The site of Cabecinho da Capitôa (Lisbon, Mafra) was identified and excavated in
the context of a preventive archaeological intervention carried out during the construction
of the A21 Highway in 2006. The archaeological investigations enabled us
to identify stratigraphic contexts and material assemblages rarely found from this
period (Late Bronze Age/Early Iron Age) in this region, including ceramic vessels and
one amber necklace. The site and its features are discussed in the context of their
surroundings (Estremadura). The interpretation of the data is complemented with an
evaluation of the human settlement at the regional level during the aforementioned
chronological periods. Supra-regional dynamics are explored by considering amber
circulation in Iberia during proto-historic and historic times. The nature of the use of
the site also contributes to an understanding of the ritual deposition of artefacts and
networks of product circulation in the Mediterranean.
