Alcalar Chalcolithic Megalithic Necropolis
Monumentos Megalíticos de Alcalar
Chalcolithic (3000–2000 BCE)·Alcalar / Bell Beaker·🇵🇹 Algarve, Portimão, Mexilhoeira Grande, Portugal
About
About Alcalar Chalcolithic Megalithic Necropolis
Algarve's leading Chalcolithic centre excavated by Estácio da Veiga 1880s, with slate plaques, copper tools and ivory.
Why it mattersKey Alcalar / Bell Beaker megalithic with stratified sequence and regional typology.
Open questions
Mysteries & theories
Mysteries
- 01Collapse cause
- 02Chronology and phasing
Theories
- 01Seasonal gathering
- 02Defensive stronghold
Theories are interpretations, not findings. The seal above tells you how much scholarly weight the place carries.
History
How it came to be
- Built
- c. 3000 BCE
- Period
- Chalcolithic (3000–2000 BCE)
- Culture
- Alcalar / Bell Beaker
- Purpose
- Hilltop necropolis with 9 tholoi, walled settlement and ditched enclosure — Algarve Chalcolithic centre
- Rediscovered
- Modern excavation 1975
- Excavation
- Excavated
1950 excavation
Modern rediscovery and scientific excavation of Alcalar Chalcolithic Megalithic Necropolis
c. 3000 BCE
Initial construction / first occupation at Alcalar Chalcolithic Megalithic Necropolis
On the ground
Structures & features
37.1980° N · 8.5850° W · 85 m · 3 mapped features
Alcalar Chalcolithic Megalithic Necropolis — Principal Standing Stone
standing stonestanding stone at Alcalar Chalcolithic Megalithic Necropolis — outlier feature
37.1998° N · 8.5843° WAlcalar Chalcolithic Megalithic Necropolis — Northern Chamber
chamberchamber at Alcalar Chalcolithic Megalithic Necropolis — outlier feature
37.1985° N · 8.5834° WAlcalar Chalcolithic Megalithic Necropolis — Southern Cairn
cairncairn at Alcalar Chalcolithic Megalithic Necropolis — subsidiary complex
37.1982° N · 8.5847° W