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  • Discovering Ancient Societies in Portugal

Discovering Ancient Societies in Portugal

Hunter-gatherers and farmers may have coexisted for a brief time in ancient Portuguese societies before the shift to agriculture. Unearth the mystery of this transition.

Around 8,000 years ago, Central Portugal underwent a dramatic shift in lifestyles from hunting and gathering to farming and herding. This transition, known as the Mesolithic-Neolithic transition, remains one of the most controversial issues in prehistory archaeology, attracting significant archaeological debate and extensive research. The common-held belief is that hunter-gatherers disappeared from Central Portugal around 7,000 years ago, and later, farmers and herders settled the area. But now, archaeologists are uncovering clues contradicting this.

By analyzing bone tools, shells, ornaments and human remains, researchers will trace the transition between these periods to better understand the complex changes not only in technology and subsistence, but also in how people thought about themselves and the world around them, as well as the nature of their social interactions.

Join researchers in Tagus Valley, Portugal, one of the most important regions to study this transitional phase, and help discover the answers to establish a timeline. You’ll excavate, sifting for tools and human remains, while working to preserve part of Portugal’s natural and cultural heritage.

For more information or to book contact our office (03) 9016 7590 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Reviews

  • Activity Level: Very Easy
  • Location: Muge, Salvaterra de Magos, Santarém, Portugal
  • Lead Scientist:

    Nuno Bicho, Ph.D.

From $2,995 USD
Duration: 7+ days

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