Medieval Christian Archaeology

Objectives

The main aim of the course is for students to be able to recognise archaeological remains from the medieval period, acquiring knowledge of their function and more precise chronologies. It is also intended that Christian medieval materialities (from the object to the structuring of the settlement) can be understood within the socio-political, military and economic context in which they were built/manufactured and used. 

General characterization

Code

01100243

Credits

6.0

Responsible teacher

Catarina Maria dos Santos Guerra Tente

Hours

Weekly - 4

Total - 168

Teaching language

Portuguese

Prerequisites

Available soon

Bibliography

  • MATTOSO, J., Dir. (1992) – História de Portugal, Vols. 1 e 2, Lisboa: Círculo de Leitores.
  • QUIRÓS CASTILLO, J. A., Ed. (2018) – Treinta años de arqueología medieval en España, Oxford: Archeopress, p. 49-94.
  • QUIRÓS CASTILLO, J. A. (Ed.) – El poblamiento rural de época visigoda en Hispania. Arqueologia del campesinato en el interior peninsular (DAM 6). Vitória/Gasteiz: UPV.
  • MARTIN VISO, I. (2012) – Enterramientos, memoria social y paisaje en la Alta Edad Media: propuestas para un análisis de las tumbas excavadas en roca en el centro-oeste de la Península Ibérica, Zephyrus, LXIX. Enero-Junio, Salamanca, p. 165-187.
  • DIÁZ, P. C. (2011) – El reino suevo (411-585). Madrid: Akal.
  • GUTIÉRREZ GONZÁLEZ, J. A. (2017) – Procesos de formación de ciudades altomedievales en el norte peninsular, in
  • DE MAN, A., TENTE, C., Coords. (2014) – Estudos de cerâmica medieval. O norte e centro de Portugal, sécs. IX a XII, Lisboa: IEM.
  • VIGIL-ESCALERA GUIRADO, A., QUIRÓS CASTILLO, J. A. (2016) – La cerámica de la Alta Edad Media en el cuadrante noroeste de la Península Ibérica (siglos V-X). Sistemas de producción, mecanismos de distribución y patrones de consumo (DAM 9). Vitória: UPV.

 

Teaching method

This course unit has a strong theoretical component but is structured to provide a complementary practical aspect, aimed at equipping students with working tools. The theoretical explanation of the selected topics follows a chronological sequence and is organized according to the major stratigraphic cycles. The chronological cycles of each thematic block are gradually compared. Classes are accompanied by PowerPoint presentations with key ideas and images of the materials under study. Practical sessions involve the analysis of written sources, plans, maps, and images of certain archaeological materials. Whenever possible, one or two sessions are conducted as field trips to museums, exhibitions, and archaeological sites such as São Jorge Castle and Baixa in Lisbon, Viseu Center, Santarém Center, etc.

Evaluation method

Continuous assessment - Attendance/Written Test (50%), Individual and/or Group Work (40%), Participation (10%)

Subject matter

I. Concepts and sources for the study of medieval archaeology and medieval archaeology in Portugal
II. The transition between the Ancient World and the Medieval World
III. The Archaeology of Religious and Funerary Spaces
IV. Defence Spaces
V. The medieval urban space
VI. Objects

Programs

Programs where the course is taught: