The article delves into the prehistoric occupation of Cabeço de Caria Talaia in Sabugal, Portugal, focusing on archaeological findings from 2008 and 2009. These excavations shed light on the nature and chronology of the site’s occupation, pinpointing a phase between the Middle Bronze Age and the early Late Bronze Age.
Despite challenges like poor preservation, the discoveries were significant. The ceramics unearthed played a crucial role in understanding the site’s cultural context and chronological placement.
Noteworthy is the presence of ceramics with incised decorations and white paste residues, hinting at the site’s potential as one of the oldest remnants of bronze metallurgy in Alto Côa. The identification of Cogotas I style ceramics at Caria Talaia is exceptional, suggesting activities beyond mere food or drink consumption, possibly indicating broader societal interactions.
The absence of explicit structures at the site is compensated by alignments and concentrations of ceramic and lithic materials, providing insights into the site’s organisation and social integration. Migration patterns are hinted at by scattered fragments from the same vessels, indicating movement and interaction among communities.
The document also discusses the regional significance of the findings, drawing parallels with other Bronze Age settlements in the area. Despite the challenges posed by limited stratigraphic potential and scarce materials, the artefacts found at Cabeço de Caria Talaia contribute significantly to the understanding of the region’s prehistoric past, highlighting the shared cultural heritage reflected in the ceramics and tools discovered at the site.
