Considering peasant agency in the Early Middle Ages. A diachronic analysis of the archaeological record in Central Portugal

Tente, Catarina and Prata, Sara (2024) Considering peasant agency in the Early Middle Ages. A diachronic analysis of the archaeological record in Central Portugal. In: Local Societies and Peasantry Agencies in Medieval Iberia. Reti Medievali E-Book (50). Firenze University Press, Firenze, pp. 101-121. ISBN 979-12-215-0530-6

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Abstract

This paper analyses archaeological data on early medieval rural communities through the lens of peasant agency. Over the last 15 years systematic research has been carried out in different territories of the Portuguese inland, mainly in the centre-north of the country. Here we will be focusing on the areas for which we currently have more detailed evidence, Alto Alentejo and Beira Alta, and consider a broad chronological frame, between the 5 th and the 11th centuries. However, the information available for the two territories is uneven, and it is not yet possible to offer a continuous chronological sequence in either of these areas. For this reason, we will analyse the available data collectively and from a comparative perspective. In both cases we will start by considering the new rural settlement networks that emerged from the 5th century onwards. Evidence of peasant communities in Alto Alentejo is clearer for the 6th-7th centuries, and in Beira Alta for the 10 th-11th. Both are critical moments in the political sphere, coinciding with the emergence and affirmation of new administrative structures, but also necessary power vacuums where local powers emerge. By comparing the material record of peasant groups, we will reassess agricultural production, management of natural resources, artefact production, trade networks, and funerary areas, as arenas to discuss the notion of peasant agency.

Tipologia del documento:	Capitolo di libro
Informazioni aggiuntive:	This research was funded by Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia through the Individual Call to Scientific Employment Stimulus 3rd edition (2020.01697.CEECIND).
Parole chiave:	Early Middle Ages, Alto Alentejo, Beira Alta, social peasant agency, archaeology, conflict, rural communities
Soggetto:	D History General and Old World > D History (General) > D111 Medieval History D History General and Old World > DP Spain
Depositato da:	dr Vincenzo De Luise
Depositato il:	11 Ago 2025 16:22
Ultima modifica:	11 Ago 2025 16:22
URI:	http://www.rmoa.unina.it/id/eprint/7207

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