Concheiros de Muge, Archaeological site in Salvaterra de Magos, Portugal.
Concheiros de Muge is an archaeological site near the Tagus River with extensive accumulations of shell remains, bones, and fish debris spread across several mounds. These layers tell the story of a Mesolithic community through what they left behind.
The site was discovered in 1863 by geologist Carlos Ribeiro and represents the largest collection of shell middens found anywhere in Europe. This discovery became crucial for understanding how Mesolithic people lived along rivers.
The site shows how people died and were laid to rest here. Adults were positioned in a crouched pose facing east, while children occupied a separate burial zone close to where families lived.
The site displays remains of circular wooden structures that once housed groups of 8 to 10 people and featured central hearths for cooking and food preservation. The excavated areas are laid out clearly, making it straightforward to walk through and observe the different layers and structures.
The site contains 60 post holes arranged in a semi-circular pattern positioned to shield inhabitants from harsh northern winds. This reveals how deliberately the people chose and designed their settlement to protect themselves from weather.
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