of west European megalithic monuments. It explores chronologies, parallels, and patterns of contact between these tombs and other megalithic traditions in regions such as Brittany. It seeks to understand whether the Iberian tombs emerged through connections with older established megalithic traditions or whether they represent the outcome of more general processes operating among Atlantic Neolithic societies.

Overall, this volume offers valuable insights into the megalithic tombs of western Iberia, shedding light on their history, construction, and cultural significance. It contributes to our understanding of the development and diversity of megalithic cultures in Atlantic Europe and provides a basis for further research and exploration in this field.

Weight: 1182g
Dimension: 288 x 221 x 20 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781785709807