Enxarrique Mouth Archaeologic Place
Share Image
Among those in this region Enxarrique mouth Archaeologic site is one of the most important international archaeological and paleontological sites and one of the most unknown to the general public. Located next to Porto do Tejo, in Vila Velha de Ródão on the edge of the urban area, between Enxarrique mouth and Tagus River, it was discovered in 1982. This outdoor camp from Middle Paleolithic, has lithic materials cut here, as well as faunal remains, belonging, among others, to rodents, horse, deer and aurochs, including some of the latest remains dating from the presence of European Elephant (Elephas antiquus) on this continent before its extinction during the last glaciation.
Foz do Enxarrique is central in numerous scientific papers, both Portuguese and international, for the understanding of natural evolution of the Proboscidea (Elephas antiquus belongs to this group), implications of climate changes for mass extinctions at the end of Pleistocene, among which Neanderthals, in relation to the expansion of biologically modern Man, and Neanderthal ecology and culture.
During Roman occupation, this site was used temporarily as a military camp, as some seem to point remains found, including a fireplace and three objects in lead identified as Roman slingshots from the first century b. C ..
-
Among those in this region Enxarrique mouth Archaeologic site is one of the most important international archaeological and paleontological sites and one of the most unknown to the general public. Located next to Porto do Tejo, in Vila Velha de Ródão on the edge of the urban area, between Enxarrique mouth and Tagus River, it was discovered in 1982. This outdoor camp from Middle Paleolithic, has lithic materials cut here, as well as faunal remains, belonging, among others, to rodents, horse, deer and aurochs, including some of the latest remains dating from the presence of European Elephant (Elephas antiquus) on this continent before its extinction during the last glaciation.
Foz do Enxarrique is central in numerous scientific papers, both Portuguese and international, for the understanding of natural evolution of the Proboscidea (Elephas antiquus belongs to this group), implications of climate changes for mass extinctions at the end of Pleistocene, among which Neanderthals, in relation to the expansion of biologically modern Man, and Neanderthal ecology and culture.
During Roman occupation, this site was used temporarily as a military camp, as some seem to point remains found, including a fireplace and three objects in lead identified as Roman slingshots from the first century b. C ..
-
Alentejo
-
Vila Velha de Ródão
-
Portas de Ródão Natural Monument
Identification and Access
-
No
-
In Vila Velha de Ródão, take N18 and Rua (street) do Porto do Tejo. Leave the car in the park near the river and walk to the site crossing the bridge over Enxarrique mouth.
Base Characterization
-
Imóvel de Interesse Público. Decreto n.º 29/90, DR, I Série, n.º 163, de 17-07-1990.
-
Imóvel de Interesse Público
-
Museum or alike
-
Urban.
-
Public
-
Middle Paleolithic and Roman Period
Tips
-
Since this site is not yet a museum, watch it from afar and if you see someone picking up stones, bones or any kind of object from this place, contact the National Guard (GNR) – 808 200 520.
