Mértola archaeological excavations reveal ancient necropolis

Archaeological work during the ‘Cintura Verde’ construction project in Mértola has identified a new area of the Cerro das Neves Necropolis. This discovery expands upon previous findings at Largo da Feira, confirming they belong to the same cremation funerary complex but revealing a much larger chronological scope than previously known.

Since work began on August 13, researchers have excavated 46 cremation graves. A significant highlight is the identification of a core associated with the Roman-republican period, dating back to the 2nd and 1st centuries BCE, which joins existing Iron Age remains.

Preliminary data from a newly opened excavation area suggests the presence of even older remains, potentially dating back to the 7th century BCE. This find is considered highly significant for the region's heritage, as it documents the transition and evolution of funerary rituals between the Iron Age and the beginning of Romanization. The municipality plans to use an interdisciplinary approach, combining field archaeology with laboratory analysis and scientific specialties to consolidate the findings.