The Prehistoric settlement of Leceia (OEIRAS). Results of the excavations of 1983-1993

Abstract

ln the course of the last four decades, investigations of the Copper Age of the Lower Estremadura, situated roughly between the parallels of Torres Vedras and of the Sado estuary, have produced an extensive, albeit dispersed and heteroclitous group of elements concerning habitats and necropoles. However, the absence of a coherent overview, both in the treatment of such accumulated evidence and the gathering of fresh information through the excavations that have been taking place continuously, has prevented, until now, a demonstration of the strong identity and cultural originality of the region in the Copper Age.

The results obtained place Leceia among the most important sites for the understanding of the genesis and development of the peninsular societies of the Copper Age.