The Roman Republican occupation of Eira da Alorna (Almeirim)

Abstract

The intensity of agricultural work carried out for many decades in Eira da Alorna, Almeirim, has contributed to the destruction of this important archaeological site. The study of the abundant materials recovered from the surface that we have been developing allows us to understand not only their importance, but also their long period of occupation.

The first human installation dates from the end of the Chalcolithic, attested by the presence of Beaker pottery. Its occupation during proto-history stands out, and in particular its Sideric occupation that spans the entire Iron Age. Data on the use of this space during the Roman republican period are presented here, analyzed and discussed. Eira da Alorna also deserved to be evaluated, duly, in its regional context, since it is part of a dense and continuous settlement network, which was implanted on the left bank of the river, and which maintains a privileged and close relationship with the city ​​of Scallabis.

Keywords: Settlement, Conquest, Army, Tagus, Commerce.