After this the Ribat of Arrifana was abandoned, with the English crusader and chronicler, Roger of Hoveden, reporting forty years later that it was “recognizable but in ruins”.

[2] [3][4][5] In addition to protection against invaders the ribat was dedicated to prayer, containing eight mosques with qibla and mihrab oratories where warrior monks prayed, as well as a minaret, a madrasa and accommodation.

These structures were built in mud on stone foundations, with floors mostly of beaten earth, with wood coverings and straw roof tiles.

A building located in the north-eastern part of the necropolis provided a bench, storage for water, and a basin dug in the soil.

Excavations by the Faculty of Social and Human Sciences of the New University of Lisbon have identified decorated amulets, remains of tableware and kitchenware, as well as pottery for storage.