Uma falcata ibérica do castro de Frades (Montalegre, Norte de Portugal) = One Iberian falcata from Frades' hillfort (Montalegre, Northern Portugal)

Abstract

This paper presents two iron implements originating from the hilforts of Frades and Donões, which are located on the outskirts of the city of Montalegre, in the north of Portugal. None of the settlements has had any archaeological interventions to date, and surface finds indicate an occupation dating to Iron Age, in addition to ceramic materials of roman fabric. Both implements were accidentally found protruding from the soil surface of the sites. While one of the implements can be inequivocally classified as an Iberian falcata, it is scrutinized wether the other is a part of a similar weapon, or just some other tool. Further discussion is drawn upon the circumstances that may have enabled the presence of such finds in these hillforts, while emphasizing the movements of warriors in late Iron Age Iberia.