Browsing by Author "Martins, Daniel Alexandre Hindson"
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- Geoarchaeology of mound structures: A sedimentary micromorphological analysis of Lapa da Meruje (Vouzela, Viseu)Publication . Martins, Daniel Alexandre Hindson; Carvalho, António Faustino; Simões, Carlos DuarteThe occurrence of an ample number of megalithic monuments in the historical region of Lafões, presents itself as a consequence of the increased human activity on the landscape, having this notable growth marked during Neolithic period. From this point, the present work focuses on a geoarchaeological approach, in order to obtain an insight on possible land use before the building of megaliths, as well as the construction phases and of use of these funerary structures. To answer these problems a sedimentary micromorphological analysis was carried out, also adding a better understanding of both the stratigraphy and construction methods of a particular megalithic monument. This was conducted by obtaining samples from the Neolithic dolmen of Lapa da Meruje (one of the few dolmens to have been target of consistent archaeological work), by means of understanding site formation processes through the analysis of thin sections, under a petrographic microscope. Through the use of this method, it was possible to understand the extent of the violation that occurred in the funeral chamber. On the other, preserved areas of the monument revealed the origin of the sediments used for the construction of the monument and the filling of the funerary chamber (in prehistoric times), these being most likely of local origin. Furthermore, several elements within the thin sections led to the possibility of having occurred the practice of vegetation clearance activities previous to the construction of the funerary structure, as well as a layer attributed to preparation practices for the construction of the dolmen.