In the heart of the Santarém region of Portugal stands an ancient monument that tells stories of a distant past: the Foz do Rio Frio Dolmen. This megalithic tomb, also known as the Anta da Casa dos Mouros, dates back to a period between 3500 and 4000 B.C., placing it in the late Middle Neolithic. Located in the municipality of Mação, specifically in Ortiga, it is the only dolmen in the area still standing, a true silent witness of bygone eras.
The dolmen is situated on a plateau overlooking the Tagus River, offering a charming panoramic view of the surrounding valley. Its coordinates, 39.4741993, -8.0633732, position it as a strategic point for understanding the dynamics of human settlement in this part of Portugal. Discovered in the 1970s and subsequently excavated in 1982, the Foz do Rio Frio Dolmen has revealed numerous artifacts, enriching the historical knowledge of the region.
History and Origins
The Foz do Rio Frio Dolmen is an extraordinary example of megalithic funerary architecture. This type of structure, characterized by large stone slabs, was used to bury the deceased, suggesting that prehistoric communities had already developed complex rituals related to death and the afterlife. The discovery of stone tools and a copper dagger during the excavations testifies to the craftsmanship of the ancient inhabitants of this area.
The dolmen was identified and studied by Maria Amélia Horta Pereira and Thomas Bubner, who, along with a group of young assistants, worked to restore it to its original form. The restructuring involved the restoration of fallen stones and the reinforcement of the structure with natural and cementitious materials, thus preserving an important testimony of the past.