João Fonte
University of Exeter, Archaeology, Post-Doc
- Iron Age Iberian Peninsula (Archaeology), Late Iron Age (Archaeology), Aerial Archaeology, Archaeological Method & Theory, Remote Sensing, Archaeology of Roman Hispania, and 55 moreRemote sensing and GIS applications in Landscape Research, Remote sensing and GIS, Social Archaeology, Prehistoric Archaeology, Political Anthropology, Archaeology, Archaeological GIS, Material Culture Studies, Landscape Archaeology, Prehistoric Settlement, Roman Settlement, Political Economy, Postcolonial Studies, Heritage Studies, Agency Structure, Digital Archaeology, Cultural Landscapes, LiDAR, Geo-spatial analysis with GIS and GPS, Geomatics, Spatial Analysis, Spatial archaeology, LiDAR for topographic mapping, Hyperspectral Scanning, Oppida, LiDAR for Landscape Archaeology, Archaeometry, Anthropology, Cultural Theory, Cultural Heritage Management, Archaeological Theory, Ethnoarchaeology, Arqueología De La Arquitectura, Digital Photogrammetry applied to Archaeology, Journal of Archaeological Science, Idade do Ferro, Sistemas de Informação Geográfica, Arqueologia Da Paisagem, Geoarchaeology, Mediterranean archaeology, Bronze Age Europe (Archaeology), Rock Art (Archaeology), Iberian Prehistory (Archaeology), Castros Em Tras Os Montes, Experimental Archaeology, Public Archaeology, Late Bronze Age archaeology, Archaeology of ethnicity, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Iron Age, Tin Mining and Metallurgy, Tin Mining, Structure from Motion, Archeology of Roman mining, and Roman Archaeologyedit
(ENG) The landscape is a product of each particular society’s ways of being, thinking and acting. The landscape we see in Galicia today is the result of our ways of being, thinking and acting, but also those of the people who lived here... more
(ENG) The landscape is a product of each particular society’s ways of being, thinking and acting. The landscape we see in Galicia today is the result of our ways of being, thinking and acting, but also those of the people who lived here in the past. Many of the things that we consider to be the most typical elements of the Galician landscape are a product or effect of human action, and not only of what we refer to as “nature”. This book is a kind of archaeological “atlas” of the cultural landscapes of Galicia, and here we say ‘a kind’ because it is not an atlas in the conventional sense, containing a series of maps: instead, what this book does is to describe the different types of landscape that appeared over much of the history of what is now Galicia, from late prehistory (beginning of the Neolithic) to mediaeval times. The story begins with what we know as the traditional landscape. It identifies its typical elements that are present or missing from the landscapes that preceded it, and which helped to create it. And so, archaeological landscapes are something that does not exist; their remains are either largely incorporated in subsequent forms of the landscape, or lie lost and forgotten (“invisible”) beneath them. It is precisely for this reason that we refer to them as “archaeological landscapes”. The narrative we present here is a human story from the Anthropocene period, a concept that defines a new geological stage marked by human influence of the Earth’s different systems, a stage in which sociocultural action has actively altered the world, replacing a natural environment with an increasingly artificial cultural environment. THIS PDF DOCUMENT IS A SELECTION OF SOME PAGES OF THE TEXT TO GIVE AN OVERALL IMPRESSION OF THE BOOK CONTENTS.
(SP): El paisaje es un producto de las formas de ser, de estar, de pensar y de actuar propias de cada sociedad. El paisaje gallego actual es el resultado de nuestras formas de ser, estar, pensar y actuar. Pero también lo es de las de todas aquellas personas que nos precedieron en el tiempo. Muchas cosas que consideramos características del paisaje de Galicia son el producto o el efecto de la acción humana, no sólo de eso que llamamos “naturaleza”. Este libro es una especie de “atlas” arqueológico de los paisajes culturales de Galicia. Y decimos “una especie” porque no es un atlas en el sentido convencional de conjunto de mapas. Lo que hace este libro es describir las diferentes formas de paisaje que se sucedieron a lo largo de una parte de la historia de lo que hoy llamamos Galicia, en concreto desde la prehistoria reciente (desde el inicio del periodo que se denomina “neolítico”) hasta la época medieval. El relato parte del paisaje tradicional de Galicia para, a continuación, descubrir los elementos típicos de este paisaje y ver cuáles estaban presentes –o ausentes- en los paisajes que lo precedieron y que contribuyeron a su conformación. Los paisajes arqueológicos son algo que no existe. Sus restos, o bien se incorporaron en gran medida a las formas posteriores de paisaje, o bien subyacen relictos y olvidados (“invisibilizados”) bajo éstas. Por eso precisamente llamamos a esos paisajes “arqueológicos”. La historia que hacemos aquí es una historia humana del antropoceno, un concepto cada vez más utilizado para definir una nueva etapa geológico que está marcada por la dominación humana de los sistemas de la Tierra, una etapa en la que la dinámica socioecultura modifica activamente el mundo y sustituye un medio natural por un medio cultural y cada vez más artificial. ESTE DOCUMENTO PDF ES UNA SEPARATA CON LA SELECCIÓN DE ALGUNAS PÁGINAS DEL LIBRO PARA DAR UNA IMPRESIÓN GENERAL DE SUS CONTENIDOS Y FORMATO.
(SP): El paisaje es un producto de las formas de ser, de estar, de pensar y de actuar propias de cada sociedad. El paisaje gallego actual es el resultado de nuestras formas de ser, estar, pensar y actuar. Pero también lo es de las de todas aquellas personas que nos precedieron en el tiempo. Muchas cosas que consideramos características del paisaje de Galicia son el producto o el efecto de la acción humana, no sólo de eso que llamamos “naturaleza”. Este libro es una especie de “atlas” arqueológico de los paisajes culturales de Galicia. Y decimos “una especie” porque no es un atlas en el sentido convencional de conjunto de mapas. Lo que hace este libro es describir las diferentes formas de paisaje que se sucedieron a lo largo de una parte de la historia de lo que hoy llamamos Galicia, en concreto desde la prehistoria reciente (desde el inicio del periodo que se denomina “neolítico”) hasta la época medieval. El relato parte del paisaje tradicional de Galicia para, a continuación, descubrir los elementos típicos de este paisaje y ver cuáles estaban presentes –o ausentes- en los paisajes que lo precedieron y que contribuyeron a su conformación. Los paisajes arqueológicos son algo que no existe. Sus restos, o bien se incorporaron en gran medida a las formas posteriores de paisaje, o bien subyacen relictos y olvidados (“invisibilizados”) bajo éstas. Por eso precisamente llamamos a esos paisajes “arqueológicos”. La historia que hacemos aquí es una historia humana del antropoceno, un concepto cada vez más utilizado para definir una nueva etapa geológico que está marcada por la dominación humana de los sistemas de la Tierra, una etapa en la que la dinámica socioecultura modifica activamente el mundo y sustituye un medio natural por un medio cultural y cada vez más artificial. ESTE DOCUMENTO PDF ES UNA SEPARATA CON LA SELECCIÓN DE ALGUNAS PÁGINAS DEL LIBRO PARA DAR UNA IMPRESIÓN GENERAL DE SUS CONTENIDOS Y FORMATO.
Research Interests:
No sítio de As Muradellas, Espanha, encontrou-se uma escória composta essencialmente por estanho (Sn) e tungsténio (W) duma possível plataforma de processamento metalúrgico que, juntamente com os teores de Sn analisados em sedimentos... more
No sítio de As Muradellas, Espanha, encontrou-se uma escória composta essencialmente por estanho (Sn) e tungsténio (W) duma possível plataforma de processamento metalúrgico que, juntamente com os teores de Sn analisados em sedimentos colhidos in situ, sugere, embora sem absoluta certeza, que este local terá sido minerado para o estanho na antiguidade.
Atualmente sabe-se muito pouco sobre o impacto que a cassiterite (SnO2) ibérica teve na produção de estanho no ocidente europeu durante o período pré-industrial. Neste estudo, pretende-se apresentar um pouco do trabalho preliminar em curso no âmbito do projeto IberianTin, cujo objetivo é aumentar esse conhecimento através do estudo de antigas minas de estanho na Península Ibérica.
Atualmente sabe-se muito pouco sobre o impacto que a cassiterite (SnO2) ibérica teve na produção de estanho no ocidente europeu durante o período pré-industrial. Neste estudo, pretende-se apresentar um pouco do trabalho preliminar em curso no âmbito do projeto IberianTin, cujo objetivo é aumentar esse conhecimento através do estudo de antigas minas de estanho na Península Ibérica.
Research Interests:
Generally seen as natural peripheries, upland landscapes present particular challenges both in terms of living, and of recording past human activity within. LiDAR (light detection and ranging) technology has now brought considerable... more
Generally seen as natural peripheries, upland landscapes present particular challenges both in terms of living, and of recording past human activity within. LiDAR (light detection and ranging) technology has now brought considerable improvement in our ability to record and map surviving archaeological features, but not necessarily increased our appreciation of local agency. Though the iconic landscape around the Iron Age Dacian capital of Sarmizegetusa Regia (Romania) and its Roman conquest have long caught the attention of specialists and the wider public, both previous research and more recent results from an airborne LiDAR survey leave considerable gaps in our understanding of networking potential across this challenging landscape. Based on LiDAR and satellite-generated high- and mid-resolution topographic data, our paper employs an innovative combination of GIS (geographic information system) spatial analysis tools to examine the spatial relationships between Roman military bases, Dacian targets, and the wider landscape as an integral part of a wider interdisciplinary archaeological research. This helped us formulate and test spatial and historical hypotheses, according to which all known and potential Roman military bases in the study area functioned as part of a system where each contributed individual advantages in securing their domination across the landscape. Our research highlighted the advantages and challenges for Comărnicelu as one of the key Roman logistical nodes, and for the attackers at Şesului and Muncelu working in tandem to besiege and subdue Sarmizegetusa Regia. Our study raises doubts with respect of the fall and destruction of the hillfort at Vârfu lui Hulpe as a result of a Roman siege, making space for alternative political narratives. Ultimately, our findings help build a better understanding of this iconic world heritage landscape and its Roman conquest.
Research Interests:
O planalto dos Chões de Alpompé, em Santarém, foi, pelo menos desde os anos 50 do século XX, alvo de numerosos trabalhos de prospeção e até de campanhas de escavação e acompanhamento de obras agrícolas. Tais trabalhos proporcionaram a... more
O planalto dos Chões de Alpompé, em Santarém, foi, pelo menos desde os anos 50 do século XX, alvo de numerosos trabalhos de prospeção e até de campanhas de escavação e acompanhamento de obras agrícolas. Tais trabalhos proporcionaram a recolha de inúmeros materiais arqueológicos, muitos dos quais já publicados, que deixam antever uma relevante ocupação humana durante a Idade do Ferro e época Romano-Republicana. Todavia, a definição dos seus sistemas defensivos foi sempre difícil, situação que resulta em grande parte da densa cobertura florestal que o cobre. A recente disponibilidade, para esta zona do baixo Vale do Tejo, de dados de laser aéreo, bem como a sua combinação com fotografia aérea histórica, permitiu identificar e mapear novas estruturas arqueológicas que autorizam uma visão renovada sobre as estruturas do sítio. Esta leitura tem também em consideração os recentes dados obtidos nas intervenções arqueológicas de escavação e acompanhamento decorridas entre 2015 e 2018, que permitiram esclarecer algumas questões relevantes sobre estes sistemas defensivos.
Research Interests:
A PENAPARDA (A FONSAGRADA, LUGO - SANTALLA, ASTURIAS): ARCHAEOLOGICAL STUDY OF A ROMAN CAMP IN THE WESTERNMOST AREA OF THE CANTABRIAN MOUNTAINS This paper presents the results of the archaeological campaign carried out in 2017 at the... more
A PENAPARDA (A FONSAGRADA, LUGO - SANTALLA, ASTURIAS): ARCHAEOLOGICAL STUDY OF A ROMAN CAMP IN THE WESTERNMOST
AREA OF THE CANTABRIAN MOUNTAINS
This paper presents the results of the archaeological campaign carried out in 2017 at the archaeological site of A Penaparda, a playing-card shaped Roman camp (ca. 10 ha) located on the border between A Fonsagrada (Lugo) and Santalla (Asturias). Following a previous archaeological survey of the Ouroso-Penouta Mountains where remote sensing techniques were used, this campaign comprised the integral survey of the archaeological structures –both on the surface and using remote sensing tools–, the artefact and metal surveying of some sections of the site, and the excavation of an exploratory trench to better characterise and date the sites’ defences. These tasks, financed by the Concello da Fonsagrada, allowed us to validate our initial hypotheses about the site and to relate this enclosure with other camps located in Eastern Galicia and western Asturias.Key words: Roman army, camp, NW Iberia, Cantabrian Mountains, archaeological survey, remote sensing.
AREA OF THE CANTABRIAN MOUNTAINS
This paper presents the results of the archaeological campaign carried out in 2017 at the archaeological site of A Penaparda, a playing-card shaped Roman camp (ca. 10 ha) located on the border between A Fonsagrada (Lugo) and Santalla (Asturias). Following a previous archaeological survey of the Ouroso-Penouta Mountains where remote sensing techniques were used, this campaign comprised the integral survey of the archaeological structures –both on the surface and using remote sensing tools–, the artefact and metal surveying of some sections of the site, and the excavation of an exploratory trench to better characterise and date the sites’ defences. These tasks, financed by the Concello da Fonsagrada, allowed us to validate our initial hypotheses about the site and to relate this enclosure with other camps located in Eastern Galicia and western Asturias.Key words: Roman army, camp, NW Iberia, Cantabrian Mountains, archaeological survey, remote sensing.
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
Traditionally, the study of the Roman military presence in Galicia (Spain) and Northern Portugal has been based on the fragmentary documentation offered by Greek and Latin authors or epigraphy, with archaeology occupying a very secondary... more
Traditionally, the study of the Roman military presence in Galicia (Spain) and Northern Portugal has been based on the fragmentary documentation offered by Greek and Latin authors or epigraphy, with archaeology occupying a very secondary place in these historical narratives. In particular, the information is very scarce for the period between the 2 nd century BCE and 1 st century CE, when these territories were conquered and integrated into the Roman world. This work presents new Roman military sites discovered through an integrated methodology involving an intensive application of remote sensing techniques in order to provide information to foster a paradigm shift in this field of study. Distributed over a wide geographical area and displaying a wide morpho-typological and locational diversity, this new archaeological evidence not only reflects the ability of the Roman army to adapt to local natural and cultural environments, but also reveals a major operational and logistical assortment that may relate to the diachronic nature of the military presence in the region.
Research Interests:
GIS-based digital modelling tools, such as the well-known least cost paths (LCP), have been widely used in archaeology in recent years as ways of approaching forms of mobility in the past. Roman roads are among the best-known examples of... more
GIS-based digital modelling tools, such as the well-known least cost paths (LCP), have been widely used in archaeology in recent years as ways of approaching forms of mobility in the past. Roman roads are among the best-known examples of ancient networks of paths and have been widely studied using such approaches. In this paper, we shall make a general reflection on the applicability of those tools for the modelling and analysis of ancient routes, with a special focus on Roman roads. Drawing from a case study in the NW Iberian Peninsula, we shall discuss certain aspects related to the potential and limits of Cumulative Costs, LCP and other related tools for the modelling and analysis of ancient roads. We will illustrate how the use of tools which explore potential mobility in less restricted ways can help to overcome some of the limitations of LCP.
Research Interests:
COSTA GARCÍA, J. M.; BLANCO-ROTEA, R.; GAGO MARIÑO, M. & FONTE, J. (2015): "Novedades sobre la presencia del ejército romano en el occidente galaico". J. Camino Mayor, E. Peralta Labrador & J. F. Torres Martínez (Eds.), Las Guerras... more
COSTA GARCÍA, J. M.; BLANCO-ROTEA, R.; GAGO MARIÑO, M. & FONTE, J. (2015): "Novedades sobre la presencia del ejército romano en el occidente galaico". J. Camino Mayor, E. Peralta Labrador & J. F. Torres Martínez (Eds.), Las Guerras Astur-Cántabras. Gijón: KRK Ediciones: 285-289.
ABSTRACT
The aim of this short paper is to report some sites discovered during the developing of research projects not linked with Roman military archaeology. All of them are located in modern-day Galicia, a marginal region of when compared to the discoveries that have taken place in recent decades in the Astur and Cantabrian areas. The use of a specific methodology involving geospatial technologies has been vital to this end.
PS. Soon after the publishing of this paper (mid. 2015), the Valadouro enclosure was considered a false positive and it has not been included in any further work (vid. https://www.academia.edu/37679226/The_Presence_of_the_Roman_Army_in_North-Western_Hispania_New_Archaeological_Data_from_Ancient_Asturias_and_Galicia).
La intención de esta noticia es dar a conocer una serie de yacimientos descubiertos en su mayoría en el marco de investigaciones que poco o nada tienen que ver con la arqueología militar romana. Todos ellos se sitúan en el occidente galaico, una región que hasta la fecha se había mantenido un tanto al margen de los descubrimientos que se han producido en la últimas décadas en los ámbitos ástur y cántabro, mediante el empleo de una metodología específica en la que el uso de las nuevas tecnologías geoespaciales adquiere un notable peso específico.
PD. Poco después de esta publicación, el recinto de Valadouro se consideró un falso positivo y no ha sido incluido en ulteriores trabajos (vid. https://www.academia.edu/37679226/The_Presence_of_the_Roman_Army_in_North-Western_Hispania_New_Archaeological_Data_from_Ancient_Asturias_and_Galicia).
ABSTRACT
The aim of this short paper is to report some sites discovered during the developing of research projects not linked with Roman military archaeology. All of them are located in modern-day Galicia, a marginal region of when compared to the discoveries that have taken place in recent decades in the Astur and Cantabrian areas. The use of a specific methodology involving geospatial technologies has been vital to this end.
PS. Soon after the publishing of this paper (mid. 2015), the Valadouro enclosure was considered a false positive and it has not been included in any further work (vid. https://www.academia.edu/37679226/The_Presence_of_the_Roman_Army_in_North-Western_Hispania_New_Archaeological_Data_from_Ancient_Asturias_and_Galicia).
La intención de esta noticia es dar a conocer una serie de yacimientos descubiertos en su mayoría en el marco de investigaciones que poco o nada tienen que ver con la arqueología militar romana. Todos ellos se sitúan en el occidente galaico, una región que hasta la fecha se había mantenido un tanto al margen de los descubrimientos que se han producido en la últimas décadas en los ámbitos ástur y cántabro, mediante el empleo de una metodología específica en la que el uso de las nuevas tecnologías geoespaciales adquiere un notable peso específico.
PD. Poco después de esta publicación, el recinto de Valadouro se consideró un falso positivo y no ha sido incluido en ulteriores trabajos (vid. https://www.academia.edu/37679226/The_Presence_of_the_Roman_Army_in_North-Western_Hispania_New_Archaeological_Data_from_Ancient_Asturias_and_Galicia).
Research Interests:
Since the last decade of the 20th century, Roman military archaeology in Spain has been revolutionized. In this period methodology has evolved and several sites have been discovered, mainly in the northern section of the River Duero basin... more
Since the last decade of the 20th century, Roman military archaeology in Spain has been revolutionized. In this period methodology has evolved and several sites have been discovered, mainly in the northern section of the River Duero basin and in the mountainous areas of Cantabria and Asturias. Some of these sites could be linked with the campaigns of Augustus in Hispania; others might explain pre- and post-war scenarios in the transition from the Late Republic to the Early Empire. Our aim in this paper is to present the new military sites discovered in the westernmost part of this region through geospatial technologies in combination with field surveying
Research Interests: Archaeology, Classical Archaeology, LiDAR, Conflict Archaeology, Roman military archaeology, and 9 moreRoman Army, Archaeology of the Iberian Peninsula, Archaeology of Roman Hispania, Roman Limes, LiDAR for Landscape Archaeology, Hispania romana, LiDAR for Archaeology, Northwest Iberia, and Roman Archaeology
Menéndez Blanco, Andrés; Costa-García, José Manuel; González Álvarez, David; Álvarez Martínez, Valentín and Fonte, João (2018): «Los campamentos romanos de Cueiru y El Xuegu la Bola na vía de La Mesa. Resultaos de la campaña del 2016».... more
Menéndez Blanco, Andrés; Costa-García, José Manuel; González Álvarez, David; Álvarez Martínez, Valentín and Fonte, João (2018): «Los campamentos romanos de Cueiru y El Xuegu la Bola na vía de La Mesa. Resultaos de la campaña del 2016». In: León Gasalla, Pablo (ed.), Excavaciones Arqueológicas en Asturias 2013-2016. Oviedo: Consejería de Educación y Cultura, Principado de Asturias; Ediciones Trabe, 273-282.
Research Interests:
Airborne laser scanning (ALS) data is increasingly distributed freely for ever larger territories, albeit usually in only low resolution. This data source is extensively used in archaeology; however, various remains of past human... more
Airborne laser scanning (ALS) data is increasingly distributed freely for ever larger territories, albeit usually in only low resolution. This data source is extensively used in archaeology; however, various remains of past human activities are not recorded in sufficient detail, or are missing completely. The main purpose of this paper is to present a cost-effective approach providing reliable and accurate 3D documentation of the deserted medieval settlement of Hound Tor, a complex site consisting of preserved stone building walls and field system remains. The proposed procedure integrates ALS data with structure from motion (SfM) photogrammetry into a single data source (point cloud). Taking advantage of the benefits of both techniques (reclassified ALS data documents the hinterland, while SfM records the residential area in high detail), an enhanced 3D model has been created surpassing the available ALS data and reflecting the actual state of preserved features. The final outputs will help with the management of the site, its presentation to the general public, and also to enrich understanding of it. As both data sources are currently easily accessible and the proposed procedure has only limited budget requirements, it can be easily adopted and applied extensively (e.g., for virtual preservation of threatened complex sites and areas).
Research Interests:
[POR] Neste trabalho apresentamos e abrimos a debate uma proposta metodológica para a deteção e estudo de sítios arqueológicos relacionados com a presença militar romana no Noroeste Ibérico. A metodologia baseia-se no uso combinado de... more
[POR] Neste trabalho apresentamos e abrimos a debate uma proposta metodológica para a deteção e estudo de sítios arqueológicos relacionados com a presença militar romana no Noroeste Ibérico. A metodologia baseia-se no uso combinado de ferramentas de fácil acesso para qualquer investigador, desde a análise da fotogra a aérea, cartogra a, toponímia e tradição oral até à prospeção de campo. A isto justa-se a recente disponibilidade em aberto de dados LiDAR em Espanha. Consideramos as potencialidades destas técnicas em distintos tipos de terreno, comprovando-se a sua e ciência para a investigação arqueológica. Finalmente, oferecem-se algumas propostas para a divulgação do património arqueológico associado ao exército romano e aos processos históricos relacionados com a sua presença.
[ENG] In this work we present a methodology for the detection and study of archaeological sites related to the Roman military presence in Northwest Iberia. e methodology is based on the combined use of easily accessible tools for any researcher, from aerial photo analysis, cartography, place-names and oral tradition to eld survey. e recent availability of LiDAR data in Spain must be added to the resources previously mentioned. We consider the potential of these techniques in di erent types of terrain, proving their e ciency for archaeological research. Finally, we present and discuss some proposals for the dissemination of the archaeological heritage associated with the Roman army and historical processes related to their presence.
[ENG] In this work we present a methodology for the detection and study of archaeological sites related to the Roman military presence in Northwest Iberia. e methodology is based on the combined use of easily accessible tools for any researcher, from aerial photo analysis, cartography, place-names and oral tradition to eld survey. e recent availability of LiDAR data in Spain must be added to the resources previously mentioned. We consider the potential of these techniques in di erent types of terrain, proving their e ciency for archaeological research. Finally, we present and discuss some proposals for the dissemination of the archaeological heritage associated with the Roman army and historical processes related to their presence.
Research Interests: Archaeology, Classical Archaeology, Roman History, Remote Sensing, Aerial Archaeology, and 23 moreLandscape Archaeology, Portuguese History, Archaeological Method & Theory, LiDAR, Archaeological GIS, Remote Sensing (Earth Sciences), Roman military archaeology, Roman military history, Remote sensing and GIS applications in Landscape Research, Roman Army, Remote sensing and GIS, Remote Sensing (Archaeology), Portuguese Archaeology, Archaeological Prospection, Archaeology of Roman Hispania, GIS and Landscape Archaeology, Hispania, Remote Sensing & GIS, LiDAR for Landscape Archaeology, Galician archaeology, Hispania romana, Roman Archaeology, and Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
[POR] Lino Tavares Dias e António Baptista Lopes referem a existência de um acampamento militar romano no alto da Serra do Marão, de nido por um recinto rectangular, ao qual estaria associado uma torre de planta quadrangular. Este... more
[POR] Lino Tavares Dias e António Baptista Lopes referem a existência de um acampamento militar romano no alto da Serra do Marão, de nido por um recinto rectangular, ao qual estaria
associado uma torre de planta quadrangular. Este possível acampamento foi como tal identificado por uma inscrição gravada sobre um penedo que se localiza nas proximidades onde supostamente se lê Castra Oresbi. A exiguidade dos dados arqueológicos apresentados levou-nos a realizar uma
revisão integral das evidências disponíveis através de pesquisa bibliográfica, prospeção arqueológica, aplicação de tecnologias geoespaciais e análise epigráfica. O objetivo deste trabalho passa por
avaliar o verdadeiro potencial arqueológico da zona e propor a sua reinterpretação.
Palavras-chave: Arqueologia; Epigra a; Fotogrametria; Deteção Remota.
[ENG] Lino Tavares Dias and António Baptista Lopes both report the existence of a Roman military camp on the summit of the Marão Mountain, defined by a rectangular enclosure, to which it would be
associated a quadrangular tower. It is possible camp have been identified as such by a rock-cut inscription located nearby, where supposedly one can read Castra Oresbi. The paucity of the existent archaeological data led us to conduct a full review of the available evidences through bibliographic research, archaeological
prospection, the application of geospatial technologies and epigraphic analysis. The objective of this work is to assess the true archaeological potential of the area and to propose its reinterpretation.
Keywords: Archaeology; Epigraphy; Photogrammetry; Remote sensing.
associado uma torre de planta quadrangular. Este possível acampamento foi como tal identificado por uma inscrição gravada sobre um penedo que se localiza nas proximidades onde supostamente se lê Castra Oresbi. A exiguidade dos dados arqueológicos apresentados levou-nos a realizar uma
revisão integral das evidências disponíveis através de pesquisa bibliográfica, prospeção arqueológica, aplicação de tecnologias geoespaciais e análise epigráfica. O objetivo deste trabalho passa por
avaliar o verdadeiro potencial arqueológico da zona e propor a sua reinterpretação.
Palavras-chave: Arqueologia; Epigra a; Fotogrametria; Deteção Remota.
[ENG] Lino Tavares Dias and António Baptista Lopes both report the existence of a Roman military camp on the summit of the Marão Mountain, defined by a rectangular enclosure, to which it would be
associated a quadrangular tower. It is possible camp have been identified as such by a rock-cut inscription located nearby, where supposedly one can read Castra Oresbi. The paucity of the existent archaeological data led us to conduct a full review of the available evidences through bibliographic research, archaeological
prospection, the application of geospatial technologies and epigraphic analysis. The objective of this work is to assess the true archaeological potential of the area and to propose its reinterpretation.
Keywords: Archaeology; Epigraphy; Photogrammetry; Remote sensing.
Research Interests:
Provenance and production of tin in the Ancient World has since long been a major topic of discussion among archaeologists. In Western Europe, where significant tin ore (cassiterite) deposits are known, only a few remains of ancient tin... more
Provenance and production of tin in the Ancient World has since long been a major topic of discussion among archaeologists. In Western Europe, where significant tin ore (cassiterite) deposits are known, only a few remains of ancient tin production, such as tin slags, have been detected. In the present work, elemental and microstructural analyses by WDXRF, SEM-EDS and XRD were performed on recently recognised tin slags from the Iron Age Carvalhelhos hillfort located in NW Iberia, a territory that represents the largest extension with tin mineralisation in Western Europe. Elemental and microstructural characterisation of cassiterite collected in a pilot field survey in the region of the hillfort are presented and discussed, as well as two ceramic fragments that could be part of a smelting structure and an iron slag from the settlement. Results show that the tin slags have variable but high contents in Sn, similarly to Pre-Medieval tin slags found in other Western European areas, but also high contents of Ta and Nb, which specifically distinguish them from other tin slags, such as those found in SW Britain. Tin ores from the hillfort region frequently have Ta and Nb in cassiterite solid solution or as inclusions of columbite group minerals, relating well with the Carvalhelhos tin slags. Up to present, the Carvalhelhos slags are amongst the very few ancient tin slags known in Western Europe, and their study can contribute to a better knowledge on ancient tin sources and trade routes.
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La vinculación entre la minería del estaño y el agua, y su expresión en el paisaje, ha sido una vía de investigación poco explorada en el contexto peninsular. A pesar de la constante atribución de una gran riqueza estannífera al noroeste... more
La vinculación entre la minería del estaño y el agua, y su expresión en el paisaje, ha sido una vía de investigación poco explorada en el contexto peninsular. A pesar de la constante atribución de una gran riqueza estannífera al noroeste ibérico y el reconocimiento de la explotación de estos recursos desde la antigüedad, los intentos de caracterización de este potencial han sido muy desiguales. En cuanto a la caracterización de criaderos de estaño o trabajos de explotación, si bien se conocen algunas aproximaciones a la minería subterránea o al lavado en las escombreras de enclaves mineros, no se han estudiado los posibles indicios del laboreo de recursos mediante técnicas que implican la utilización de corrientes de agua y decantación (stream-works). En este trabajo presentamos las potencialidades de investigación de los paisajes del agua vinculados a la captación de estaño mediante la aplicación de un conjunto de metodologías, así como su posible vinculación con el poblamiento del territorio desde la prehistoria reciente, y con el origen de la metalurgia del bronce y el desarrollo social de estas comunidades a lo largo de la historia. Al mismo tiempo presentamos estos recursos como potenciales elementos para la articulación de itinerarios culturales transfronterizos y el desarrollo sostenible en áreas rurales.
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The link between tin mining and water, and its expression in the landscape, has been a research path unexplored in the peninsular context. Despite the constant attribution of a stanniferous wealth to the northwestern Iberia and the recognition of the exploitation of these resources since antiquity, attempts to characterize this potential has been very uneven. While some approaches for the characterization of tin ore deposits and possible ancient underground mining works or washing tailings from these mining sites are known, possible indications of tillage of resources through techniques involving use of water currents and settling (stream-works) has not been studied. This paper presents the potential of research on water landscapes associated with tin exploitation by applying a set of methodologies and their possible connection with the settlement of the territory from the late prehistory, and the origin of bronze metallurgy and social development of these Iberian communities throughout history. At the same time we present these resources as potential elements for joint cross-border cultural itineraries and interactions, as well as for sustainable development in rural areas.
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The link between tin mining and water, and its expression in the landscape, has been a research path unexplored in the peninsular context. Despite the constant attribution of a stanniferous wealth to the northwestern Iberia and the recognition of the exploitation of these resources since antiquity, attempts to characterize this potential has been very uneven. While some approaches for the characterization of tin ore deposits and possible ancient underground mining works or washing tailings from these mining sites are known, possible indications of tillage of resources through techniques involving use of water currents and settling (stream-works) has not been studied. This paper presents the potential of research on water landscapes associated with tin exploitation by applying a set of methodologies and their possible connection with the settlement of the territory from the late prehistory, and the origin of bronze metallurgy and social development of these Iberian communities throughout history. At the same time we present these resources as potential elements for joint cross-border cultural itineraries and interactions, as well as for sustainable development in rural areas.
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Com este trabalho pretendemos apresentar três novas zonas mineiras auríferas e estanhíferas de época Romana no alto vale do Tâmega (concelhos de Montalegre e Boticas, Norte de Portugal). Através de uma metodologia interdisciplinar,... more
Com este trabalho pretendemos apresentar três novas zonas mineiras auríferas e estanhíferas de época Romana no alto vale do Tâmega (concelhos de Montalegre e Boticas, Norte de Portugal). Através de uma metodologia interdisciplinar, integrando diferentes métodos e técnicas arqueológicas, geológicas e geoespaciais, realizamos uma análise e caracterização destas zonas mineiras. No final, efetuamos algumas considerações históricas sobre as mesmas.
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El castro de Outeiro Lesenho (Boticas, norte de Portugal) es el único poblado fortificado de la Edad del Hierro en el Noroeste Peninsular en el que han aparecido cuatro estatuas de guerreros galaicos. Todavía persisten algunas dudas sobre... more
El castro de Outeiro Lesenho (Boticas, norte de Portugal) es el único poblado fortificado de la Edad del Hierro en el Noroeste Peninsular en el que han aparecido cuatro estatuas de guerreros galaicos. Todavía persisten algunas dudas sobre la procedencia de las mismas, debido a que estas no fueron encontradas en contexto arqueológico y también porque su descubrimiento ocurrió en diferentes momentos.
Así, proponemos implementar en este artículo una aproximación biográfica y una revisión historiográfica de estas estatuas, procurando clarificar algunas de las dudas existentes, como la confusión entre los guerreros de Lesenho y el de São Paio de Meixedo (Viana do Castelo, norte de Portugal). Adicionalmente, hacemos algunas consideraciones sobre los contextos de uso y reúso de este tipo de estatuaria antropomórfica en los oppida del Noroeste ibérico.
Así, proponemos implementar en este artículo una aproximación biográfica y una revisión historiográfica de estas estatuas, procurando clarificar algunas de las dudas existentes, como la confusión entre los guerreros de Lesenho y el de São Paio de Meixedo (Viana do Castelo, norte de Portugal). Adicionalmente, hacemos algunas consideraciones sobre los contextos de uso y reúso de este tipo de estatuaria antropomórfica en los oppida del Noroeste ibérico.
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The aim of this paper is to dig deeper in order to gain a better understanding of the territorial logic of Roman roads, following some recent approaches based on the use of digital modelling tools. Taking the case of the so-called via... more
The aim of this paper is to dig deeper in order to gain a better understanding of the territorial logic of Roman roads, following some recent approaches based on the use of digital modelling tools. Taking the case of the so-called via XVII (a ca. 330 km itinerary which joined Bracara Augusta and Asturica Augusta, NW Iberian Peninsula), the paper explores various factors, both natural and cultural, which may have been determinant in the layout of main roads in the Roman period. This study has followed a non-reconstructive methodology based on the theoretical idea of "least-cost paths" implemented by way of GIS tools. The analysis combines different variables which have an impact on human mobility (such as terrain slope and altitude, and the a priori existence of some primary nodes) and different spatial scales of analysis. As an outcome, we have achieved a detailed understanding of the factors behind the layout of this road and, in doing so, we have also drawn some conclusions regarding the historical context of its origin and development. The methodology and some of the results may be pertinent for the analysis of Roman roads elsewhere and, to some extent, for the wider analysis of ancient roads.
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En los últimos años existe un gran debate alrededor de la divulgación de la ciencia y los nuevos roles de esta función tanto en los medios de comunicación generalistas como en los propios centros y equipos de investigación científica. Al... more
En los últimos años existe un gran debate alrededor de la divulgación de la ciencia y los nuevos roles de esta función tanto en los medios de comunicación generalistas como en los propios centros y equipos de investigación científica. Al mismo tiempo, las nuevas unidades institucionales de divulgación han generado cambios en las dinámicas de relación entre medios, comunicadores corporativos y productores de contenido científico. En este contexto, se analiza el modelo de romanarmy.eu, una unidad experimental que desarrolla nuevas metodologías de investigación arqueológica y de divulgación científica. En ellas, la comunicación corporativa basada en la interactividad y la construcción de una comunidad digital participada tanto por científicos como por una audiencia de tipo generalista son elementos estructurales del proceso de construcción del conocimiento.
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COMENDADOR REY, B., MEUNIER, E., FIGUEIREDO, E., LACKINGER, A., FONTE, J., FERNÁNDEZ FERNÁNDEZ, C., LIMA, A., MIRÃO, J. et SILVA, R. J. C., 2017, « Northwestern Iberian Tin Mining from Bronze Age to Modern Times: an overview ». In :... more
COMENDADOR REY, B., MEUNIER, E., FIGUEIREDO, E., LACKINGER, A., FONTE, J., FERNÁNDEZ FERNÁNDEZ, C., LIMA, A., MIRÃO, J. et SILVA, R. J. C., 2017, « Northwestern Iberian Tin Mining from Bronze Age to Modern Times: an overview ». In : Newman, P. (Ed.), The Tinworking Landscape of Dartmoor in a European Context. Sowton, pp. 133-153.
The northwestern Iberian Peninsula has been well known for its mineral wealth since classical times, including for gold and for tin. In fact, the Iberian tin belt is the largest in western Europe (covering an area of c.200,000 km2), containing tin deposits that were accessible from ancient times. Nevertheless, few archaeological studies have been dedicated to ancient tin mining in the region, unlike gold mining, for which major mining complexes are known from Roman times (e.g. Las Médulas, N Spain, and Três Minas, N Portugal). In this paper, evidence for tin mining in different periods, from Bronze Age to modern times, is discussed, based on selected case-studies, using various approaches developed for the study of ancient and modern tin mining, by members of the present Iberian Tin Research Group. An introduction to the geographical and geological contexts of Iberian tin, and the history of investigation on Iberian tin mining, is included.
The northwestern Iberian Peninsula has been well known for its mineral wealth since classical times, including for gold and for tin. In fact, the Iberian tin belt is the largest in western Europe (covering an area of c.200,000 km2), containing tin deposits that were accessible from ancient times. Nevertheless, few archaeological studies have been dedicated to ancient tin mining in the region, unlike gold mining, for which major mining complexes are known from Roman times (e.g. Las Médulas, N Spain, and Três Minas, N Portugal). In this paper, evidence for tin mining in different periods, from Bronze Age to modern times, is discussed, based on selected case-studies, using various approaches developed for the study of ancient and modern tin mining, by members of the present Iberian Tin Research Group. An introduction to the geographical and geological contexts of Iberian tin, and the history of investigation on Iberian tin mining, is included.
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En los últimos años hemos asistido a un incremento exponencial del número de evidencias arqueológicas relacionadas con la presencia del ejército romano en el noroeste peninsular. En este trabajo analizamos un conjunto de recintos... more
En los últimos años hemos asistido a un incremento exponencial del número de evidencias arqueológicas relacionadas con la presencia del ejército romano en el noroeste peninsular. En este trabajo analizamos un conjunto de recintos identificados en el oriente gallego mediante el empleo de una metodología específica que aúna técnicas de teledetección y métodos de prospección arqueológica convencional. Estos yacimientos podrían identificarse como asentamientos militares romanos, de acuerdo con sus particulares características morfo-tipológicas. En las siguientes líneas se describen las estructuras arqueológicas documentadas, se analiza su patrón de asentamiento y se estudian sus relaciones con el territorio circundante con la ayuda de diversas tecnologías de información geográfica.
The archaeological evidence related to the presence of the Roman army in NW Iberia has exponentially increased in recent years. In this paper, we analysed a number of sites identified in the Galician easternmost territories by using a specific methodology which combines remote sensing techniques and conventional archaeological survey methods. These enclosures could be identified as Roman military sites, according to their particular morpho-typological characteristics. The goal of this work is to describe the documented archaeological structures, but also to analyse the settlement pattern of these sites, and to study their relations with the surrounding territory, thanks to the help of various geographic information technologies.
The archaeological evidence related to the presence of the Roman army in NW Iberia has exponentially increased in recent years. In this paper, we analysed a number of sites identified in the Galician easternmost territories by using a specific methodology which combines remote sensing techniques and conventional archaeological survey methods. These enclosures could be identified as Roman military sites, according to their particular morpho-typological characteristics. The goal of this work is to describe the documented archaeological structures, but also to analyse the settlement pattern of these sites, and to study their relations with the surrounding territory, thanks to the help of various geographic information technologies.
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Resumo: Pretendemos com este trabalho dar a conhecer um possível assentamento militar romano localizado na vertente Oriental da serra da Padrela: o Alto da Cerca (Valpaços, Portugal). O uso de uma metodologia não-invasiva permitiu-nos... more
Resumo: Pretendemos com este trabalho dar a conhecer um possível assentamento militar romano localizado na vertente Oriental da serra da Padrela: o Alto da Cerca (Valpaços, Portugal). O uso de uma metodologia não-invasiva permitiu-nos caracterizar arqueologicamente este sítio e diferenciá-lo em relação à rede de povoamento local. Tendo em consideração que o exército romano estaria directamente envolvido em tarefas de controlo e proteção das zonas mineiras, mas também com questões logísticas e técnico-administrativas de planificação, administração e organização territorial, procuramos contextualizar este assentamento em relação ao distrito mineiro romano de Tresminas.
Abstract: Alto da Cerca (Valpaços, Portugal): a Roman military settlement in the Padrela Mountain and its relation to the mining district of Tresminas In this work, we study a possible Roman military settlement located on the eastern slope of the Padrela Mountain, named Alto da Cerca (Valpaços, Portugal). The use of a non-invasive methodology allowed us to characterise the site archaeologically and to differentiate it in relation to the local settlement network. Considering that the Roman army was directly involved in control tasks and protection of mining areas, but also in logistical issues and technical and administrative planning, as well as administration and territorial organization, we seek to contextualize the settlement in relation to the Roman mining district of Tresminas.
Abstract: Alto da Cerca (Valpaços, Portugal): a Roman military settlement in the Padrela Mountain and its relation to the mining district of Tresminas In this work, we study a possible Roman military settlement located on the eastern slope of the Padrela Mountain, named Alto da Cerca (Valpaços, Portugal). The use of a non-invasive methodology allowed us to characterise the site archaeologically and to differentiate it in relation to the local settlement network. Considering that the Roman army was directly involved in control tasks and protection of mining areas, but also in logistical issues and technical and administrative planning, as well as administration and territorial organization, we seek to contextualize the settlement in relation to the Roman mining district of Tresminas.
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A collection of 35 metallic artefacts comprising various typologies, some of which can be attributed to the Bronze Age and others to later periods, were studied to provide detailed information on elemental composition, manufacturing... more
A collection of 35 metallic artefacts comprising various typologies, some of which can be attributed to the Bronze Age and others to later periods, were studied to provide detailed information on elemental composition, manufacturing techniques and preservation state. Elemental analysis by micro-EDXRF and SEM–EDS was performed to investigate the use of different alloys and to study the presence of microstructural heterogeneities, as inclusions. X-ray radiography, optical microscopy and SEM–EDS were used to investigate manufacturing techniques and degradation features. Results showed that most of the artefacts were produced in a binary bronze alloy (Cu–Sn) with 10–15 wt% Sn and a low concentration of impurities. Other artefacts were produced in copper or in brass, the latest with varying contents of Zn, Sn and Pb. A variety of inclusions in the metal matrices were also found, some related to specific types of alloys, as (Cu–Ni)S 2 in coppers, or ZnS in brasses. Microstructural observations revealed that the majority of the artefacts were subjected to cycles of thermomechanical processing after casting, being evident that among some artefacts different parts were subjected to distinct treatments. The radiographic images revealed structural heterogeneities related to local corrosion processes and fissures that seem to have developed in wear-tension zones, as in the handle of some daggers. Radiographic images were also useful to detect the use of different materials in one particular brass artefact, revealing the presence of a possible Cu–Sn solder.
During the Portuguese War of Restoration (1640–1668), a series of fortifications were built along the Spanish-Portuguese border. The archaeological study of these sites combines different disciplines (landscape archaeology, archaeology of... more
During the Portuguese War of Restoration (1640–1668), a series of fortifications were built along the Spanish-Portuguese border. The archaeological study of these sites combines different disciplines (landscape archaeology, archaeology of architecture, geospatial technologies, and documentary studies), with the aim of recovering the record of an ancient fortified landscape. This project revealed the construction of a number of small fortifications around the fortress of San Luís Gonzaga (Valença, Portugal), most of which disappeared after the signing of the Treaty of Lisbon in 1668. In the area of Campos (Vila Nova de Cerveira, Portugal), we were able to document what was probably a Modern Age fortification by analysing historic aerial photography, despite the recent construction of an industrial estate. It was also located inside a larger, square structure, which we identified as a possible Roman camp. In this paper, we discuss both fortifications, the methodological process that was developed in order to identify and study them, their possible interpretation, and how they interact with each other.
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The Valongo area was already known for the great amount of underground works that form one of the great mining complexes of this type on the Roman Empire. Deserve to be highlighted the numerous vertical shafts and long galleries that gave... more
The Valongo area was already known for the great amount of underground works that form one of the great mining complexes of this type on the Roman Empire. Deserve to be highlighted the numerous vertical shafts and long galleries that gave access to an impressing set of gold mineralizations, that even that not completely known in their complete extension, are already the most comprehensive set from the ones that were described.
Recently, during a session of Public Awareness of the Valongo Mining Heritage of the Alto Relevo association, was verified the existence of a mining aqueduct, with typical Roman characteristics, that had a direct relationship with the waste rock piles of the region. The work that followed put in evidence a surprising number of different types of mining operations of secondary Gold deposits.
Recently, during a session of Public Awareness of the Valongo Mining Heritage of the Alto Relevo association, was verified the existence of a mining aqueduct, with typical Roman characteristics, that had a direct relationship with the waste rock piles of the region. The work that followed put in evidence a surprising number of different types of mining operations of secondary Gold deposits.
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Recent research in the important Roman gold mining area of Valongo (Northern Portugal) show the existence of a large gold mining area by hydraulic techniques on the left bank of river Ferreira, tributary of the Sousa river, both inserted... more
Recent research in the important Roman gold mining area of Valongo (Northern Portugal) show the existence of a large gold mining area by hydraulic techniques on the left bank of river Ferreira, tributary of the Sousa river, both inserted in the Duero hydrographic basin. The location and topographic reconstruction of a water channel with all the characteristics commonly used for Roman gold mining in Northwest Iberia allowed to locate a mining sector unknown to date.
The Valongo Roman gold mining area is characterized by the abundance of underground mine works that make it one of the large Roman sites of this type. Numerous vertical shafts and tunnels of great length are remarkable, giving access to an impressive network of gold ore veins, not yet sufficiently known, but they seem to be of major dimension. The existence of a hydraulic operating in the vicinity of these mineralizations is an important proof of the existence of free gold in the main alteration areas of the primary deposit.
The exploration of this secondary deposit with about 300 meters long by 100 meters at its widest point, has used an area of colluvium (rounded blocks are very rare, so it does not appear to be an alluvial deposit). Samples taken after panning nearly half a cubic meter of colluvium demonstrate that the particles are around half a millimetre of pure gold or nearly (the chemical analysis done in electron micro-probe demonstrate that is gold between 85 and 90% and silver between 10 and 15%), in sheet form, showing again that is not alluvial gold because it does not have the rounded shape characteristic of transport.
The combination of these two types of mining in primary and secondary context, associated with different forms of settlement and other mining structures that will be duly discussed, highlights the importance and complexity of this ancient mining area, which we now began to know in more depth and detail.
The Valongo Roman gold mining area is characterized by the abundance of underground mine works that make it one of the large Roman sites of this type. Numerous vertical shafts and tunnels of great length are remarkable, giving access to an impressive network of gold ore veins, not yet sufficiently known, but they seem to be of major dimension. The existence of a hydraulic operating in the vicinity of these mineralizations is an important proof of the existence of free gold in the main alteration areas of the primary deposit.
The exploration of this secondary deposit with about 300 meters long by 100 meters at its widest point, has used an area of colluvium (rounded blocks are very rare, so it does not appear to be an alluvial deposit). Samples taken after panning nearly half a cubic meter of colluvium demonstrate that the particles are around half a millimetre of pure gold or nearly (the chemical analysis done in electron micro-probe demonstrate that is gold between 85 and 90% and silver between 10 and 15%), in sheet form, showing again that is not alluvial gold because it does not have the rounded shape characteristic of transport.
The combination of these two types of mining in primary and secondary context, associated with different forms of settlement and other mining structures that will be duly discussed, highlights the importance and complexity of this ancient mining area, which we now began to know in more depth and detail.
Research Interests:
The Iberian Peninsula, namely the North-Western Iberian area, is one of the richest regions in tin ores – cassiterite – in the European territory. However, the strong mining activity linked to tungsten in the first half of the twentieth... more
The Iberian Peninsula, namely the North-Western Iberian area, is one of the richest regions in tin ores – cassiterite – in the European territory. However, the strong mining activity linked to tungsten in the first half of the twentieth century, and the coincidence of these mineralizations with tin ones, has led to the covering or destruction of many possible evidences of ancient mining works. Nevertheless, in written documents related to many of these recent mining sites, there are frequent reports about earlier local evidence of mining exploitations, leading to the frequent expression of "reopening of the mine". In this work we present a state of the art of the possible pathways of investigation open for the study of mining and metallurgy of Iberian tin. Some of these lines have been explored in recent research conducted by the members of the Cassiteros Group. We address issues related to mining landscapes and possible circuits of goods exchange, the existence/absence of metallurgical materials related with tin production in archaeological sites, the finding of ancient materials/artefacts in "reopened" mines in the twentieth century and a brief introduction to the issue of tin in the recent economy (XX century), emphasizing the importance that this metal may have played in ancient as well as in recent North-Western Iberian economy. At the same time, we present a proposal on the potential use of these resources, both in terms of the historiography of European pre and proto-history, as in the heritage sector.
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Herdade da Contenda (HC), located in Moura municipality, Beja district (Alentejo province) in the south of Portugal (southwestern Iberia Peninsula), is a national hunting area with 5270ha. The development of an integrated system that aims... more
Herdade da Contenda (HC), located in Moura municipality, Beja district (Alentejo province) in the south of Portugal (southwestern Iberia Peninsula), is a national hunting area with 5270ha. The development of an integrated system that aims to make the management of the natural and cultural heritage resources will be very useful for an effective management of this area. This integrated system should include the physical characterization of the territory, natural conservation, land use and land management themes, as well the cultural heritage resources. This paper presents a new tool for an integrated environmental management system of the HC, which aims to produce maps under a GIS open source environment (QGIS). The application is composed by a single button which opens a window. The window is composed by twelve menus (File, DRASTIC, Forest Fire Risk, Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE), Bioclimatic Index, Cultural Heritage, Fauna and Flora, Ortofoto, Normalizes Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), Digital Elevation Model (DEM), Land Use Land Cover Cover (LULC) and Help. Several inputs are requires to generate these maps, e.g. DEM, geologic information, soil map, hydraulic conductivity information, LULC map, vulnerability and economic information, NDVI. Six buttons were added to the toolbar which allows to manipulate the information in the map canvas: Zoom in, Zoom out, Pan, Print/Layout and Clear. This integrated and open source GIS environment management system was developed for the HC area, but could be easily adapted to other natural or protected area. Despite the lack of data, the methodology presented fulfills the objectives.
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We present a trans-disciplinary research project to study fortified landscapes from the Modem Age (17th century) on the Galician-Portuguese border, in the north-west of the Iberian Península. We use different geospatial techniques, in... more
We present a trans-disciplinary research project to study fortified landscapes from the Modem Age (17th century) on the Galician-Portuguese border, in the north-west of the Iberian Península. We use different geospatial techniques, in particular aerial photogrammetry, airborne LiDAR and GIS, for landscape analysis.
This approach has allowed us to locate and document some of these fortifications, to assess their conservation status and to understand their relationship with other fortified elements.
This approach has allowed us to locate and document some of these fortifications, to assess their conservation status and to understand their relationship with other fortified elements.
Research Interests:
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A Citânia de Briteiros é um povoado fortificado da Idade do Ferro muito citado na bibliografia arqueológica devido às extensas escavações aí realizadas no século XIX por Francisco Martins Sarmento e no século XX pelo Coronel Mário... more
A Citânia de Briteiros é um povoado fortificado da Idade do Ferro muito citado na
bibliografia arqueológica devido às extensas escavações aí realizadas no século XIX por
Francisco Martins Sarmento e no século XX pelo Coronel Mário Cardozo. A partir de
2004 têm-se realizado novos trabalhos de escavação, de estudo da organização interna e
prospecções no entorno.
Situa-se no médio vale do Ave, ocupando um ponto central na zona sul dos grandes
povoados, ficando a igual distância entre o Minho (a norte) e o Douro (a sul). Destacase,
também, a posição intermédia de Briteiros entre o litoral e as montanhas e planaltos
do interior. Povoado paradigmático da “Cultura Castreja”, a Citânia tem uma área total
intra-muros de 24 hectares, sendo que a zona escavada abrange cerca de 7 hectares.
Todavia, para se compreender a sua dimensão e complexidade morfológica é
indispensável analisar a inserção territorial do sítio, utilizando para tal os Sistemas de
Informação Geográfica (SIG). Optou-se, desta forma, por uma análise locacional do
sítio, assim como, com um sentido comparativo e complementar, do Castro de Sabroso
e do Castro de Santa Iria, cruzando-se diversos factores. Para tal, foram ponderadas as
seguintes variáveis em SIG: visibilidade, acessibilidade e altitude relativa.
O objectivo primordial deste estudo é contribuir para o conhecimento das dinâmicas
territoriais das comunidades da Segunda Idade do Ferro e primórdios da romanização na
região do médio vale do Ave com recurso aos SIG.
bibliografia arqueológica devido às extensas escavações aí realizadas no século XIX por
Francisco Martins Sarmento e no século XX pelo Coronel Mário Cardozo. A partir de
2004 têm-se realizado novos trabalhos de escavação, de estudo da organização interna e
prospecções no entorno.
Situa-se no médio vale do Ave, ocupando um ponto central na zona sul dos grandes
povoados, ficando a igual distância entre o Minho (a norte) e o Douro (a sul). Destacase,
também, a posição intermédia de Briteiros entre o litoral e as montanhas e planaltos
do interior. Povoado paradigmático da “Cultura Castreja”, a Citânia tem uma área total
intra-muros de 24 hectares, sendo que a zona escavada abrange cerca de 7 hectares.
Todavia, para se compreender a sua dimensão e complexidade morfológica é
indispensável analisar a inserção territorial do sítio, utilizando para tal os Sistemas de
Informação Geográfica (SIG). Optou-se, desta forma, por uma análise locacional do
sítio, assim como, com um sentido comparativo e complementar, do Castro de Sabroso
e do Castro de Santa Iria, cruzando-se diversos factores. Para tal, foram ponderadas as
seguintes variáveis em SIG: visibilidade, acessibilidade e altitude relativa.
O objectivo primordial deste estudo é contribuir para o conhecimento das dinâmicas
territoriais das comunidades da Segunda Idade do Ferro e primórdios da romanização na
região do médio vale do Ave com recurso aos SIG.
Research Interests:
The objective of this article is to present the possibilities and advantages of using the Morphological Residual Model (M.R.M.) technique as a new and accurate method for epigraphic reading, through the display of four paradigmatic case... more
The objective of this article is to present the possibilities and advantages of using the Morphological Residual Model (M.R.M.) technique as a new and accurate method for epigraphic reading, through the display of four paradigmatic case studies from Portugal. For each inscription, this new application allowed to recapture nearly the entire original engraved text, including the traces unseen to the human eye that were until now, impossible to recover through traditional epigraphic procedures. Each of these cases produced new readings that enlighten not only the text but also the context to which they were associated, pushing forward the epigraphic research.
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Epigraphic inscriptions that present high level of surface degradation are usually difficult and tricky to read. Until now, most epigraphic readings have been accomplished by empiric procedures, supported by the visual and tactile... more
Epigraphic inscriptions that present high level of surface degradation are usually difficult and tricky to read. Until now, most epigraphic readings have been accomplished by empiric procedures, supported by the visual and tactile perception of the observer, which is naturally subjective, and, often, complemented by lightning techniques, like raking light, that enhance surface texture and detail by casting dramatic shadows on the surface. What if some of these heavily eroded inscriptions that are no longer perceived still keep traces of engravings? To address this challenge a simple and cost-effective method is presented, the Morphological Residual Model (M.R.M.). This method creates high contrast depictions of surface irregularities using 3D scanning data and morphological filtering algorithms. In most cases, the main epigraphic reading problems are overcome by this methodology as exemplified in the case-studies presented.
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Unevenly distributed in Europe, tin, which is indispensable for the production of bronze, is abundant in Western Iberia. This wealth is already known to classical authors, but only the Late Bronze / Iron Age mine of Logrosán (Cáceres, ES)... more
Unevenly distributed in Europe, tin, which is indispensable for the production of bronze, is abundant in Western Iberia. This wealth is already known to classical authors, but only the Late Bronze / Iron Age mine of Logrosán (Cáceres, ES) has been excavated to date (Comendador et al. 2017; Rodríguez Díaz et al. 2016). At the same time, analyses of tin slags, still partly unpublished, confirm the local processing of cassiterite (tin ore: SnO2) during the Late Iron Age/beginning of Roman period in the Northwest of Iberian Peninsula (Figueiredo et al. 2018). On the other hand, the distribution of the Sn content in bronzes from Late Bronze Age (LBA) Western Iberia is close to a normal distribution (∼12.7 ± 1.9 wt%) (Figueiredo et al. 2011), and the tin content is slightly higher than the tin content in coeval European LBA artefacts (Figueiredo et al. 2010), which can be an argument for easy availability/local exploitation of cassiterite as early as the Late Bronze Age (Fernández Miranda et al. 1995). However, the question of the location of the ancient mining remains, as well as that of their dating.
Mining activity, which is dependent on the location of mineral resources, is in fact rooted in the structuring of the territory. This implies the establishment of nearby habitats for the miners and workshops to produce metal from the ore. All these elements structure the landscape and leave a lasting imprint (Stöllner 2003, p. 429-431), identifiable by remote sensing, survey and GIS spatial analysis.
Here, we present the first results of an ongoing research to locate and study protohistoric tin mines in the north-western Iberian Peninsula. The cross-referencing of mining data with Iron Age settlements makes it possible to delimit areas where mining may have taken place before the Roman conquest. However, the diachronic nature of many of these mines does not allow them to be directly associated with the settlements. We will therefore focus the presentation on the methodology used to reconstruct the phases of alluvial tin mining, using airborne LiDAR data and/or historic aerial imagery. These geographical datasets allow us to select the locations for future excavations in order to date the oldest parts of the mines.
This research is part of the project IberianTin (PTDC/HAR-ARQ/32290/2017), funded by FEDER through the COMPETE 2020 Programme and National Funds through FCT (Fundação para a Ciência e Tecnologia). We also acknowledge the Cenimat/i3N through the project UID/CTM/50025/2019 funded by FCT/MCTES and the ICT through the project COMPETE 2020 (UID/GEO/04683/2013) with reference POCI-01-0145-FEDER-007690.
Mining activity, which is dependent on the location of mineral resources, is in fact rooted in the structuring of the territory. This implies the establishment of nearby habitats for the miners and workshops to produce metal from the ore. All these elements structure the landscape and leave a lasting imprint (Stöllner 2003, p. 429-431), identifiable by remote sensing, survey and GIS spatial analysis.
Here, we present the first results of an ongoing research to locate and study protohistoric tin mines in the north-western Iberian Peninsula. The cross-referencing of mining data with Iron Age settlements makes it possible to delimit areas where mining may have taken place before the Roman conquest. However, the diachronic nature of many of these mines does not allow them to be directly associated with the settlements. We will therefore focus the presentation on the methodology used to reconstruct the phases of alluvial tin mining, using airborne LiDAR data and/or historic aerial imagery. These geographical datasets allow us to select the locations for future excavations in order to date the oldest parts of the mines.
This research is part of the project IberianTin (PTDC/HAR-ARQ/32290/2017), funded by FEDER through the COMPETE 2020 Programme and National Funds through FCT (Fundação para a Ciência e Tecnologia). We also acknowledge the Cenimat/i3N through the project UID/CTM/50025/2019 funded by FCT/MCTES and the ICT through the project COMPETE 2020 (UID/GEO/04683/2013) with reference POCI-01-0145-FEDER-007690.
Research Interests:
Os recursos em estanho (cassiterite), encontram-se confinados a determinadas zonas do Ocidente Europeu, sendo os depósitos de cassiterite da Península Ibérica dos mais extensos. Na Idade do Bronze deu-se a adoção da liga de cobre e... more
Os recursos em estanho (cassiterite), encontram-se confinados a determinadas zonas do Ocidente Europeu, sendo os depósitos de cassiterite da Península Ibérica dos mais extensos. Na Idade do Bronze deu-se a adoção da liga de cobre e estanho (bronze), passando o estanho a ser valorizado como um material estratégico.
O projeto IberianTin (PTDC/HAR-ARQ/32290/2017) tem o objetivo de contribuir para a caracterização da produção antiga de estanho no Noroeste Ibérico, partindo de uma perspetiva interdisciplinar e de casos de estudo. As escórias de estanho do Castro de Carvalhelhos (Vila Real, Trás-os-Montes) constituem um primeiro caso de estudo, onde se mostrou a produção de estanho metálico entre o séc. II a.C. e I d.C., se efetuou a contextualização do castro com os recursos mineiros locais, e se comparou a composição elementar e microestrutural das escórias com a dos minérios locais.
Agora, para além deste primeiro caso de estudo, apresentamos avanços recentes do projeto IberianTin, como os obtidos para a região da Serra de Arga (Viana do Castelo, Portugal) e de Baltar (sul da província de Ourense, Espanha). Com estes novos dados, pretende-se avançar de forma integrada no conhecimento das formas de exploração antigas do estanho pelas sociedades do Noroeste Peninsular, contribuindo para a avaliação do papel que a região pode ter tido no abastecimento e circulação de matéria-prima de estanho em tempos antigos.
O projeto IberianTin (PTDC/HAR-ARQ/32290/2017) tem o objetivo de contribuir para a caracterização da produção antiga de estanho no Noroeste Ibérico, partindo de uma perspetiva interdisciplinar e de casos de estudo. As escórias de estanho do Castro de Carvalhelhos (Vila Real, Trás-os-Montes) constituem um primeiro caso de estudo, onde se mostrou a produção de estanho metálico entre o séc. II a.C. e I d.C., se efetuou a contextualização do castro com os recursos mineiros locais, e se comparou a composição elementar e microestrutural das escórias com a dos minérios locais.
Agora, para além deste primeiro caso de estudo, apresentamos avanços recentes do projeto IberianTin, como os obtidos para a região da Serra de Arga (Viana do Castelo, Portugal) e de Baltar (sul da província de Ourense, Espanha). Com estes novos dados, pretende-se avançar de forma integrada no conhecimento das formas de exploração antigas do estanho pelas sociedades do Noroeste Peninsular, contribuindo para a avaliação do papel que a região pode ter tido no abastecimento e circulação de matéria-prima de estanho em tempos antigos.
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GIS-based digital modelling tools, such as the well-known least cost paths (LCP), have been widely used in archaeology in the recent years as ways to approach the forms of mobility in the past. Quite frequently they have been used as... more
GIS-based digital modelling tools, such as the well-known least cost paths (LCP), have been widely used in archaeology in the recent years as ways to approach the forms of mobility in the past. Quite frequently they have been used as tools to reconstruct (predict) the routes of ancient paths and roads, especially in prehistoric contexts. However they can also be used within a “postdictive” perspective where the aim is not to reconstruct lost parts of evidence (the missing route of a road) but rather to find a logic in the pieces of evidence we actually know about (the archaeological record). This approach is especially useful when we have a significant amount of evidence available, in highly formal archaeological contexts.
This is usually the case of the Roman roads, as in the NW Iberian Peninsula. Here, in the Roman provice of Gallaecia, a number of scholars have contributed extensively to the reconstruction of the likely routes of the main Roman roads in the last decades. In this paper we will show a complementary approach that, based on a LCP analysis, tries to tackle the question of why the roads follow those particular routes. By doing so, we will try to understand the influence of topographic factors in the road network, and the role of some particular sites in the social, administrative and political organization of the territory.
This is usually the case of the Roman roads, as in the NW Iberian Peninsula. Here, in the Roman provice of Gallaecia, a number of scholars have contributed extensively to the reconstruction of the likely routes of the main Roman roads in the last decades. In this paper we will show a complementary approach that, based on a LCP analysis, tries to tackle the question of why the roads follow those particular routes. By doing so, we will try to understand the influence of topographic factors in the road network, and the role of some particular sites in the social, administrative and political organization of the territory.
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The Roman military settlements are usually characterised by the perishable nature of the structures and the material culture associated to them. Since these sites are almost invisible in the landscape, the use of remote sensing techniques... more
The Roman military settlements are usually characterised by the perishable nature of the structures and the material culture associated to them. Since these sites are almost invisible in the landscape, the use of remote sensing techniques for their study its fundamental. Although the use of certain remote sensing tools, like aerial photography, is not new in the Iberian Peninsula, the development of Roman military archaeology in recent decades greatly demanded a significant renovation of the methodological approaches. In this way, we put into practice a low-cost methodology combining historical and modern aerial photography, satellite imagery, airborne LiDAR, GIS and conventional archaeological field survey techniques. These tools provide us a new and qualitatively differential approach, allowing us to study the spatial, locational and morphological characteristics of these sites, and thus leading to a more contextualising approach. In this paper, we will focus on the differential contribution of airborne LiDAR data within this particular methodological approach. By analysing the response of this technique to different landscapes, terrain types and vegetation canopies, we can outline its potential and limitations. This technique allows us to map archaeological landscapes as a whole, so we need to develop different strategies to increase the visibility of certain types of features in the landscape. Landscape is not just a messy amount of archaeological features, but also a palimpsest of multiple temporalities we need to read and understand. However, we will focus not only on the technical aspects but also on how this approach have allowed us to advance in the historical knowledge of the Roman military presence in Northwest Iberia.
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Seguindo os passos do exército romano: uma proposta metodológica para a detecção de assentamentos militares romanos no Noroeste Peninsular / Tras las huellas del ejército romano una propuesta metodológica para la detección de asentamientos militares romanos en el noroeste peninsular (video link)more
Paper presented during the GENIUS LOCI: Places and Meanings held in Porto (Portugal), 20-22 April 2016. Apresentado no GENIUS LOCI: Lugares e Significados, realizada em Porto (Portugal), 20-22 Abril 2016. En este trabajo presentamos y... more
Paper presented during the GENIUS LOCI: Places and Meanings held in Porto (Portugal), 20-22 April 2016.
Apresentado no GENIUS LOCI: Lugares e Significados, realizada em Porto (Portugal), 20-22 Abril 2016.
En este trabajo presentamos y abrimos a debate una propuesta metodológica para la detección y estudio de restos estructurales relacionados con la presencia militar romana en el noroeste ibérico. Tras varias experiencias investigadoras en diferentes este territorio hemos valorado las potencialidades y limitaciones de diversas técnicas en un amplio rango de terrenos, testándose de manera eficiente su utilidad para la prospección arqueológica. La metodología propuesta se basa en el uso combinado de varias herramientas de bajo coste y fácil acceso para cualquier investigador, desde el análisis de la fotografía aérea histórica y actual y la cartografía, la observación de la toponimia y folklore tradicional hasta el trabajo de prospección en campo. A todo ello se une la reciente disponibilidad de datos LiDAR aéreo para la mayor parte del territorio español, lo que abre la puerta a la localización de yacimientos hasta ahora imperceptibles mediante el empleo de otros medios de prospección telemática. Por otra parte, exponemos también una serie de propuestas de divulgación del patrimonio arqueológico asociado a la presencia del ejército romano y a los procesos históricos ligados al mismo, aspecto que consideramos debe ir de la mano de la propia investigación.
Apresentado no GENIUS LOCI: Lugares e Significados, realizada em Porto (Portugal), 20-22 Abril 2016.
En este trabajo presentamos y abrimos a debate una propuesta metodológica para la detección y estudio de restos estructurales relacionados con la presencia militar romana en el noroeste ibérico. Tras varias experiencias investigadoras en diferentes este territorio hemos valorado las potencialidades y limitaciones de diversas técnicas en un amplio rango de terrenos, testándose de manera eficiente su utilidad para la prospección arqueológica. La metodología propuesta se basa en el uso combinado de varias herramientas de bajo coste y fácil acceso para cualquier investigador, desde el análisis de la fotografía aérea histórica y actual y la cartografía, la observación de la toponimia y folklore tradicional hasta el trabajo de prospección en campo. A todo ello se une la reciente disponibilidad de datos LiDAR aéreo para la mayor parte del territorio español, lo que abre la puerta a la localización de yacimientos hasta ahora imperceptibles mediante el empleo de otros medios de prospección telemática. Por otra parte, exponemos también una serie de propuestas de divulgación del patrimonio arqueológico asociado a la presencia del ejército romano y a los procesos históricos ligados al mismo, aspecto que consideramos debe ir de la mano de la propia investigación.
Research Interests: Archaeology, Photogrammetry, LiDAR, Roman military archaeology, Roman military history, and 9 moreRoman Army, Digital Photogrammetry applied to Archaeology, Archaeology of Roman Hispania, Archaeological survey, Aerial Photogrammetry, Aerial Photography, LiDAR for Landscape Archaeology, Roman Archaeology, and Historical Photography
Paper presented during the GENIUS LOCI: Places and Meanings held in Porto (Portugal), 20-22 April 2016. Apresentado no GENIUS LOCI: Lugares e Significados, realizada em Porto (Portugal), 20-22 Abril 2016. Lino Tavares Dias (1997: 301) e... more
Paper presented during the GENIUS LOCI: Places and Meanings held in Porto (Portugal), 20-22 April 2016.
Apresentado no GENIUS LOCI: Lugares e Significados, realizada em Porto (Portugal), 20-22 Abril 2016.
Lino Tavares Dias (1997: 301) e António Baptista Lopes (1998: 290-291) referem a existência de um acampamento militar romano no alto da Serra do Marão, definido por um recinto rectangular, ao qual lhe estaria associado uma torre de planta quadrangular. Este possível acampamento é identificado por uma inscrição gravada sobre um penedo que se localiza nas proximidades: Castra Oresbi. A exiguidade dos dados arqueológicos apresentados levou mesmo alguns autores (Martins 2009: 127) a contestar esta interpretação, considerando “mais viável a hipótese do penedo estar associado a um termo de populus, ou a um limite de "grupo social" de categoria inferior ao primeiro” (ibid.).
Posto isto, propomo-nos realizar uma revisão integral da evidência arqueológica disponível através de pesquisa bibliográfica, prospecção, aplicação de tecnologias geoespaciais e análise epigráfica. O objetivo deste trabalho passa por avaliar o verdadeiro potencial arqueológico desta zona e propor uma reinterpretação desta problemática científica.
Apresentado no GENIUS LOCI: Lugares e Significados, realizada em Porto (Portugal), 20-22 Abril 2016.
Lino Tavares Dias (1997: 301) e António Baptista Lopes (1998: 290-291) referem a existência de um acampamento militar romano no alto da Serra do Marão, definido por um recinto rectangular, ao qual lhe estaria associado uma torre de planta quadrangular. Este possível acampamento é identificado por uma inscrição gravada sobre um penedo que se localiza nas proximidades: Castra Oresbi. A exiguidade dos dados arqueológicos apresentados levou mesmo alguns autores (Martins 2009: 127) a contestar esta interpretação, considerando “mais viável a hipótese do penedo estar associado a um termo de populus, ou a um limite de "grupo social" de categoria inferior ao primeiro” (ibid.).
Posto isto, propomo-nos realizar uma revisão integral da evidência arqueológica disponível através de pesquisa bibliográfica, prospecção, aplicação de tecnologias geoespaciais e análise epigráfica. O objetivo deste trabalho passa por avaliar o verdadeiro potencial arqueológico desta zona e propor uma reinterpretação desta problemática científica.
Research Interests: Photogrammetry, Landscape Archaeology, Early Medieval Archaeology, Early Medieval History, Latin Epigraphy, and 7 moreRoman military archaeology, Digital Photogrammetry applied to Archaeology, Medieval Epigraphy, Medieval and Early Modern Archaeology, Roman Portugal, Galicia and Portugal Medieval History, and Roman Archaeology
Wattle hurdles and structures made of wood were frequent and commonly covered with clay at Iron Age sites of Northwest Iberia. The perishable nature of wood has conditioned the preservation of indirect evidences of such fences and... more
Wattle hurdles and structures made of wood were frequent and commonly covered with clay at Iron Age sites of Northwest Iberia. The perishable nature of wood has conditioned the preservation of indirect evidences of such fences and structures. Several clay fragments with branch and trunk imprints recovered at the site of Castro de S. Vicente da Chã (Montalegre, Northern Portugal) have been studies. The negative imprints in clay have been measured and optically examined. Silicone forms have been obtained to study the positives of those perishable materials. This site was object of rescue excavations in the 1960s of the 20th century by J. R. dos Santos Junior, Agostinho Isidoro and Osvaldo Freire due to the construction of the Alto Rabagão dam, financed by the former Empresa Hidro Eléctrica do Cávado.
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Paper presented at: 23. International Limes Congress Ingolstadt (September 2015) (http://www.limes2015.org). Interactive video at: http://romanarmy.eu/ In the last decades several Roman camps have been discovered in the northernmost... more
Paper presented at: 23. International Limes Congress Ingolstadt (September 2015) (http://www.limes2015.org). Interactive video at: http://romanarmy.eu/
In the last decades several Roman camps have been discovered in the northernmost territories of the Iberian Peninsula, mainly related to the Augustus’s campaigns against the indigenous communities called Cantabri and Astures by the Roman ethnographers. Our aim in this paper is to divulge deeper into this topic by presenting some sites recently discovered in the Spanish provinces of León, Asturias, Lugo and Coruña, as well as in northern Portugal. A low-cost methodology has been applied for their study combining historical aerial photography, modern satellite and aerial photography, aerial LiDAR, GIS software and conventional archaeological field survey techniques which also provide a strong attention to local place-names and folklore. After an accurate morphological analysis based on the resulting data, the spatial and functional characterization of these camps is taken into account to achieve their proper historical and archaeological contextualization. Since not many castra aestiua have been located in those areas, these findings represent an important step in order to understand the activities carried out by the Roman army in north-western Iberia during the early years of the Principate.
In the last decades several Roman camps have been discovered in the northernmost territories of the Iberian Peninsula, mainly related to the Augustus’s campaigns against the indigenous communities called Cantabri and Astures by the Roman ethnographers. Our aim in this paper is to divulge deeper into this topic by presenting some sites recently discovered in the Spanish provinces of León, Asturias, Lugo and Coruña, as well as in northern Portugal. A low-cost methodology has been applied for their study combining historical aerial photography, modern satellite and aerial photography, aerial LiDAR, GIS software and conventional archaeological field survey techniques which also provide a strong attention to local place-names and folklore. After an accurate morphological analysis based on the resulting data, the spatial and functional characterization of these camps is taken into account to achieve their proper historical and archaeological contextualization. Since not many castra aestiua have been located in those areas, these findings represent an important step in order to understand the activities carried out by the Roman army in north-western Iberia during the early years of the Principate.
Research Interests: Aerial Archaeology, LiDAR, Roman military archaeology, Roman military history, Remote sensing and GIS applications in Landscape Research, and 8 moreRoman Army, Remote sensing and GIS, Archaeology of Roman Hispania, Aerial Photogrammetry, Aerial Photography, LiDAR for Landscape Archaeology, Old Aerial Photography , Historical Cartography, Old Maps Analysis, and Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
The use of aerial photography for the detection and study of Roman military settlements in the Iberian Peninsula is not new. However, the impetus given to the discipline in recent decades also requires a significant renovation of its... more
The use of aerial photography for the detection and study of Roman military settlements in the Iberian Peninsula is not new. However, the impetus given to the discipline in recent decades also requires a significant renovation of its methodological approaches. In this paper, we present a low-cost methodology combining historical and modern aerial photography, satellite imagery, airborne LiDAR, GIS and conventional archaeological field survey techniques. These tools not only provide a new and qualitatively differential approach to archaeology, but also allow the study of the sites from a diachronic perspective. Our aim in this paper is to test the potential and limitations of these techniques in the specific study of several early Roman camps, a type of settlement characterized by the perishable nature of its structures and the shortage of material findings associated to them. Since it is also important to consider the different ownership and land use structures, we have selected a group of sites located in the territories of Galicia, Asturias, León and northern Portugal as case study.
Research Interests: LiDAR, Roman military archaeology, Roman Army, Hispania, Tarraconensis, and 10 moreAerial Photogrammetry, Aerial Photography, LiDAR for Landscape Archaeology, Roman Forts and Camps, Ancient Hispania, Roman Archaeology, Historical Aerial Photographs, Historical Aerial Photogrammes and Digital Photogrammetry, Roman Military Camps, and Ancient Gallaecia
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This poster presents a case study aimed at evaluating the applicability for 3D documentation of archaeological features of a “Hellkite” equipped with a compact digital camera, combined with software based on “structure from motion” (SfM)... more
This poster presents a case study aimed at evaluating the applicability for 3D documentation of archaeological features of a “Hellkite” equipped with a compact digital camera, combined with software based on “structure from motion” (SfM) processes. The work shown in the case study was developed in the Iron Age hillfort of San Vicente da Cha (Tras –os-Montes, Northern Portugal).
The aim of the project was the identification and 3D documentation of a series of structures in the surroundings of the hillfort that are thought to be related with ancient mining activities. The site is located within a dam, and is usually sunken. However, after a period of draught in the winter of 2011, a series of structures in bare rock were exposed that were in exceptional condition to be documented.
The poster presents the methodology and materials used for the documentation of those structures, together with an assessment of the quality of the results obtained and a cost-benefit balance.
The aim of the project was the identification and 3D documentation of a series of structures in the surroundings of the hillfort that are thought to be related with ancient mining activities. The site is located within a dam, and is usually sunken. However, after a period of draught in the winter of 2011, a series of structures in bare rock were exposed that were in exceptional condition to be documented.
The poster presents the methodology and materials used for the documentation of those structures, together with an assessment of the quality of the results obtained and a cost-benefit balance.
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The following text details a research experience in Archaeology from the margins of the Academy, where it is also possible to articulate a scientific, self-managed project on the basis of a rigorous work although lacking external funding.... more
The following text details a research experience in Archaeology from the margins of the Academy, where it is also possible to articulate a scientific, self-managed project on the basis of a rigorous work although lacking external funding. Our intention is to disclose the Romanarmy.eu project in the context of the EAA, after our participation at the 22nd Annual Meeting which took place in Vilnius in September 2016.
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PhD thesis
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In the present research work, we aim to compare two models of regional central place, one dating of the pre-Roman period, the Lesenho hillfort (Boticas, Portugal), an oppidum of the Late Iron Age, and other of the Roman period, Aquae... more
In the present research work, we aim to compare two models of regional central place, one dating of the pre-Roman period, the Lesenho hillfort (Boticas, Portugal), an oppidum of the Late Iron Age, and other of the Roman period, Aquae Flaviae (Chaves, Portugal), a Roman city regional capital of the eastern part of the Conventus Bracarensis. The main objective is the identification and discussion of two distinct locational models, which may be associated with different cultural and social decisions.
Using analytical procedures based on geo-spatial technologies, we seek to model and objectify in an understandable way something as the obvious fact that they are two different types of settlement.
The hypothesis is that both Lesenho and Aquae Flaviae are related to areas of mobility, but in different way, according to different locacional conditions which will be specify through the analytical methodology that we propose to develop.
We see this work as a starting point for a future and more extensive research project.
Using analytical procedures based on geo-spatial technologies, we seek to model and objectify in an understandable way something as the obvious fact that they are two different types of settlement.
The hypothesis is that both Lesenho and Aquae Flaviae are related to areas of mobility, but in different way, according to different locacional conditions which will be specify through the analytical methodology that we propose to develop.
We see this work as a starting point for a future and more extensive research project.
This work aims to describe the activities carried out under the project "Consultoría e Asistencia para a elaboración do Estudo do Território Histórico vinculado ao Camiño Primitivo de Santiago compendendo a análise e información previa... more
This work aims to describe the activities carried out under the project "Consultoría e Asistencia para a elaboración do Estudo do Território Histórico vinculado ao Camiño Primitivo de Santiago compendendo a análise e información previa necesaria para a elaboración da proposta de delimitación do seu trazado e das suas zonas de proteción", promoted by the Consellería de Cultura e Deporte of the Xunta de Galicia between the years 2007 and 2008. However, we don’t intend to do a mere exposure of the activities implemented and developed, so that the objectives, the information structure, the adopted methodology and the results achieved will be clearly explained, besides being contextualized and clarified certain aspects of a more specific way.
One of the basic and main objectives of the project is the establishment of a delimitation proposal of the Primitive Path to Santiago, but also the definition of its scope of protection and the inventory of the associated heritage, with the goal to
promote its effective legal protection.
All the resulting information was entered and worked in a Geographic Information System (GIS).
This project, together with similar works for other Paths of Santiago, is among a number of projects conducted by the Xunta de Galicia, whose ultimate goal is the application to UNESCO of the Paths to Santiago to World Heritage.
One of the basic and main objectives of the project is the establishment of a delimitation proposal of the Primitive Path to Santiago, but also the definition of its scope of protection and the inventory of the associated heritage, with the goal to
promote its effective legal protection.
All the resulting information was entered and worked in a Geographic Information System (GIS).
This project, together with similar works for other Paths of Santiago, is among a number of projects conducted by the Xunta de Galicia, whose ultimate goal is the application to UNESCO of the Paths to Santiago to World Heritage.
Call for papers: Session “Enough LiDAR on my plate: interpretation of changing landscapes between the awakening and fall of the Roman Empire” at the EAA Annual Meeting in Maastricht (The Netherlands), 30 August-3 September 2017 Session... more
Call for papers:
Session “Enough LiDAR on my plate: interpretation of changing landscapes between the awakening and fall of the Roman Empire” at the EAA Annual Meeting in Maastricht (The Netherlands), 30 August-3 September 2017
Session organizers: David González Álvarez (Durham University/Incipit, CSIC), João Fonte (University of Exeter/Incipit, CSIC) and José M. Costa García (Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam/Universidade de Santiago de Compostela)
Contact to david.gonzalez-alvarez@durham.ac.uk, j.fonte2@exeter.ac.uk or j.m.costagarcia@vu.nl for detailed info and further queries.
Submission for papers will be opened the 31st of January, 2017 at the website http://www.eaa2017maastricht.nl/
Session “Enough LiDAR on my plate: interpretation of changing landscapes between the awakening and fall of the Roman Empire” at the EAA Annual Meeting in Maastricht (The Netherlands), 30 August-3 September 2017
Session organizers: David González Álvarez (Durham University/Incipit, CSIC), João Fonte (University of Exeter/Incipit, CSIC) and José M. Costa García (Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam/Universidade de Santiago de Compostela)
Contact to david.gonzalez-alvarez@durham.ac.uk, j.fonte2@exeter.ac.uk or j.m.costagarcia@vu.nl for detailed info and further queries.
Submission for papers will be opened the 31st of January, 2017 at the website http://www.eaa2017maastricht.nl/
Research Interests: European History, Archaeology, Classical Archaeology, Near Eastern Archaeology, Prehistoric Archaeology, and 35 moreRoman History, Historical Archaeology, Remote Sensing, Landscape Archaeology, Archaeological Method & Theory, Early Medieval Archaeology, Medieval Archaeology, LiDAR, Archaeological GIS, Remote Sensing (Earth Sciences), Greek Archaeology, Roman military archaeology, Remote sensing and GIS applications in Landscape Research, Roman Army, Remote sensing and GIS, Roman Empire, Remote Sensing (Archaeology), Satellite Remote Sensing (Archaeology), Late Roman Archaeology, Archaeology of Roman Hispania, LiDAR for topographic mapping, Mediterranean archaeology, European Archaeology, GIS and Landscape Archaeology, GIS Applications in Archaeology, Roman military equipment, Roman Limes, Big Data, LiDAR for Landscape Archaeology, Lidar and Satellite Remote Sensing, Arqueología romana / Roman archeology, GIS in archaeology, LiDAR for Archaeology, Roman Archaeology, and Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
The Faculty of Archaeology of Leiden University hosts an international conference on the archaeology of the Roman period in Portugal and its place in the Roman West. The conference brings together archaeologists and ancient historians... more
The Faculty of Archaeology of Leiden University hosts an international conference on the archaeology of the Roman period in Portugal and its place in the Roman West. The conference brings together archaeologists and ancient historians from different academic backgrounds who are working in the Iberian peninsula and the wider Western Mediterranean. It aims to present new data and insights from various fields and approaches, and to discuss their significance for our understanding of Roman expansion and colonialism.
Five sessions revolve around new insights from landscape archaeological projects, developments in the economy, the process of military expansion, processes of centralization and urbanization, and the ritual and religious sphere. A key goal of the conference is to discuss how the Portuguese panorama compares to other areas in the Iberian peninsula, and to foreground its contribution to current debates about Roman expansion and incorporation in the Central and Western Mediterranean.
With a view to assess the potential of integrating best practices in archaeological approaches and methodology, different national and disciplinary research traditions and historical frameworks will be explicitly discussed. As such, the conference aims to explore ways to collaborate more closely between various Mediterranean areas and research projects, and to develop a shared research agenda.
Five sessions revolve around new insights from landscape archaeological projects, developments in the economy, the process of military expansion, processes of centralization and urbanization, and the ritual and religious sphere. A key goal of the conference is to discuss how the Portuguese panorama compares to other areas in the Iberian peninsula, and to foreground its contribution to current debates about Roman expansion and incorporation in the Central and Western Mediterranean.
With a view to assess the potential of integrating best practices in archaeological approaches and methodology, different national and disciplinary research traditions and historical frameworks will be explicitly discussed. As such, the conference aims to explore ways to collaborate more closely between various Mediterranean areas and research projects, and to develop a shared research agenda.
Research Interests:
Workshop "A ras de suelo: experiencias en Arqueología de cara al público en el Noroeste ibérico". Viernes 26 de octubre de 2018. Facultade de Xeografía e Historia, USC.
Research Interests:
Internationale (hybride) Tagung des Arbeitsbereichs Alte Geschichte des Historischen Seminars der Universität Hamburg und des Seminars für Klassische Archäologie der Universität Trier, 22.-24.10.2020, Warburg-Haus, D-20249 Hamburg