Anta Do Monte Abraão
The burial chamber of the Anta do Monte Abraão had an east-west orientation. It had at least six upright limestone supporting stones or orthostats and three of these were found in situ by Ribeiro. The polygonal chamber had a diameter of 3.6 metres, approached by an 8 metre corridor that was 2 metres wide. Subsequent work by Vergílio Correia Pinto da Fonseca identified limited drawings on some stones. Despite the destruction of the tomb, excavations have yielded numerous finds, including stone axes, flint tools and blades, flint arrowheads, club heads, pottery ceramics, clay vessels and objects of adornment. These are exhibited at the Portuguese Geological Museum in Lisbon.
Apart from the visit by Da Fonseca, Ribeiro’s findings attracted little interest in the dolmen until the 1960s, when archaeologists became concerned about the possible destruction of the Antas de Belas as a result of urban expansion and highway construction. In addition, the Anta do Monte Abrãao was threatened by the activity of a quarry located in its vicinity. The present condition of the stones is poor and extensive graffiti is visible.
References
- ^ "Semana da História: A Anta do Monte Abraão". Academia do Saber. Retrieved 16 February 2019.
- ^ "Antas de Belas". Patrimonio Cultural. Retrieved 16 February 2019.
- ^ Boaventura, Rui; Cardoso, João Luís. "Carlos Ribeiro (1813-1882) e as antas de Belas: um contributo para a História da Ciência em Portugal no século XIX". ESTUDOS ARQUEOLÓGICOS DE OEIRAS. Retrieved 16 February 2019.
- ^ "Anta de Monte Abraão". Sistema de Informação para o Património Arquitetónico: SIPA. Retrieved 16 February 2019.
- ^ "Anta do Monte Abraão". The Megalithic Portal. Retrieved 16 February 2019.
- ^ "Memórias das Pedras Talhas". Blogspot. Retrieved 16 February 2019.