Firewall(s). O elemento fogo nos processos construtivos da muralha do Bronze Final do Outeiro do Circo (Beja)

Abstract

Outeiro do Circo (Beja) is mainly known for the characteristics of its defensive system, in which the use of fire played an important role during its construction, particularly to stabilise the slope and to create a clay ramp. The main material traces of this type of action are the numerous blocks of burnt clay identified on the surface or excavated in the area of the walls. In order to better understand this phenomenon, various archaeological techniques and methods were used, including photo-interpretation, survey trenches, archaeological and geophysical prospection, as well as laboratory analyses and zooarchaeological approaches with a taphonomic nature. Finally, some aspects of the use of fire at Outeiro do Circo are contextualised with other cases already published for the Late Bronze Age communities of the Alentejo.