Discovering Ancient Societies in Portugal
Expedition Briefing
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Please read the following information carefully before leaving for your expedition.
The Research
Around 8,000 years ago, Central Portugal underwent a dramatic shift in lifestyles from hunting and gathering to farming and herding (Bailey and Milner, 2002; Erlandson, 2001; Renouf, 1998). Globally, this transition was much more than a mere shift in where food came from. It was a change in the way people lived on the land, which, in turn, allowed them to stay in one place longer than previously possible. That led to shifts to more permanent housing, the emergence of true villages, and increased social structure. In short, this transition is about when we became 鈥渦s.鈥
Usually thought of as one culture (the 鈥渕ore advanced鈥 agriculturalist) replacing another (the 鈥渕ore primitive鈥 hunter/ gatherers), there is increasing evidence to suggest these cultural systems existed at the same time and place (Bicho et al., 2013; Price, 2015).
The Mesolithic-Neolithic transition remains one of the most controversial issues in prehistory archaeology, attracting significant archaeological debate and extensive research. The commonly held belief is that hunter-gatherers disappeared from Central Portugal around 7,000 years ago, and later, farmers and herders settled in the area. But now, archaeologists are uncovering clues contradicting this.
By analyzing bone tools, shells (and other evidence of food types consumed), ornaments, and human remains, researchers will trace the transition between these periods to better understand the complex changes not only in technology and subsistence but also in how people thought about themselves and the world around them and the nature of their social interactions.
Due to its diversity of artifact assemblages, excellent faunal and human bone preservation, evidence for multiple site functions, and the presence of a newly discovered wet context (e.g., Bokelmann, 2012; Conneller et al., 2009; Milner et al., 2011) Cabe莽o da Amoreira and Cabe莽o da Arruda are an ideal location to study the Mesolithic hunter-gatherers and their probable integration into the newly arrived exogenous Neolithic societies coming from the Mediterranean Sea. At the same time, researchers will be looking to understand potential climatic drivers that have precipitated this shift and the impact of these food-producing societies on the natural environment, regional ecology, and cultural background.
Discovering Ancient Societies in Portugal
Research Aims
Researchers seek to understand how individuals changed culturally and physically, how tools and technologies changed during this time, and how burial practices, rituals, and land use differed between the Mesolithic and Neolithic populations.
Researchers have already discovered several sets of human burials at the project site鈥攌ey findings have provided insights into the genetic continuity at the Mesolithic-Neolithic transition, enabling a better understanding of past human diets and mobility.
The goals of understanding and defining the Mesolithic-Neolithic transition process in the region are grounded in providing answers to the following set of research questions:
- Is it possible to identify cultural and physical alterations in the local population based on DNA and diet? And how are these possibly related to population movement and integration?
- Was there a differential use among Mesolithic and Neolithic populations (e.g., burial contexts, funerary rituals, prestige items, and land use)
- What were the changes and/or continuities in technology?
- How did the apparent changes in subsistence strategies impact social changes and the regional ecology?
Discovering Ancient Societies in Portugal
How You Will Help
Participatory scientists play a vital role in both field excavation and laboratory analysis, contributing directly to ongoing research efforts. Their involvement has been essential in expanding our understanding of the Mesolithic-Neolithic transition, aiding in the discovery, documentation, and interpretation of archaeological findings. By participating, volunteers help ensure the preservation of archaeological heritage while gaining hands-on experience in scientific methods:
EXCAVATION
- Digging
- Total station operation data recording
- Sediment screening and sample collection
- Photography and 3D recording of finds
LABORATORY ACTIVITES
- Cleaning, sorting, and labeling archaeological materials
- Data entry and management
- Floatation and processing of paleobotany samples
- Observing and assisting in human osteological analysis (if remains are found)
Specialists in different research areas will conduct sample analysis during laboratory work hours. Participatory scientists are encouraged to observe and experiment with these tasks, gaining deeper insights into archaeological methods and their significance in reconstructing past societies.
Additionally, on some teams, volunteers may help develop educational materials, participate in public lectures, and engage in outreach activities to promote awareness of the project and the importance of prehistoric archaeology.
Discovering Ancient Societies in Portugal
Life in the Field
Each day, the team will start early and prepare for the fieldwork. After breakfast, participants travel to the research site, where they receive a daily briefing outlining the planned activities for the day鈥攂oth in the excavation area and the laboratory.
DAILY ACTIVITIES
Weather and research needs can lead to changes in the daily schedule. We appreciate your flexibility, cooperation, and understanding.
Excavation activities will take place during the morning, from 7:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. During fieldwork, participants are encouraged to ask questions about excavation techniques and the materials being recovered. University and high school students may occasionally join the team as part of their learning experience. You will receive training on excavation procedures and the use of basic tools and software used daily.
After morning fieldwork, participants return to the accommodations, where they prepare their lunches using the provided supplies. Following this short rest break, the team typically travels by project van to the laboratory, making reaching the facility more manageable for all participants. For those who prefer to walk, the laboratory is approximately 500 meters (about a 10-minute walk) from the accommodations.
Evenings will provide time to rest, socialize, and reflect on the day鈥檚 work. Most nights, the team will enjoy dinner at a local restaurant (chosen in advance by field staff). On a couple of occasions, dinner will be hosted on-site at the palace, including a casual pizza night or grilled chicken.
ITINERARY
For One-Week Teams
- Day 1: Arrival in the afternoon, project orientation, and dinner
- Day 2: Basic training, safety briefing, and orientation to field sites; begin fieldwork
- Days 3鈥5: Excavation and laboratory work
- Day 6: Fieldwork and evening wrap-up for the first week of work
- Day 7: Depart for the airport
*For 13-Day Teams:
- Day 1: Arrival in the late afternoon, project orientation, and dinner
- Day 2: Basic training, safety briefing, and orientation to field sites; begin fieldwork
- Days 3鈥11: Excavation and laboratory work, with one recreational day to explore a nearby town or visit a vineyard.
- Day 12: Fieldwork and evening wrap-up
- Day 13: Depart for the airport
*This option is available only for the 2025 research season.
POLICIES
Smoking, including traditional cigarettes, electronic cigarettes, and vaping devices, is not permitted at the project site, except in designated smoking areas.
MONEY MATTERS
Local Currency: Euro (EUR)
Personal Funds: Visa and Mastercard are commonly accepted in Portugal. If you wish to participate in optional recreational activities like wine tasting at Casa Cadaval, you should budget personal funds accordingly. A wine-tasting experience costs approximately 25 euros.
Discovering Ancient Societies in Portugal
Essential Eligibility Requirements
All participants must be able to:
- Tolerate average daytime temperatures of 84鈥91掳F (29鈥33掳C) with low humidity, with occasional peaks exceeding 104掳F (40掳C) in the summer months.
- Enjoy being outdoors for extended periods in various weather conditions (see above), with the potential presence of wild animals and insects.
- Walk short distances across mostly flat terrain to reach research sites.
- Walk, possibly in sand or uphill with a light pack, up to 1 mile/1.6km per day.
- Bend and kneel multiple times throughout the day to excavate and trowel sediment, sometimes for extended periods.
- Handle excavation tools, including a trowel, and lift and carry a bucket of sediment weighing about 10鈥15 lbs. (4.5鈥7 kgs). Note: Sifting work requires some agility to get up and down off the ground in the sandy substrate (good balance needed).
- Carry personal daily supplies, such as snacks, water, and small field equipment, weighing up to 10 lbs (4.5 kgs or less).
- Enter and exit a van unaided, riding seated with a seatbelt fastened for about 30 minutes daily.
- Climb stairs to access accommodations, as all guest rooms are on the second floor, with no elevator available.
- Follow verbal and/or visual instructions independently or with the assistance of a companion.
- Take an active role in one鈥檚 safety by recognizing and avoiding hazards if and when they arise (including, but not limited to, those described in 美姬社区 materials and safety briefings). Always comply with project staff instructions and recommended safety measures.
- Be able to effectively communicate with the staff if they are experiencing distress or need assistance.
- Be able to get along with a variety of people from different backgrounds, often in close proximity, for the duration of the team.
- Feel comfortable in an environment where the primary language and culture norms may be different from their own.
Discovering Ancient Societies in Portugal
Accommodations and Food
* Please note that not every expedition has couples鈥 or singles' accommodations available. Please call or email 美姬社区 to check availability before reserving your space(s) on the team.
SLEEPING
美姬社区 teams will stay at the Palace of Muge Estate (also known as Casa Cadaval), a historic property located near the research site. In the palace, rooms will be shared between two volunteers of the same gender, and multiple bathrooms will be shared within one wing of the home. Rooms for pairs may be available with advanced notice. Sheets, towels, pillows, and blankets will be provided. A small table fan is available in each room, but please note that the palace does not have air conditioning.
The family estate is home to Teresa Schonborn, Countess of Schonborn and Wiesentheid, who serves as the Chairman of the Board of Directors of Casa Cadaval. Countess Teresa Schonborn is a friend and colleague of the research team, a project collaborator, and a passionate supporter of archeology. As a private residence and a historical landmark, this accommodation offers a unique and special experience.
* 美姬社区 will honor each person鈥檚 assertion of gender identity respectfully and without judgment. For both teen and adult teams, where logistics dictate single-sex accommodations or other facilities, participant placements will be made in accordance with the gender identity the participant specified on their 美姬社区 Participant form and/or preferences indicated in discussions with 美姬社区.
BATHROOMS
The bathrooms are shared and equipped with conventional flush toilets and hot showers.
PERSONAL COMMUNICATIONS
All participants with international mobile plans can be reached via mobile phones at any time. Mobile networks are available at the sites, allowing for email and Skype access. All project staff are equipped with mobile phones with network connectivity.
Wi-Fi is available in some areas of the Palace of Muge, though the signal may be weak in the bedrooms. A mobile internet device is available in the living room of the wing where participants are accommodated and in the laboratory, allowing volunteers to connect when needed. In Portugal, Type F power plugs and sockets are used, so you will need to carry the appropriate travel adapter. The standard voltage is 230 V at 50 Hz.
Please note: 美姬社区 encourages volunteers to minimize outgoing calls and immerse themselves in the experience; likewise, family and friends should restrict calls to urgent messages only. Emergency communications will be prioritized.
DISTANCE TO THE FIELD SITE
The distance between the accommodations and the field site is very short, with travel time by van less than 10 minutes. The laboratory facilities are about a 10-minute walk (approx. 500 meters) from the accommodations.
FOOD AND WATER
Teams will enjoy local Portuguese cuisine, including fresh items. Soups and stews are typical, reflecting culinary traditions rooted in the region鈥檚 historic convents and monasteries. Volunteers will prepare breakfasts, lunches, and snacks at the accommodations using the provided supplies. Drinking water will be available at all times. Fresh fruits and energy bars will be provided as snacks. Dinner will be arranged at local restaurants or served in the palace courtyard on select evenings.
Typical Meals
The following are examples of foods commonly available during the expedition. The menu may vary depending on availability, and we appreciate your flexibility.
- Breakfast: Bread (including regional varieties), cheese, ham, eggs, butter, jam, spreads (such as peanut butter), fresh fruit, yogurt, cereals, coffee, tea, milk
- Lunch: Sandwiches, deli meats (ham, chorizo, and other cured meats), cheese, spreads (such as p芒t茅 and butter), canned fish (tuna), vegetable salads, soft drinks
- Dinner: Meat, fish, fresh vegetables, legumes, rice, potatoes, stews, and soups
- Desserts: Traditional Portuguese desserts or seasonal fresh fruit
- Beverages: Water, coffee, juice, soft drinks
Special Dietary Requirement
Please alert 美姬社区 to any special dietary requirements (e.g., diabetes, lactose intolerance, nut or other food allergies, vegetarian or vegan diets) as soon as possible and note them in the space on your volunteer forms.
Vegetarian and lactose-intolerant diets can generally be accommodated, provided volunteers remain flexible with available food options. Vegan and kosher diets may be more challenging to accommodate due to local dietary customs and ingredient availability. If you have special dietary restrictions, we recommend bringing supplemental snacks to meet your needs.
Discovering Ancient Societies in Portugal
Travel Planning
MEETING SPOT
Lisbon Humberto Delgado Airport, also known as Lisbon International Airport or Portela Airport, Lisbon, Portugal
Specific travel planning details will be provided in your 美姬社区 Expedition Logistics Document. This document can be found in your once you enroll. Please do not book travel arrangements, such as flights, until the Expedition Logistics Document matching the current year has been published to your portal account.
ABOUT YOUR DESTINATION
美姬社区 strongly recommends that travelers investigate their destination before departure. Familiarity with the destination鈥檚 entry/exit requirements, visas, local laws, and customs can ensure smooth travel. and are helpful resources. For LGBTI travelers, the contains many helpful tips and links.
COUNTRY AND PROJECT ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
You are responsible for reviewing and abiding by your destination's entry/exit requirements.
Entry visa requirements differ by country of origin, layover, and destination and do change unexpectedly. For this reason, please confirm your visa requirements at the time of booking and again 90 days before travel. Please apply early for your visa (we recommend starting six months before the start of your expedition). Refunds will not be made for volunteers who cancel due to not obtaining their visa in time to meet the team at the rendezvous. You can find up-to-date visa requirements at the following website:
If a visa is required, participants should apply for a TOURIST visa. Please note that obtaining a visa can take weeks or even months. We strongly recommend using a visa agency to expedite and simplify the process.
Discovering Ancient Societies in Portugal
Project Conditions
The following information is as accurate as possible, but please remember that conditions may change.
The project is based in Lez铆ria Ribatejana, a lowland region situated on the floodplain of the Tagus River. Fertile soils and a long history of human occupation characterize it.
The Ribatejo region, where Muge shell middens are located, serves as a transition zone between two major ecosystems: Atlantic influences to the north, with higher humidity and temperate vegetation, and Mediterranean influences to the south, with a drier climate and characteristic Mediterranean flora. This ecological complexity supports diverse flora and fauna. The native vegetation consists mainly of cork-oak woods (Quercus suber), myrtles (Myrtus communis), and oak shrubs (Quercus sp.). The landscape is also shaped by extensive vineyards and cultivated species such as olive and fruit trees, including pear, apple, quince, peach, orange, lemon, and fig. The herbaceous vegetation is primarily composed of ruderal and nitrophilous species, typical of agro-ecosystems and disturbed landscapes.
The region is home to a variety of animal species, including small herbivores such as rabbits and hares, birds of prey like hawks and owls, as well as herons and other wetland birds. Farm animals such as cows, horses, and donkeys roam the research area's surrounding fields.
GENERAL CONDITIONS
Please visit and search your project location for weather and region-specific information.
Summer wildfires are a recurring concern in mainland Portugal. However, local authorities implement strict preventive measures, and emergency response systems are in place to ensure public safety. All participants are advised to monitor local media for wildfire warnings and avoid high-risk areas while traveling. You can track updates on wildfire risk levels using the by selecting the Santar茅m District and the municipality of Salveterra de Magos. If there are any potential impacts on the expedition, 美姬社区 will provide timely notifications to support participant safety and adjust plans if necessary.
Discovering Ancient Societies in Portugal
Health and Safety
EMERGENCIES IN THE FIELD
Project staff members are not medical professionals.
美姬社区 has a 24-hour, 7-day-a-week emergency hotline number. Someone is always on call to respond to messages that come into our live answering service.
All projects have detailed Emergency Response Plans, which will be shared with participants at the start of each team.
IMMUNIZATIONS & TRAVEL VACCINATIONS
Please be sure your routine immunizations are up to date and that you have the appropriate vaccinations for your travel destination. Medical decisions are the responsibility of each volunteer and their doctor. For guidance on immunizations, visit the or the for guidance on immunizations.
If traveling from countries or regions where yellow fever is endemic, you must have a certificate of vaccination.
It is strongly encouraged that you stay up to date with your COVID-19 vaccinations, including receiving booster doses, as applicable.
Project Risks and Precautions
Transportation
As in any country, transport is a risk. All vans and cars will be fitted with seatbelts, and all passengers must wear them at all times while the vehicle is in motion. Only experienced drivers designated by the project team will drive the vehicles. Each vehicle will be equipped with a first-aid kit and a cell phone for communication. Participants may not drive during the project, including their personal vehicles.
Walking
Participants are required to engage in demanding physical activities, including walking over uneven terrain. Project staff will review the participants鈥 physical abilities and adjust the group's pace as much as possible to accommodate their needs. Due to the variable terrain, individuals with severe mobility restrictions may not be able to be accommodated.
Climate/Weather
During August and September, the region experiences high daytime temperatures, averaging 84鈥91掳F (29鈥33掳C), with occasional peaks exceeding 104掳F (40掳C). Evenings are cooler, with temperatures dropping to around 63潞鈥69潞F (17潞鈥20潞C). Natural and artificial shade is available at the excavation site, reducing prolonged direct sun exposure for participants. Although the work environment provides shade, participants should still take precautions to stay comfortable in the heat by drinking water regularly throughout the day to prevent dehydration, wearing lightweight, breathable clothing such as long-sleeved shirts and full-length trousers, and using sun protection, including sunglasses, a hat with a generous brim, and sunscreen on exposed areas.
Wildfires are a recurring concern in Portugal during the summer months, though the national civil protection system has significantly improved firefighting capabilities and preventive measures. Participants will be briefed on evacuation routes and safety procedures in case of fire at the accommodations or field sites. All participants are encouraged to monitor local media for wildfire warnings to avoid dangerous areas while traveling in Portugal. Fire risk can be tracked using the by selecting the Santar茅m District and the municipality of Salveterra de Magos.
Dehydration
Participants will be reminded to drink plenty of water throughout the day and bring at least two liters of water into the field daily. Although the excavation site provides shade, wearing high-factor sunscreen, appropriate clothing, sunglasses, and a wide-brimmed hat is essential to stay protected from the heat. Participants should avoid overexertion, especially when experiencing jet lag or fatigue, and must inform a staff member if they feel unwell. The team will always take regular breaks as needed and monitor participants鈥 general health.
Animals & Plants
Due to the area's large number of trees, plants, and insects, we advise participatory scientists who suffer from pollen or insect allergies to bring appropriate medication. Information will be provided before the program to ensure proper medical awareness, and field staff will undertake a prior review of allergies listed in participant forms. A diverse array of wild animals inhabits the Santar茅m region, most harmless. While encounters with wild animals are relatively rare, it is crucial to be cautious when exploring the region's woodlands, respecting wildlife habitats, and maintaining a safe distance. Remember, appreciating wildlife from a distance and promoting conservation efforts are essential for a harmonious coexistence between humans and the diverse animal species of the region.
Project Tasks/Equipment
Instruction will be provided on proper excavation technique and equipment inspection to ensure safety. Each participant should provide adequate protective personal equipment (e.g., work gloves, face masks, etc.). The project will provide kneeling pads for participant use.
Risk of COVID-19 or Other Respiratory Illness
美姬社区 strongly encourages you to take precautions to help protect yourself and others from common viral respiratory illnesses, including COVID-19, flu, and RSV: stay up to date with your vaccinations; wash your hands frequently; take steps to improve air quality, for example, by increasing ventilation indoors or gathering outdoors; and use preventative measures to limit the spread if you are sick.
Persons with a higher risk of severe respiratory illness should consult their healthcare provider before participating.
Discovering Ancient Societies in Portugal
Resources
ARTICLES
- Aldeias, V. and Bicho, N. (2016). Embedded behavior: human activities and the construction of the Mesolithic shellmound of Cabe莽o da Amoreira, Muge, Portugal. Geoarchaeology, 31(6), 530-549.
- Andr茅, L. and Bicho, N., (2016). Perforation techniques and traces of use on the Mesolithic adornments of the Trench area at Cabe莽o da Amoreira Shellmidden (Muge, central Portugal). Comptes Rendus Palevol 15, 569-580.
- Bicho, N., (1994). . Current Anthropology 35 (5), 664-674. ()
- Bicho, N., Cascalheira, J., Gon莽alves, C., Umbelino, C., Garc铆a Rivero, D. and Andr茅, L., (2017). Resilience, replacement, and acculturation in the Mesolithic/Neolithic transition: The case of Muge, central Portugal. Quaternary International 446, 31-42.
- Bicho, N., Cascalheira, J., Marreiros, J., Gon莽alves, C., Pereira, T. and Dias, R., (2013). Chronology of the Mesolithic occupation of the Muge valley, central Portugal: The case of Cabe莽o da Amoreira. Quaternary International 308-309, 130-139.
- Bicho, N., Umbelino, C., Detry, C. and Pereira, T., (2010). The Emergence of Muge Mesolithic Shell Middens in Central Portugal and the 8200 cal yr BP Cold Event. The Journal of Island and Coastal Archaeology 5, 86-104.
- Gon莽alves, C. Cascalheira, J. and Bicho, N., (2014). Shellmiddens as landmarks: visibility studies on the Mesolithic of the Muge valley (central Portugal). Journal of Anthropological Archaeology 36, 130-139.
- Gon莽alves, C., Cascalheira, J., Costa, C., B谩rbara, S., Matias, R. and Bicho, N. (2018). Detecting single events in large shell mounds: A GIS approach to Cabe莽o da Amoreira, Muge, Central Portugal. Journal of Archaeological Science: Reports 18, 1000-1010.
- Taylor, R., Garc铆a Rivero, D., Gon莽alves, C., Cascalheira, J. and Bicho, N. (2021). The Early Neolithic at the Muge Shellmiddens (Portugal): Analysis and Review of the Ceramic Evidence from Cabe莽o da Amoreira. European Journal of Archaeology 24(2), 156-179.
- Umbelino, C., Curate, F., Perinha, A., Ferreira, T., Cunha, E. and Bicho, N. (2019). Cortical bone loss in a sample of human skeletons from the Muge Shell middens. Archaeological and Anthropological Sciences 11(2), 455-467.
BOOKS
- Bicho, N., Detry, C., Price, D. and Cuha, E. (editors). (2015). Muge 150th: The 150th Anniversary of the Discovery of the Mesolithic Shellmiddens: Volumes I and II. Newcastle upon Tyne: Cambridge Scholars Publishing.
PROJECT-RELATED WEBSITES
Discovering Ancient Societies in Portugal
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