Anta Grande do Zambujeiro is a
megalithic monument located at , near Valverde -
Evora -
Alentejo -
Portugal, one of the biggest existing in the
Iberian Peninsula. It was constructed during the range in date from c.4000 B.C. to 3500 B.C..
It consists of a free-standing single-chamber
dolmen and was used by the
Neolithic communities as a
burial place and also possibly for religious purposes.
The chamber, of
polygonal form, is made of seven large stones that rise 8
m above the ground. It was originally covered by a 7m wide stone.
The chamber opens into a corridor that is 12m long, 1.5m wide and 2m high, which still retains the original covering stones over much of its length. The entrance was marked by a large, decorated
menhir, now lying on the ground.
A large number of artifacts found during the archaeological excavations are kept in the museum of Evora. Due to its importance, Anta Grande do Zambujeiro was declared a national monument by the Portuguese government in 1971 (D.L. 516/71 de 22 de Novembro (November 22)).
This monument impressively illustrates the organization and technical capabilities of the Neolithic populations that built it.
Related links
External links
Category : Évora