2,200 Ancient Artifacts, Including Compass and Roman Gold Ring, Unearthed in Arade River

An extraordinary archaeological project in Portugal has discovered more than 2,200 artifacts from prehistoric to modern times.

The discovery of these remarkable artifacts occurred during a thorough survey of the excavated sediments of the Arade River and the Alvor estuary in the Algarve region.

The Role of the Arade River in Shaping Civilizations

These items were found using metal detectors in a project led by the Associação Projeto IPSIIS and overseen by archaeologist Vera Freitas. For Freitas, they are a "material reflection" of the different lives people have lived in this area over many centuries. They include everyday items, ritual objects, and professional tools.

Since the year 2000, the investigation has meticulously documented and conserved items that could have otherwise vanished over time. These artifacts have been relocated to the Portimão Museum and are currently displayed in the "Stories that the Sea Brings to Us."

This exhibition aims to highlight the Arade River's role as a cultural and commercial conduit and the historical significance of these discoveries.

The introductory words of the exhibition state, "For millennia, the Arade River has served as a vital route between the coast and the interior of the Algarve." River dredging, which is needed for transportation, found these hidden treasures. They show many things people have done from prehistoric times to today.

One of the most exciting finds is a compass from the 16th-17th century that shows how people navigated during that time. You can also learn how ships were built in the past by looking at nails, bolts, and adhesion leads. A Roman phalera, a carved disk that soldiers acquired, is also on display.

Freitas went into more detail about several items, such as a nautical probe and Roman amphora labels. In the past, the Arade River was a way for things, people, and ideas to get to other places. Many ancient civilizations used the mouth of the river as a port because it was naturally protected.

The items also show how people lived in the area around the river. Things like a Roman hairpin, a gold ring, a basin, and a mirror show how people lived and what they did in their daily lives. Older items, like a Bronze Age ax, help us learn about the long past of people living and working in the area.

A big part of the collection also consists of religious and ritual items. Some of these are a Roman chalice and an Iron Age artifact showing a bull meant to be a gift to the gods. These things signify how the people who lived along the river practiced and believed in spiritual things.

The Aim to Educate and Encourage Action for Preservation

The exhibition at the Portimão Museum seeks to educate visitors about the value of protecting the history of the Arade River while also displaying these historical gems. IPSIIS persistently searches for and protects buried objects to ensure the permanent loss of these historical artifacts.

Freitas emphasized the unique nature of this initiative in Portugal and the controlled and legally permitted use of metal detectors. This cautious approach made the recovery and preservation of many artifacts possible, providing a thorough window into the area's rich past.

Until November, guests to the Portimão Museum may explore this fascinating collection and learn about the Arade River's historical importance and influence on the Algarve's cultural landscape.

Through the ongoing discovery and preservation of these historic items, the initiative emphasizes safeguarding our shared history for study and appreciation by future generations.