<p>Within the scope of construction work conducted within an urban context for the ... more <p>Within the scope of construction work conducted within an urban context for the creation of new buildings located in Rua das Olarias in Leiria, a selection of historical and archaeological remains attributable to different time periods were found. Such findings include; Levallois chips, ovens and modern or sub-modern ceramics, and a burial zone. Due to the presence of Palaeolithic evidence, the DGPC (Direção-Geral do Património Cultural) has requested a more in-depth analysis of the sedimentary deposits.</p><p>Geomorphologically, the area of intervention is located in the zone of the Typhonic Valley associated with the diapiric structure of Leiria-Parceiros, which is in the proximity of the Doleritic outcrop, where the Castle of Leiria was constructed. Concerning the stratigraphic-sedimentary component, from what was so far observed in the intervention carried out in the 3 sections researchers were able to identify that the sedimentary deposits of the area are composed, at the base, by marly and clayey layers (probably corresponding to the formations of the Dagorda Margas, from the Mesozoic), these are apparently "in situ" and are identified in the Geological Map (23C -Leiria).</p><p>It was not possible to identify layers of Neogene however, unconsolidated deposits were observed throughout the area with sedimentological characteristics which appear to be deposits of overburdening and flattening due to actions which took place in recent times. Most of the surface area of interest corresponds to the landform surface of the anthropic formation, where the deposits are thought to result from pottery activities (there is presence of clays and ceramics).</p><p>In the area of active archaeological intervention, coarser sediments were noted, but the more clastic deposits do not appear to have associated structures. So far it has not been possible to confirm the presence of a geological level to which the origin of the prehistoric archaeological material could be attributed.</p><p>Thus, the sampling program (sedimentological and palaeoenvironmental) will be oriented towards the recognition of possible natural Pleistocene layers (alluvial and fluvial deposits), the distinction between these, Mesozoic layers and layers of anthropic deposits. The methodology of sediment collection for geoarchaeological and palaeoclimatic purposes (in particular for sedimentological and palynological analyses) will follow established scientific procedures.  These analyses and further information about the terrain will only be possible with the help of sedimentological and palaeoenvironmental studies.</p>
The Quaternary and Prehistory Group of the Geocsciences Centre has developed research lines dedic... more The Quaternary and Prehistory Group of the Geocsciences Centre has developed research lines dedicated to the influence of climatic and environmental conditions in human behavioral dynamics during the Holocene. The research in the Alto Ribatejo (TEMPOAR I/II and Transition Landscapes projects) suggests a possible socio‑economic implication (adoption of agro‑pastoralism) due to the climatic fluctuations in the Holocene. A new project is being prepared, dedicated to the relationship between human behaviour and climate fluctuations. The starting point is the analysis of different bioregional realities (Brazil, Portugal, Spain) between the start of the Younger Dryas and the end of the Atlantic period, taking an interdisciplinary approach through archaeobotanic, archaeofaunistic and sedimentological studies.
Reconstruction of Pleistocene environments and processes in the sensitive geographical location o... more Reconstruction of Pleistocene environments and processes in the sensitive geographical location of westernmost Iberia, facing the North Atlantic Ocean, is crucial for understanding impacts on early human communities. We provide a characterization of the lowest terrace (T6) of the Lower Tejo River, at Vila Velha de Ródão (eastern central Portugal). This terrace comprises a lower gravel bed and an upper division consisting of fine to very fine sands and coarse silts. We have used a multidisciplinary approach, combining geomorphology, optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) dating, grain-size analysis and rock magnetism measurement, in order to provide new insights into the environmental changes coincident with the activity of the last Neanderthals in this region. In addition, we conducted palynological analysis, X-ray diffraction measurement and scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy dispersive spectra of the clay fraction and carbonate concretions. We discuss these new find...
RESUMO: A arte rupestre é o estudo dos padrões de antropização da paisagem e pode ser um importan... more RESUMO: A arte rupestre é o estudo dos padrões de antropização da paisagem e pode ser um importante contributo para uma aproximação ao universo sócio-cultural das comuni-dades pré-históricas. A arte esquemática pintada é parte do ciclo artístico pós-Paleolítico e uma das suas características é o tipo de técnica de execução. Um conjunto de diferentes estudos complementares está a ser realizado em vários abrigos pintados em Portugal. Ainda que o foco principal seja a caracterização mineralógica dos contextualização geológica e arqueológica dos processos de produção dos pigmentos; as-painéis pintados e o estudo dos processos de degradação das pinturas. Algumas das técnicas PALAVRAS-CHAVE: Arte esquemática pintada, Portugal, Arqueometria, Espectrometria Raman, pigmentos. ABSTRACT: Rock art is the study of landscape anthropization patterns and it can be an universe. Painted schematic art is part of the post-Palaeolithic artistic cycle and one of its main features is the type of execution...
Resumo A região do Alto Ribatejo (centro de Portugal) está sob a influência das condições climáti... more Resumo A região do Alto Ribatejo (centro de Portugal) está sob a influência das condições climáticas Mediterrânea e Atlântica. Nesta pequena região (~2.500 km 2), o Rio Tejo atravessa três unidades geomorfológicas, de paisagens muito diversificadas. Apre-senta-se uma síntese de trabalhos publicados e alguns dados sedimentológicos, pa-linológicos e arqueológicos obtidos e apresentados neste trabalho, referentes a vá-rios sítios datados dos últimos 25 mil anos. As análises sedimentológicas, aplicadas essencialmente em depósitos associados a sítios arqueológicos, parecem demonstrar a sequência da influência de variações climáticas e actividades antrópicas. Os dados arqueobotânicos sugerem modificações significativas durante o Holocénico, que po-derão estar relacionadas com as flutuações climáticas e/ou também com o crescente impacte humano sobre a paisagem com a adopção das actividades agro-pastoris.
Arqueologia em Portugal 2020 - Estado da Questão - Textos, 2020
Formulations of ‘value’, ‘identity’ and ‘place’ are discussed, according to M. Díaz-Andreu (2017:... more Formulations of ‘value’, ‘identity’ and ‘place’ are discussed, according to M. Díaz-Andreu (2017: 2-6) and P. G. Gould (2016: 1-18), as well as the terms in which a participatory and critical approach by the community on local cultural management is structured, grounded on the comparative selection of international heritage conventions
The Sessera valley is an under-populated Italian alpine valley located in the north-eastern Piedm... more The Sessera valley is an under-populated Italian alpine valley located in the north-eastern Piedmont (northwest Italy) between the provinces of Biella and Vercelli. We discuss the data obtained during the first and the second year of the project “Survey Alta Val Sessera” held in 2013 and in 2014 under the scientific direction of Soprintendenza Archeologia del Piemonte in collaboration with Associazione Culturale 3P e Progetto Preistoria Piemonte and DocBi e Centro Studi Biellesi that had as its main purpose the identification of new prehistoric human frequentations in the valley. The theoretical scheme employed starts from the one developed for Trentino and the South Tyrolean region (north-eastern Italy) by Broglio and Improta. During the campaigns, surveys in the Sessera and in the neighbouring Dolca valley have been carried out using the patterns of settlement and mobility in the alpine environment developed by Kompatscher and Kompatscher, in order to identify the most interesting areas to investigate. The most important results obtained during the first two survey campaigns indicate that the Sessera valley was occupied by human groups using knapped lithic industries made of local vein quartz. Another important result is the identification of a Late Ancient site located at high altitude (1642 m a.s.l.) along one of the ridge paths investigated. Even if the lithic findings have no diagnostic elements for a precise chronological positioning, the importance of the data obtained consists mainly in having successfully tested a method of research aimed at identifying human frequentations at high altitude in this part of Piedmont, where no comparable research has been carried out until now.
POSTER Congress: International Meeting on Paleoclimate: Change and Adaptation. Coimbra (Portugal)... more POSTER Congress: International Meeting on Paleoclimate: Change and Adaptation. Coimbra (Portugal), 18 to 19 June 2019. 18/06/2019 – 19/06/2019. Poster: Ferreira C, Vis GJ, Burjachs F & Rosina P. ‘Holocene palaeoenvironmental records in the Lower Tagus Valley (Portugal)’.
<p>Within the scope of construction work conducted within an urban context for the ... more <p>Within the scope of construction work conducted within an urban context for the creation of new buildings located in Rua das Olarias in Leiria, a selection of historical and archaeological remains attributable to different time periods were found. Such findings include; Levallois chips, ovens and modern or sub-modern ceramics, and a burial zone. Due to the presence of Palaeolithic evidence, the DGPC (Direção-Geral do Património Cultural) has requested a more in-depth analysis of the sedimentary deposits.</p><p>Geomorphologically, the area of intervention is located in the zone of the Typhonic Valley associated with the diapiric structure of Leiria-Parceiros, which is in the proximity of the Doleritic outcrop, where the Castle of Leiria was constructed. Concerning the stratigraphic-sedimentary component, from what was so far observed in the intervention carried out in the 3 sections researchers were able to identify that the sedimentary deposits of the area are composed, at the base, by marly and clayey layers (probably corresponding to the formations of the Dagorda Margas, from the Mesozoic), these are apparently "in situ" and are identified in the Geological Map (23C -Leiria).</p><p>It was not possible to identify layers of Neogene however, unconsolidated deposits were observed throughout the area with sedimentological characteristics which appear to be deposits of overburdening and flattening due to actions which took place in recent times. Most of the surface area of interest corresponds to the landform surface of the anthropic formation, where the deposits are thought to result from pottery activities (there is presence of clays and ceramics).</p><p>In the area of active archaeological intervention, coarser sediments were noted, but the more clastic deposits do not appear to have associated structures. So far it has not been possible to confirm the presence of a geological level to which the origin of the prehistoric archaeological material could be attributed.</p><p>Thus, the sampling program (sedimentological and palaeoenvironmental) will be oriented towards the recognition of possible natural Pleistocene layers (alluvial and fluvial deposits), the distinction between these, Mesozoic layers and layers of anthropic deposits. The methodology of sediment collection for geoarchaeological and palaeoclimatic purposes (in particular for sedimentological and palynological analyses) will follow established scientific procedures.  These analyses and further information about the terrain will only be possible with the help of sedimentological and palaeoenvironmental studies.</p>
The Quaternary and Prehistory Group of the Geocsciences Centre has developed research lines dedic... more The Quaternary and Prehistory Group of the Geocsciences Centre has developed research lines dedicated to the influence of climatic and environmental conditions in human behavioral dynamics during the Holocene. The research in the Alto Ribatejo (TEMPOAR I/II and Transition Landscapes projects) suggests a possible socio‑economic implication (adoption of agro‑pastoralism) due to the climatic fluctuations in the Holocene. A new project is being prepared, dedicated to the relationship between human behaviour and climate fluctuations. The starting point is the analysis of different bioregional realities (Brazil, Portugal, Spain) between the start of the Younger Dryas and the end of the Atlantic period, taking an interdisciplinary approach through archaeobotanic, archaeofaunistic and sedimentological studies.
Reconstruction of Pleistocene environments and processes in the sensitive geographical location o... more Reconstruction of Pleistocene environments and processes in the sensitive geographical location of westernmost Iberia, facing the North Atlantic Ocean, is crucial for understanding impacts on early human communities. We provide a characterization of the lowest terrace (T6) of the Lower Tejo River, at Vila Velha de Ródão (eastern central Portugal). This terrace comprises a lower gravel bed and an upper division consisting of fine to very fine sands and coarse silts. We have used a multidisciplinary approach, combining geomorphology, optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) dating, grain-size analysis and rock magnetism measurement, in order to provide new insights into the environmental changes coincident with the activity of the last Neanderthals in this region. In addition, we conducted palynological analysis, X-ray diffraction measurement and scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy dispersive spectra of the clay fraction and carbonate concretions. We discuss these new find...
RESUMO: A arte rupestre é o estudo dos padrões de antropização da paisagem e pode ser um importan... more RESUMO: A arte rupestre é o estudo dos padrões de antropização da paisagem e pode ser um importante contributo para uma aproximação ao universo sócio-cultural das comuni-dades pré-históricas. A arte esquemática pintada é parte do ciclo artístico pós-Paleolítico e uma das suas características é o tipo de técnica de execução. Um conjunto de diferentes estudos complementares está a ser realizado em vários abrigos pintados em Portugal. Ainda que o foco principal seja a caracterização mineralógica dos contextualização geológica e arqueológica dos processos de produção dos pigmentos; as-painéis pintados e o estudo dos processos de degradação das pinturas. Algumas das técnicas PALAVRAS-CHAVE: Arte esquemática pintada, Portugal, Arqueometria, Espectrometria Raman, pigmentos. ABSTRACT: Rock art is the study of landscape anthropization patterns and it can be an universe. Painted schematic art is part of the post-Palaeolithic artistic cycle and one of its main features is the type of execution...
Resumo A região do Alto Ribatejo (centro de Portugal) está sob a influência das condições climáti... more Resumo A região do Alto Ribatejo (centro de Portugal) está sob a influência das condições climáticas Mediterrânea e Atlântica. Nesta pequena região (~2.500 km 2), o Rio Tejo atravessa três unidades geomorfológicas, de paisagens muito diversificadas. Apre-senta-se uma síntese de trabalhos publicados e alguns dados sedimentológicos, pa-linológicos e arqueológicos obtidos e apresentados neste trabalho, referentes a vá-rios sítios datados dos últimos 25 mil anos. As análises sedimentológicas, aplicadas essencialmente em depósitos associados a sítios arqueológicos, parecem demonstrar a sequência da influência de variações climáticas e actividades antrópicas. Os dados arqueobotânicos sugerem modificações significativas durante o Holocénico, que po-derão estar relacionadas com as flutuações climáticas e/ou também com o crescente impacte humano sobre a paisagem com a adopção das actividades agro-pastoris.
Arqueologia em Portugal 2020 - Estado da Questão - Textos, 2020
Formulations of ‘value’, ‘identity’ and ‘place’ are discussed, according to M. Díaz-Andreu (2017:... more Formulations of ‘value’, ‘identity’ and ‘place’ are discussed, according to M. Díaz-Andreu (2017: 2-6) and P. G. Gould (2016: 1-18), as well as the terms in which a participatory and critical approach by the community on local cultural management is structured, grounded on the comparative selection of international heritage conventions
The Sessera valley is an under-populated Italian alpine valley located in the north-eastern Piedm... more The Sessera valley is an under-populated Italian alpine valley located in the north-eastern Piedmont (northwest Italy) between the provinces of Biella and Vercelli. We discuss the data obtained during the first and the second year of the project “Survey Alta Val Sessera” held in 2013 and in 2014 under the scientific direction of Soprintendenza Archeologia del Piemonte in collaboration with Associazione Culturale 3P e Progetto Preistoria Piemonte and DocBi e Centro Studi Biellesi that had as its main purpose the identification of new prehistoric human frequentations in the valley. The theoretical scheme employed starts from the one developed for Trentino and the South Tyrolean region (north-eastern Italy) by Broglio and Improta. During the campaigns, surveys in the Sessera and in the neighbouring Dolca valley have been carried out using the patterns of settlement and mobility in the alpine environment developed by Kompatscher and Kompatscher, in order to identify the most interesting areas to investigate. The most important results obtained during the first two survey campaigns indicate that the Sessera valley was occupied by human groups using knapped lithic industries made of local vein quartz. Another important result is the identification of a Late Ancient site located at high altitude (1642 m a.s.l.) along one of the ridge paths investigated. Even if the lithic findings have no diagnostic elements for a precise chronological positioning, the importance of the data obtained consists mainly in having successfully tested a method of research aimed at identifying human frequentations at high altitude in this part of Piedmont, where no comparable research has been carried out until now.
POSTER Congress: International Meeting on Paleoclimate: Change and Adaptation. Coimbra (Portugal)... more POSTER Congress: International Meeting on Paleoclimate: Change and Adaptation. Coimbra (Portugal), 18 to 19 June 2019. 18/06/2019 – 19/06/2019. Poster: Ferreira C, Vis GJ, Burjachs F & Rosina P. ‘Holocene palaeoenvironmental records in the Lower Tagus Valley (Portugal)’.
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(northwest Italy) between the provinces of Biella and Vercelli. We discuss the data obtained during the
first and the second year of the project “Survey Alta Val Sessera” held in 2013 and in 2014 under the
scientific direction of Soprintendenza Archeologia del Piemonte in collaboration with Associazione Culturale
3P e Progetto Preistoria Piemonte and DocBi e Centro Studi Biellesi that had as its main purpose the
identification of new prehistoric human frequentations in the valley. The theoretical scheme employed
starts from the one developed for Trentino and the South Tyrolean region (north-eastern Italy) by Broglio
and Improta. During the campaigns, surveys in the Sessera and in the neighbouring Dolca valley have
been carried out using the patterns of settlement and mobility in the alpine environment developed by
Kompatscher and Kompatscher, in order to identify the most interesting areas to investigate. The most
important results obtained during the first two survey campaigns indicate that the Sessera valley was
occupied by human groups using knapped lithic industries made of local vein quartz. Another important
result is the identification of a Late Ancient site located at high altitude (1642 m a.s.l.) along one of the
ridge paths investigated. Even if the lithic findings have no diagnostic elements for a precise chronological
positioning, the importance of the data obtained consists mainly in having successfully tested a
method of research aimed at identifying human frequentations at high altitude in this part of Piedmont,
where no comparable research has been carried out until now.
Poster: Ferreira C, Vis GJ, Burjachs F & Rosina P. ‘Holocene palaeoenvironmental records in the Lower Tagus Valley (Portugal)’.
(northwest Italy) between the provinces of Biella and Vercelli. We discuss the data obtained during the
first and the second year of the project “Survey Alta Val Sessera” held in 2013 and in 2014 under the
scientific direction of Soprintendenza Archeologia del Piemonte in collaboration with Associazione Culturale
3P e Progetto Preistoria Piemonte and DocBi e Centro Studi Biellesi that had as its main purpose the
identification of new prehistoric human frequentations in the valley. The theoretical scheme employed
starts from the one developed for Trentino and the South Tyrolean region (north-eastern Italy) by Broglio
and Improta. During the campaigns, surveys in the Sessera and in the neighbouring Dolca valley have
been carried out using the patterns of settlement and mobility in the alpine environment developed by
Kompatscher and Kompatscher, in order to identify the most interesting areas to investigate. The most
important results obtained during the first two survey campaigns indicate that the Sessera valley was
occupied by human groups using knapped lithic industries made of local vein quartz. Another important
result is the identification of a Late Ancient site located at high altitude (1642 m a.s.l.) along one of the
ridge paths investigated. Even if the lithic findings have no diagnostic elements for a precise chronological
positioning, the importance of the data obtained consists mainly in having successfully tested a
method of research aimed at identifying human frequentations at high altitude in this part of Piedmont,
where no comparable research has been carried out until now.
Poster: Ferreira C, Vis GJ, Burjachs F & Rosina P. ‘Holocene palaeoenvironmental records in the Lower Tagus Valley (Portugal)’.