Possible medieval cemetery located in Portugal

Archaeologists have uncovered a near-complete skeleton dating from the 15th or 16th century on a cliff-top site above the Santa Eulália beach in Albufeira, which is believed to be an important medieval cemetery.

The skeleton was buried in an area near the historically-recorded Ermida de Santa Eulália chapel, where a burial ground is thought to have existed.

It is not the first time that skeletal remains have been found in this location. However, they have previously been found lying in a north to south position rather than from east to west, as was the case in this recent discovery. But both positions are associated with Christian burial rituals.

The arms of the skeleton, believed to be a man, were positioned over its abdominal area and it will be removed from the cliff-top grave to be analysed by archaeologists.

The need for a speedy analysis is prompted due to the fact that a cliff stabilisation operation is also underway because of the risk of landslides from recent winter storms.

Apart from the unearthing of the skeleton, remains of a factory for the Roman fish-paste known as garum were found. Garum was much appreciated at the time and was exported to other countries.

Many other artefacts, such as vessels, cups, pitchers or amphorae from the Roman period, have also been found since works on the site began in 2004.

Because of historical significance of these remains, the Hydrographical Administration of the Algarve (ARH) will reduce the efforts of cliff stabilisation and create a protection support at the base of the cliff.

According to the regional head of the Portuguese Environment Agency (APA), Sebastião Teixeira, the first metres of the cliff-top are “condemned” to disappear because it is not possible to create stability in a cliff without cutting off its edges.

“We hope to collect as much information of the area as we can because it may all be lost with the cliff stabilisation work,” stated the archaeologist from the town hall of Albufeira.

All of the recovered relics and information (topographic surveys, drawings and photography) will be sent to the Municipal Museum of Albufeira.