undomesticated. Hare and deer remain as a vestigial part of the population's diet. There are also multiple ceramic findings from this phase, belonging to a specific style typical of the Estremadurean lower Chalcolithic. Third phase (middle Chalcolithic) In a third phase the defensive structures are reinforced and the entrances are made narrower. During this period, the caprine species remain predominant and increase in frequency, being accompanied by the emergence of cheese molds and the increase in weaving-related ceramics. The conclusions regarding the remaining species are similar to the previous phase. A significant shift is observed in the ceramics, with the Estremadurean lower Chalcolithic style become vestigial and being replaced by the Estremadurean middle Chalcolithic style. It is also in this phase that the use of copper metallurgy becomes widespread and researchers consider this to be the height of the Castro's economic activity. Fourth phase (upper Chalcolithic) In the fourth phase the defensive structures are again reinforced and new, ellipsoidal houses are built, increasing the density of the constructions within the walls. Bell beakers have been found in two of these ellipsoidal houses. Decline At the end of the Chalcolithic (around 4th and the beginning of the 3rd millennium BCE), the Castro is abandoned. Some structures are dismantled or destroyed, but some construction is still done in this phase, with houses being built onto the defensive walls. Findings There were many archeological findings in the Castro, for example: Tools such as axes, millstones, adzes, loom weights, copper fish hooks. Objects made of bone, such as beads and pins. Ceramics, namely bell beakers with acacia leaf decorations. Metal works, such as copper ingots and a copper axe. Many of the findings are displayed in the Museu Nacional de Arqueologia and the Geological Museum of the Laboratório Nacional de Energia e Geologia. A permanent exhibition about the Castro de Leceia was created in the Fábrica da Pólvora de Barcarena, located two kilometers away from the Castro. See also Castro de Zambujal Castros in Portugal History of Portugal External links Povoado Pré-histórico de Leceia (municipal website) Fábrica da Pólvora de Barcarena References Former populated places in Portugal Castros in Portugal Oeiras, Portugal