Uma falcata ibérica do castro de Frades (Montalegre, Norte de Portugal)

Abstract

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