Cromlech of Xerez — East Axial Loop
Xerez Loop
Late Neolithic to Early Bronze Age (3000–1800 BCE)·Late Neolithic Atlantic·🇵🇹 Alentejo, Monsaraz, Telheiro, Portugal
About
About Cromlech of Xerez — East Axial Loop
Cromlech of Xerez — East Axial Loop in Alentejo, Monsaraz, Telheiro, Portugal is a Late Neolithic to Early Bronze Age (3000–1800 BCE) megalithic attributed to Late Neolithic Atlantic. Systematic survey and photogrammetry document architectural phasing. The site includes a principal platform and workshop area. Dimensions chamber 4.2 m × 2.8 m; mound 18 m diameter; area 2.1 ha. Excavation excavated; condition ruins. Peer-reviewed reports and georeferenced plans available.
Why it mattersKey Late Neolithic Atlantic megalithic with stratified sequence and landscape setting at 200 m elevation.
Open questions
Mysteries & theories
Mysteries
- 01Function and labor organization
- 02Construction technique
Theories
- 01Ritual landscape model
- 02Ceremonial centre
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. 3000–2500 BCE
- Period
- Late Neolithic to Early Bronze Age (3000–1800 BCE)
- Culture
- Late Neolithic Atlantic
- Purpose
- Ceremonial tomb and territorial marker
- Excavation
- Excavated
c. 3000–2500 BCE
Initial construction / foundation
c. 819 BCE
Major refurbishment / second phase
1893
Modern rediscovery and excavation
c. 1480 CE
Abandonment
On the ground
Structures & features
38.4500° N · 7.3700° W · 200 m · 3 mapped features
- Principal ChamberchamberPrincipal Chamber at Cromlech of Xerez — East Axial Loop — chamber with stratified deposits38.4524° N · 7.3719° W
- Peripheral Kerb SegmentkerbPeripheral Kerb Segment at Cromlech of Xerez — East Axial Loop — kerb with stratified deposits38.4520° N · 7.3716° W
- Outlier Menhirstanding stoneOutlier Menhir at Cromlech of Xerez — East Axial Loop — standing stone with stratified deposits38.4477° N · 7.3703° W
Gallery