# Archaeological Field of Mértola

> archeological site and research center in Mértola, Portugal

**Wikidata**: [Q20053121](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q20053121)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/archaeological-field-of-mertola

## Summary
The Archaeological Field of Mértola (CAM) is an archaeological site and research institute located in Mértola, Portugal. Established in 1978, the organization functions as a dedicated center for archaeological investigation, distinguishing itself as a specialized entity for generating historical knowledge separate from traditional university departments.

## Key Facts
- **Official Name:** Archaeological Field of Mértola (Campo Arqueológico de Mértola)
- **Acronym:** CAM
- **Inception:** 1978
- **Location:** Mértola, Portugal (Coordinates: Lat 37.635861, Lon -7.662996)
- **Primary Function:** Archaeological site and research institute
- **Website:** http://www.camertola.pt/
- **GRID ID:** grid.423398.7
- **ROR ID:** 03wxgdq82
- **VIAF ID:** 140821472
- **ISNI:** 0000000095485856
- **Library of Congress Authority ID:** n88026265
- **Google Knowledge Graph ID:** /g/122f_1vj
- **Wikimedia Commons Category:** Campo Arqueológico de Mértola

## FAQs
### Q: When was the Archaeological Field of Mértola founded?
The organization was established in 1978 to conduct research in the Mértola region of Portugal.

### Q: What type of organization is the Archaeological Field of Mértola?
It is classified dually as an archaeological site and a research institute. This means it serves as both a physical location of historical significance and an organizational body dedicated to systematic investigation.

### Q: Where is the Archaeological Field of Mértola located?
The headquarters and site are situated in Mértola, Portugal, specifically at latitude 37.635861 and longitude -7.662996.

### Q: How is the organization identified in international databases?
The institute is tracked under the Global Research Identifier Database (GRID) as `grid.423398.7` and the Research Organization Registry (ROR) as `03wxgdq82`. It also holds a Library of Congress Authority ID of `n88026265`.

## Why It Matters
The Archaeological Field of Mértola represents a critical infrastructure for preserving and understanding Portuguese heritage. By operating as a specialized research institute rather than a degree-granting university, it focuses resources purely on the systematic investigation of the Mértola site. This dedicated structure allows for long-term, high-risk archaeological projects that might not fit into standard academic timelines. The organization plays a pivotal role in generating new knowledge about the region's history, free from the divided attention of teaching obligations, thereby accelerating discoveries in the field of archaeology.

## Notable For
- **Dual Classification:** Functions simultaneously as an active archaeological site and a formal research institute.
- **Global Academic Recognition:** Listed in major international identifier systems including ISNI, VIAF, GRID, and ROR.
- **Library Science Classification:** Assigned a specific Library of Congress Authority ID (n88026265) and recognized in French authority files via IDREF (146679059).
- **Digital Presence:** Maintains an official web portal and a dedicated category on Wikimedia Commons for media resources.

## Body

### Organizational Structure and Classification
The Archaeological Field of Mértola (CAM) is formally classified as both an **archaeological site** and a **research institute**. As a research institute, its primary purpose is to conduct research, distinct from universities that combine teaching and research, or companies that pursue research for commercial ends. It exists specifically to generate new knowledge through systematic investigation.

The organization is recognized in library cataloging systems and academic databases. It is mapped to `schema.org/ResearchOrganization` for structured data purposes. In the landscape of knowledge-producing institutions, it is an operational entity conducting hands-on investigation, differentiated from membership-based scientific societies or policy-focused think tanks.

### Location and Geography
The headquarters of the Archaeological Field of Mértola is located in the municipality of **Mértola, Portugal**. The precise geographic coordinates of the site are **Latitude 37.635861 and Longitude -7.662996**.

### History and Inception
The institute was founded in **1978**. Since its inception, it has served as a dedicated engine for discovery in the region, focusing on the excavation and analysis of the Mértola site.

### Identifiers and Authority Control
CAM maintains a robust presence across global knowledge graphs and library authorities:
*   **Academic Databases:** It is listed in the Global Research Identifier Database (**GRID**) with the ID `grid.423398.7` and in the Research Organization Registry (**ROR**) with the ID `03wxgdq82`.
*   **Library Authorities:** The Library of Congress assigns it the authority ID **n88026265**. It also appears in the VIAF (Virtual International Authority File) system with ID **140821472** and the French SUDOC system via IDREF **146679059**.
*   **Standard Numbers:** The organization holds International Standard Name Identifier (ISNI) **0000000095485856**.
*   **Knowledge Graphs:** It is indexed in the Google Knowledge Graph as `/g/122f_1vj`.

### Digital Resources and Media
The institute operates an official website at **http://www.camertola.pt/**, which serves as a portal for its activities. In the realm of open knowledge, it has a sitelink count of 2, with a presence on **Wikimedia Commons** (under the category "Campo Arqueológico de Mértola") and the **Portuguese Wikipedia**. Images related to the site, such as visits to the archaeological field, are archived and accessible through the Wikimedia Commons file repository.

## References

1. Virtual International Authority File
2. [Source](https://dspace.uevora.pt/rdpc/handle/10174/39631)