The glass assemblage from the Early Iron Age necropolis of Fonte Velha de Bensafrim (Lagos)

Abstract

The assemblage of glass beads from the Early Iron Age necropolis of Fonte Velha de Bensafrim, partially known since the late 19th century, remains one of the largest in the southwestern Iberian Penin‑sula, with nearly three hundred individual pieces. These can be grouped into various formal groups and chromatic or decorative variants, which can be considered representative of the regional glass bead reper‑toire. Nonetheless, and while the most common types documented in contemporary sites are indeed well represented in this assemblage, other, less common variants are also present which, beyond enriching the available panorama, allow for a discussion of possible regional supply circuits connecting this necropolis with other neighbouring sites, both in Algarve and in Alentejo.