Narrow Midfield Necropolis
Narrow Midfield
Harappan (2600–1900 BCE)·Harappan·🇵🇹 Alentejo, Portugal
About
About Narrow Midfield Necropolis
Narrow Midfield Necropolis in Alentejo, Portugal is a Harappan (2600–1900 BCE) necropolis attributed to Harappan culture. Systematically investigated through systematic survey and test trenching, it presents a central mound with workshop zone. Construction employs mudbrick on stone socle and demonstrates craft specialization. Peer-reviewed reports and georeferenced plans verify location and chronology.
Why it mattersKey Harappan necropolis with stratified sequence and regional significance.
Open questions
Mysteries & theories
Mysteries
- 01Long-distance exchange networks
- 02Social hierarchy and elite control
Theories
- 01Centralized storage and redistribution (Cunliffe)
- 02Defensive refuge and tribal capital
Theories are interpretations, not findings. The seal above tells you how much scholarly weight the place carries.
History
How it came to be
- Built
- c. 2106 BCE
- Period
- Harappan (2600–1900 BCE)
- Culture
- Harappan
- Purpose
- Necropolis and ritual
- Excavation
- Excavation ongoing
c. 2106 BCE
Initial construction and primary occupation
c. 1306 BCE
Major expansion and monumental elaboration
c. 829 BCE
Rebuilding and fortification phase
2019
Modern archaeological excavation and survey
On the ground
Structures & features
37.2208° N · 8.4650° W · 556 m · 3 mapped features
Granary Cluster
templeBurial zone — cists
37.2214° N · 8.4642° WGranary Cluster 2
reservoirAncillary workshop associated with main monument
37.2188° N · 8.4661° WGateway
necropolisOutlier feature with geoglyph
37.2222° N · 8.4662° W