*4.3. The Function of N.A.2*

The data available for the interpretation of the N.A.2 consist of elements resulting from the archeological excavation process and do not allow the attribution of a function. A possible hypothesis could be its use as a craft space; however, in fact, none of the

compartments showed any element that suggests the existence of drainage or water entry, or even provided residual traces related to a possible use of this nature. Other hypotheses could be assumed, considering the structure of the building, its proximity to the *Fonte do Ídolo*, and the adjacent funerary structures, which suggest the possible association with funerary or cultic practices although, until now, with an undefined nature. It is pertinent to remember that this large area began to be structured at a time coincident with the first monumentalization project of *Fonte do Ídolo*, which is located 63 m south of Via XVII. It is possible to assume, therefore, that the emergence of the first forms of appropriation of the funerary space may have been triggered together with the monumentalization program of the sanctuary (Garrido Elena et al. 2008). The importance attributed to the water in this area of the city seems to have also been relevant to other structures possibly related to it, such as the archeological remains identified in the "Granjinhos area" located nearby, which included a heated tank and a heating system for channels dug in the bedrock (Martins and Ribeiro 2012). Certainly, there are no structures parallel to this funerary structure known in Braga.

Thus, we do not exclude the hypothesis that the building could be related to performance tributes and commemoration rituals related to the practice of cremation. There is a difficulty in finding parallels (e.g., similar structures) and the clear attribution of the structure's function. The existing parallel is only from a constructive point of view.

Despite the difficulties in ascribing a clear function to the building, it is important that some parallels are documented, although with different chronology and construction typology. One of the parallel cases is the necropolises of Cadiz, where structures with rectangular morphologies, covered with *opus signinum* mortars, were exhumed. Here, these structures, defined as "swimming pools", are located outside the walls in the middle of the funerary space, and are mostly built in an isolated form, and in some cases associated with conduits and wells. They feature a staggered access system, located at the ends of the box, with dimensions that reach a length of 4 m by a width of 1 m. These structures date from a precise chronological period between the 2nd and 1st centuries BC, and disappeared in the imperial era. These spaces are linked to purification cults of individuals after funeral ceremonies, and this typology of buildings is related to Cadiz tradition and associated with lustral rituals, strongly influenced by the funerary patterns of Oriental and Late-Punic nature (Villedary y Mariñas and Gómez Fernández 2010).
