The article discusses the discovery of three socketed arrowheads at Monte Figueiró, shedding light on Phoenician influence in central Portugal. The arrowheads, analysed using x-Ray Fluorescence and Scanning Electronic Microscope, reveal unique features and chemical composition, indicating a connection to war-making activities rather than hunting.
This suggests a new fighting technique influenced by Oriental military art, emphasising the role of archers alongside lancers. The presence of defensive walls in Phoenician settlements like Santa Olaia and others in Portugal implies tensions between indigenous and exogenous populations.
The study’s analytical methodology involved a multi-analytical approach to determine chemical composition and manufacturing processes. The findings contribute to understanding the region’s history and the Phoenician expansion along the Atlantic coast of Iberia. The arrowheads’ presence at Monte Figueiró signifies the penetration of Mediterranean influence by land, hinting at an alternative route to the usual maritime path.
The article also touches on the significance of metal deposits in Castro de Alvaiázere, indicating its importance during the Late Bronze Age and transition to the Iron Age. However, the reason for the settlement’s abandonment after the 8th century BC remains unclear.
Overall, the study provides valuable insights into the incorporation of foreign elements in local communities, raising questions about conflicts, assimilation of novelties, and the dynamics between different human groups in the region.
