The Algarbes Necropolis is one of the most important archaeological ensembles of the province of Cádiz dating back to the Bronze Age (end of 3rd century BCE).
It has eight artificial caves in the shape of a circular chamber with entryways on different levels and two of them, nearly identical in symmetrical disposition, flank an ample corridor carved in sandstone. The latter correspond, due to the structure, to a big threshold related to megalithic burial grounds under a covered gallery.
The ten burial tombs may be divided in two groups. Those with a vertical entry, in the fashion of wells or grain storage silos, belong to the first group; and to the second, the vaulted ones with a side access may be adscribed. The archaeological site also houses a tomb that wholly differs from the former. It is an anthropomorphic tomb possibly assigned to a children burial.
The necropolis has been excavated in its totality by Carlos Posac Mon during the years 1967 to 1972 and the findings are of great value. Among these were found lots of ceramic urns. Pieces of bronze, ebony and gold have also been documented, as well as stone utensils, carved or polished, and ornamental objects such as pendants and perforated discs made from sea shells. Several lived in caves are found in the proximity and those were inhabited until 1930 approximately. An Islamic necropolis is also nearby.
References:La Hougue Bie is a Neolithic ritual site which was in use around 3500 BC. Hougue is a Jèrriais/Norman language word meaning a \'mound\' and comes from the Old Norse word haugr. The site consists of 18.6m long passage chamber covered by a 12.2m high mound. The site was first excavated in 1925 by the Société Jersiaise. Fragments of twenty vase supports were found along with the scattered remains of at least eight individuals. Gravegoods, mostly pottery, were also present. At some time in the past, the site had evidently been entered and ransacked.
In Western Europe, it is one of the largest and best preserved passage graves and the most impressive and best preserved monument of Armorican Passage Grave group. Although they are termed \'passage graves\', they were ceremonial sites, whose function was more similar to churches or cathedrals, where burials were incidental.