Archaeology of Megalithism
Objectives
1. Problematise the ideological and geographical origins of Megalithism and its universal diffusion.
2. Study the great occurrences of the European megalithic cultural complex in an economic and socio-religious context.
3. Obtain an in depth knowledge of the megaliths in the current national territory and neighbouring areas, in two major components; open architecture (menhirs, alignments, cromlechs) and funerary structures.
4. Provide specialist information about the relation between megalithic monuments, the natural environment and resources, the building techniques, the symbols they contain, the rituals that they integrated, and the characteristics and specificities of the remains associated with them.
5. Provide future archaeologists with the theoretical and technical skills which will allow them to develop works in these fields, as well as the ability to construct projects and new interpretative models of the prehistoric period (Neolithic), thus creating knowledge.
General characterization
Code
722051391
Credits
10
Responsible teacher
Available soon
Hours
Weekly - 3 letivas + 1 tutorial
Total - Available soon
Teaching language
Prerequisites
n.a.
Bibliography
Anati, E. ; Gomes, M. V, (2014) Stonehenge, Prehistoric Engravings. Weapons for Ancestors or for Gods?, Instituto de Arqueologia e Paleociências, U.N.L., Lisboa.
Anati, E.; Gomes, M. V. (2013) The Züschen Megalithic Monument (Kassel, Hessen) and its Engravings. Animal Traction, Ploughs, Carts and Wagons in Neolithic Europe, Instituto de Arqueologia e Paleociências, U.N.L., Lisboa.
Briard, J. (1995) Les Mégalithes de lEurope Atlantique. Architecture et Art Funéraire (5000-2000 avant J.-C-), Editions Errance, Paris.
Gonçalves, V. dos S.; Sousa, A. C. (eds) (2012) Transformação e Mudança no Centro e Sul de Portugal: o 4º e o 3º milénios a.n.e., Câmara Municipal de Cascais e Uniarq, Cascais.
Guilaine, J. (dir.) (1999) Mégalithismes. De lAtlantique à lEthiopie, Editions Errance, Paris.
Jorge, S. de O. (1999) Domesticar a Terra, Edições Gradiva, Porto.
Mohen, J. P. (1989) Le Monde des Megalithes, Casterman, Paris.
Teaching method
The teaching will be carried out through lessons of a practical and technical nature, accompanied by audiovisual information both in the classroom and in the Archaeology Laboratory, as well as practical lessons that introduce students to specific empirical information, namely the initiation of contact with archaeological remains from megalithic contexts or related sites, and laboratory analysis processes. Exercises which review documents (texts, reports, films, etc
), field trips to museums, other institutions, and excavations and/or archaeological sites will take place.
Evaluation method
The evaluation of student knowledge will be carried out through an individual written work (maximum 10 pages) and through a written test, both worth 20 marks. The works will be presented and discussed in class.
Students who obtain an average mark of 10 or greater on the two works will achieve a passing grade.
Subject matter
The following broad themes will be addressed:
1. Conceptuality, economic strategies, social organisation and Megalithism, its origins and dissemination. Old theories, traditional empirical information, and recent discoveries;
2. Megalithism, societies and symbols of Old Europe;
3. The megalithic cultural complex and the food-producing societies of Portugal. Regionalism and diachronies;
4. Megalithic art in dolmens and menhirs. What are the possible social and religious meanings?
5. Rituals and votive remains.