Sondagens Arqueológicas no Castro da Madalena (Vila Nova de Gaia) Notícia preliminar das Campanhas de 2020 e 2021

Abstract

This article presents a summary of the results from the archaeological campaigns which took place in 2020 and 2021, in the Castro of Madalena, at Vila Nova de Gaia. The excavations in this small Atlantic Iron Age settlement, allowed us to collect the first data related to the dwelling structures and adjacent areas. We highlight the preferential use of building materials such as clay, cob, grit, and plant elements, which differ from more traditionally used stone elements. These ones emerge as a finishing element, suggesting the existence of mixed building materials. Also, is of particular interest the evidence of walkways, built with similar materials, surrounding the houses. We believe that further research will provide an important contribute to increase the knowledge of the internal organization of regional Iron Age settlements, prior to the Roman domain.