Montado do Freixo do Meio, driven by a desire to deepen its understanding of the evolution of its landscape, initiated a collaboration with archaeologist Manuel Calado in 2020. The goal was to carry out an archaeological survey project to better understand humanity’s passage through this region. The work conducted over two years revealed a significant set of data, allowing for the beginning of a mapping and timeline of the various human occupations and movements within the territory of Montado do Freixo do Meio.
All periods of prehistory were identified in this area; however, the Early Neolithic period stands out significantly, considering the number of sites identified and their landscape features, often associated with the most notable granite outcrops.
Following the identification of several Neolithic settlements, one of them was selected for archaeological excavation. The two campaigns carried out led to the discovery of various artifacts, materials, and structures that enriched the understanding of the Neolithization of the Alentejo. A menhir was also discovered. These findings inspired the construction of a full-scale replica of an Early Neolithic settlement, complete with elements of daily life, in an exercise of experimental archaeology.
The Prehistoric Freixo archaeological circuit offers a unique experience for two types of visits: “A Place in Prehistory,” designed for schools, and “The Origins“, open to the general public. During this tour, visitors are guided through seven “Clearings,” which evocatively recreate the spatial organization of that historical period.
The visit focuses on the Montado and the first agricultural and pastoral societies of the Neolithic period, covering a span of more than 2,000 years, and comparing them with the earlier hunter-gatherer societies.
As you explore the different “Clearings” along a circular route, we offer a dynamic experience that delves into Prehistory and the natural landscape. This journey includes interactive activities, the recreation of prehistoric tasks, and a visit to an active excavation of an Early Neolithic village.
The content is adapted to align with the Geography curriculum (2nd Cycle) and History curriculum (3rd Cycle), while also addressing topics related to Natural Sciences and Visual Education.
Throughout the tour, depending on the season, we will showcase some of the wild resources that served as food during the Neolithic period.
CLAREIRA 1. 20 minutos
Junto à antiga Escola Primária do Monte do Freixo do Meio, onde funciona o centro de Interpretação do Montado.
TEMA
As sociedades recoletoras/caçadoras. Do aparecimento do homo habilis ao Neolítico. Os grandes avanços técnicos e o nascimento da arte rupestre.
ATIVIDADES
CLAREIRA 2. 15 minutos
Junto do local onde foi descoberto, há uns anos, um menir decorado com covinhas, entretanto reerguido, foi construída uma réplica, o mais exata possível, do cromeleque de Vale d’El Rei, em Pavia. O monumento de Vale d’El Rei é o recinto megalítico melhor conservado que se conhece, atualmente, na Península Ibérica.
De dimensões comparativamente modestas, é constituído por uma dúzia de menires, organizados, como é norma neste tipo de monumentos, em forma de ferradura, aberta a Nascente.
Foi escavado e restaurado, há mais de duas décadas.
TEMA
Os primeiros agricultores e pastores e o Megalitismo.
ATIVIDADES
CLAREIRA 3. 10 minutos
TEMA
Como conseguiam os nossos antepassados neolíticos transportar as grandes pedras?
ATIVIDADE
CLAREIRA 4. 15 minutos
Sítio arqueológico do Neolítico Antigo, em escavação. Foi recentemente identificado em prospecções de superfície e, entretanto, objeto de duas breves campanhas de escavação.
TEMA
Os vestígios materiais como fontes para o estudo da Pré-história. O que fazem os
arqueólogos para descobrir as aldeias neolíticas? O que fazem para as estudar?
ATIVIDADE
CLAREIRA 5. 20 minutos
Reconstituição de um povoado neolítico (cultura material e atividades do quotidiano), com base nos dados arqueológicos disponíveis, incluindo a arqueologia experimental.
TEMA
A Revolução agrícola. Como era o dia a dia dos primeiros agricultores e pastores? O que comiam? Como cozinhavam e como armazenavam os alimentos?
ATIVIDADE
CLAREIRA 6. 15 minutos
Reconstituição, à escala 1:10, dos principais tipos de monumentos megalíticos funerários (Neolítico final).
TEMA
Megalitismo funerário e o crescimento demográfico das primeiras sociedades
agropastoris.
ATIVIDADES
CLAREIRA 7.1. 10 minutos
TEMA
O megalitismo: Como erguiam, os nossos antepassados, as grandes pedras?
ATIVIDADE
CLAREIRA 7.2. 10 minutos
Reconstituição, à escala 1: 10, de um povoado contemporâneo das antas (Neolítico final), representado em fase de construção.
TEMA
Os povoados dos construtores de antas.
ATIVIDADES
CLEARING 1. 20 minutes
Next to the old elementary school at Monte do Freixo do Meio, where the Montado Interpretation Center is located.
TOPIC
Hunter-Gatherer Societies. From the emergence of Homo habilis to the Neolithic. The major technological advances and the birth of rock art.
ACTIVITIES
CLEARING 2. 15 minutes
Near the site where a decorated menhir with cup marks was discovered a few years ago, a replica of the Vale d’El Rei cromlech in Pavia was constructed, as accurately as possible. The Vale d’El Rei monument is the best-preserved megalithic enclosure currently known in the Iberian Peninsula.
Comparatively modest in size, it consists of a dozen menhirs arranged in a horseshoe shape, open to the east, which is typical for this type of monument.
It was excavated and restored over two decades ago.
TOPIC
The First Farmers and Herders and Megalithism.
CLEARING 3. 10 minutes
TOPIC
How did our Neolithic ancestors manage to transport large stones?
CLEARING 4. 15 minutes
An Early Neolithic archaeological site under excavation. It was recently identified during surface surveys and has since been the subject of two brief excavation campaigns.
ACTIVITY
CLEARING 5. 20 minutes
Reconstruction of a Neolithic village (material culture and daily activities) based on available archaeological data, including experimental archaeology.
TOPIC
The Agricultural Revolution. What was daily life like for the first farmers and herders? What did they eat? How did they cook and store their food?
CLEARING 6. 15 minutes
Reconstruction, at a 1:10 scale, of the main types of megalithic funerary monuments (Late Neolithic).
CLEARING 7.1. 10 minutes
ACTIVITY
CLEARING 7.2. 10 minutes
Reconstruction, at a 1:10 scale, of a village contemporary with the dolmens (Late Neolithic), depicted in the construction phase.
TOPIC
The Villages of the Dolmen Builders.
ACTIVITIES
A range of activities is provided to help students gain a deeper understanding of our past, contributing to a better comprehension of the present moment and the future. Held at the site of various archaeological works, students will have access to genuine artifacts and replicas and experience the thrill of History being uncovered. All activities are conducted under the guidance of archaeologist Manuel Calado.
Our mission is to build a community around Herdade Freixo do Meio that is democratic, inclusive, transparent, autonomous, and resilient, that achieves a constantly improving relationship with natural resources, and that encourages personal development.
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