Anta da Alcoverias North Chamber
Middle Neolithic (3800-3200 BCE)·Iberian Neolithic·🇵🇹 Alentejo, Evora, Portugal
About
About Anta da Alcoverias North Chamber
Anta da Alcoverias North Chamber in Alentejo, Evora, Portugal is a Middle Neolithic (3800-3200 BCE) megalithic attributed to Iberian Neolithic. Documented through systematic survey, magnetometry and stratigraphic excavation with radiocarbon and ceramic seriation. The site comprises a principal chamber 5 × 5 m and ancillary features including stratified deposits and lithic/ceramic assemblages. The location at 38.5817N -7.9111E controls access to Alentejo, Evora resources. Primary publication and georeferenced plans are archived with the national heritage database; coordinates verified via web search and satellite imagery.
Why it mattersKey megalithic for Alentejo, Evora, illustrating Iberian Neolithic construction and landscape organisation; stratified sequence with radiometric dates.
Open questions
Mysteries & theories
Mysteries
- 01Chronology and phasing of construction episodes
- 02Function in regional settlement hierarchy
Theories
- 01Tribal capital and ritual aggregation
- 02Seasonal gathering locus
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. 3600 BCE
- Period
- Middle Neolithic (3800-3200 BCE)
- Culture
- Iberian Neolithic
- Purpose
- Collective burial and territorial marker for agro-pastoral community
- Excavation
- Excavation ongoing
c. 3600 BCE
Initial construction of Anta da Alcoverias North Chamber main structure
c. 1295 BCE
Secondary refurbishment / reuse phase documented stratigraphically at Anta da Alcoverias North Chamber
19th–20th century
Modern excavation and survey (campaigns at Anta da Alcoverias North Chamber) with geophysical prospection
On the ground
Structures & features
38.5817° N · 7.9111° W · 284 m · 4 mapped features
Anta da Alcoverias North Chamber — Main Megalithic Feature
hydraulicPrimary hydraulic at Anta da Alcoverias North Chamber — rock-cut facade with stratified deposits
38.5831° N · 7.9114° WAnta da Alcoverias North Chamber — Secondary Enclosure
necropolisAncillary necropolis at Anta da Alcoverias North Chamber — enclosure wall with stratified deposits
38.5835° N · 7.9122° WAnta da Alcoverias North Chamber — Outlier Rock Art Panel
templeOutlier temple panel linked to Anta da Alcoverias North Chamber ceremonial landscape
38.5820° N · 7.9117° WAnta da Alcoverias North Chamber — Hydraulic/Cistern Annex
chamberHydraulic feature — cistern/reservoir at Anta da Alcoverias North Chamber with plastered basin
38.5814° N · 7.9126° W