Tholos do Barro, Neolithic beehive tomb in Santa Maria, Portugal
Tholos do Barro is a prehistoric burial tomb with a circular chamber built from large limestone blocks stacked to form a domed roof. The structure includes a passage and antechamber, demonstrating the stone construction techniques used in ancient burial rituals.
The monument was built during the Neolithic and Chalcolithic periods as a communal burial site for deceased members. Its rediscovery in the early 20th century allowed researchers to examine artifacts that revealed details about how these ancient peoples lived.
The tomb contained limestone idols, ceramic pieces, bone objects, jewelry, and metal implements that indicate advanced burial practices of prehistoric communities.
The monument sits in a rural area north of Lisbon and is reachable by local transportation. Visitors should wear sturdy shoes since access involves walking on natural pathways around the site.
The tomb was originally covered by an earthen mound that protected the stone structure beneath from the elements. This building method was typical for megalithic graves of the period and is barely visible in the site's current landscape.
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