The archaeological site of Alto do Castelo (Alpiarça). Archaeological review and new non‑intrusive readings

Abstract

This article presents an archaeological review of the Alto do Castelo site (Alpiarça) and new interpretations based on non‑intrusive surveys. The site has been the object of study since the beginning of the 20th century, mainly due to its proximity to Bronze Age necropolises. Previous investigations have revealed occupations dating from the Chalcolithic to Roman times, with an emphasis on a Late Bronze Age fortification and a possible Roman Republican military camp.

Recent work includes the review of archaeological remains and the application of remote sensing (LiDAR) and geophysical (magnetometry) techniques, which have enabled a better understanding of human occupation and the evolution of the site over time. The results confirm the complexity of the site, with occupations ranging from prehistoric times to the Islamic medieval period, and provide new information on the defensive structures and internal organisation of the site.