Rituals and death cults in recent prehistory in Central Portugal (Alto Ribatejo)

Abstract

The present paper aims to give a general outline of new data that contributes to a better understanding of cults and rituals in Alto Ribatejo, central Portugal, during recent prehistory. The Megalithic Complex of Rego da Murta is the only megalithic set known so far in the Upper Nabão region, and is therefore of crucial significance to understanding the population dynamics of the people who inhabited this region. The excellent preservation of deposition contexts - especially those in Dolmen II of Rego da Murta, and its relative proximity with the cave contexts - makes it the perfect case study for understanding the burial rites performed in this period.