Prehistory Discovery Day

Trade your smartphone for a stone tool and explore the wild side of the Algarve!

On Saturday, May 30, the forested grounds of the University of Algarve (Gambelas Campus) will transform into a portal to the deep past. Hosted by ICArEHB (Interdisciplinary Center for Archaeology and the Evolution of Human Behaviour), the Prehistory Discovery Day is an immersive, outdoor event where the science of the past comes to life.

Forget glass museum cases. This is a hands-on, tactile journey designed for families, curious adults, and aspiring young explorers.

Highlights include:

• The Survival Arts: Master the art of Paleolithic cooking and try your hand at the Atlatl (ancient spear-thrower).
• The Stone Age Lab: Watch live stone tools demonstrations and feel the weight of the world’s first "Swiss Army knives."
• Art & Identity: Create your own prehistoric pigments, engage in cave art painting, and craft Mesolithic shell beads to take home.
• The "Micro-Lab": Peer through high-powered microscopes to see how archaeologists reconstruct ancient diets.
• A total of 15 hands-on activites

For the Young Explorers: The Visual Quest

Children can take part in our Visual Archaeological Quest. Armed with a "Discovery Map," they will hunt for ancient symbols and artifacts hidden along the trail. Match the pictures, solve the mystery, and earn an official Junior Archaeologist Badge!

Logistics & Arrival

• Entry Times: The trail is open from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Please arrive at your booked timeslot to ensure a smooth flow along the path.
• Location: UAlg Gambelas Campus. Follow the "Discovery Day" signs from the main entrance.
• Duration: The experience is self-paced but takes approximately 2 hours to complete.
• Terrain: This is an outdoor event in a forested area. Please wear comfortable walking shoes.

What to Bring

• Sunscreen and a hat
• A bottle of water
• Snacks/Picnic

A sense of adventure!

Admission

FREE, but booking is mandatory to manage trail capacity. Please reserve one ticket per person (adults and children).

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Host or Publisher ICArEHB