Interpreting Rock-Cut Grave Cemeteries: The Early Medieval Necropolis and Enclosure of São Gens, Portugal

Abstract

This paper seeks firstly to outline the archaeological evidence revealed by excavation and fieldwork at the site of São Gens (Guarda district) in central Portugal. Comprising an early medieval rock-cut grave cemetery and settlement, along with Roman and prehistoric evidence, the site is an exceptionally rich palimpsest of archaeological monuments. In the second part of the paper we attempt to address the problem of interpreting rock-cut grave cemeteries, and describe a spatial analytical methodology that draws comparisons with early medieval cemeteries in England as a way to enhance the information deficit of such necropolises. In light of these analyses, an interpretation of the São Gens site is offered in conclusion.Although they are recorded in several European countries, rock-cut graves are a particularly common phenomenon in the Iberian Peninsula. Here this type of funerary structure and its associated practices was a long-lasting tradition from the 6 th to the 12 th centuries AD. In many parts of Iberia rock-cut graves are the most abundant funerary remains left by early medieval communities. They are very common in central Portugal, where in the territory of Viseu (more than 6150 km 2 ) 522 sites with rock-cut graves are known, comprising more than 1726 graves.As ubiquitous as they are, rock-cut graves are nevertheless enigmatic archaeological monuments that present a number of difficulties for interpretation. Unlike other early medieval cemeteries, most rock-cut graves contain no burials and analysis relies solely on the typological and spatial characteristics of the grave structures. Commonly, graves are hewn directly into natural rocky geology as straight-sided, ovoid, or body-shaped tombs, varying in depth from to 26 to 40 cm. In some cases graves are covered by rock slab lids, very occasionally they are constructed as double graves, but almost always the grave cut is all that survives. It is assumed, though by no means proven, that each once contained a body.

Agriculture, gathering, and food processing in the 10th century in central-north Portugal

“…A spatial analysis of the necropolis layout was able to reveal a household organization and the identification of a particular group of tombs. Indeed, according to Brookes, Tente and Prata (2017) this was apparently a necropolis community that comprised 3-4 self-identifying groups. It can be affirmed that, as at Penedo dos Mouros, there is a close relation with the neighboring valley, where pulses would have been cultivated.…”

Habitus? The Social Dimension of Technology and Transformation

“…Brookes et al 2017). B. Buchanan 8 is also the author of the maps used in this study (ADS https://doi.org/10.5284/1047597, Figs.3-8), while their interpretations are mine based on our intensive discussions of the method in general and the Nebelivka case study in particular.…”