The Algarve Archaeological Association (AAA) will be presenting two lectures, in English, by Pete Siegfried on Tuesday, March 7.
The first lecture will be at 2.30pm at the Museu do Traje in São Brás; the second at 6pm at the Convento de São José in Lagoa.
Pete Siegfried will be talking about the geology of the Algarve and how it has impacted and controlled the growth and shape of the human civilisations which have dwelt here for over the last 50,000 years.
His presentation has been crafted after many requests by AAA members and interested parties to have a better understanding of the role of the rocks of the Algarve region. This interest is expressed in not only an appreciation of the shaping of the landscape, but also in determining the direction of human history in the area.
It is well known that our earliest history and evolution was forced by the volcanoes and lakes of the East African rift regions, but it may be demonstrated that in the Algarve the geology has also impacted on human civilisation.
The talk will start off with a review of the geology of the Algarve, the age of the rocks and how they were formed. Once these foundations have been established, Pete will explain how the different rock types and landscapes have determined which areas have risen in importance through the use of specific rocks and minerals in the region.
This will be illustrated by how these rock materials were used as tools, shelter and importantly in art. It is hoped that this presentation will show how deeply the rocks and geology are intertwined with the development of societies in the Algarve through time.
Pete Siegfried is a consulting geologist who has focused his life on studying and exploring industrial deposits throughout the world. Mineral deposits of rocks which are used in the agricultural industry such as sources of phosphate, potassium and other elements, have formed a large part of these studies.
Presently, Pete lives in Monchique and with a passion for nepheline syenite, a local rock, is right at home.
Non-members are welcome to attend AAA lectures for a €5 admission fee, with all money raised by the AAA being used for archaeological grants and speakers.
For more information, email [email protected]
Visit arquealgarve.weebly.com or Facebook ‘Algarve Archaeological Association’. Please check website or Facebook for any last-minute changes.
By JANE ROBERTSON
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