Polymorphism and polysemy of walls and enclosures in Chalcolithic Estremadura: new evidence from a century of research

DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.19821032

Abstract

This study revisits the Chalcolithic walled settlements of the Portuguese Estremadura, integrating historical data with results from recent field surveys and excavations. The research combined LiDAR surveys, aerial photogrammetry, field prospection, and targeted test pits, enabling a detailed approach of morphology, stratigraphy, and construction polymorphisms. The sites of Moinho do Custódio and Castelo / Passo (Arruda dos Vinhos) Ota and Pedra d'Ouro (Alenquer), and Paço (Lourinhã/Peniche) were analysed, allowing for the characterization of architectonic typologies, internal structures, and absolute chronologies. The results reveal differentiated functions, contributing to a redefinition of the concept of "fortified settlement" and providing new prespectives on territorial organisation during the 3rd millennium BC, and subsequent phases.