The water culture of the Order of Christ in the making of a self-sufficient and sustainable hydric system

A sophisticated, self-sufficient hydraulic system operated within the Convent of Christ in Portugal from the late 15th to the 19th century, demonstrating early modern water management sophistication. Unlike gravity-dependent systems, this network incorporated pumps—likely transferred from maritime technology—as early as 1537—to regulate water flow between cisterns and gardens. The Order of Christ maintained near-total control over the Nabão River’s energy potential until its abolition in 1834. Using archival research, 3D reconstruction, and mapping tools, this study reveals a multi-functional, sustainable system that integrated technological innovation with territorial dominance.

Rodrigues, A. D., Batista, D., Marques, C., García-Pereda, I., & Puga, J. (2023). The water culture of the Order of Christ in the making of a self-sufficient and sustainable hydric system. Historia Agraria Revista de Agricultura E Historia Rural. Portico. https://doi.org/10.26882/histagrar.090e06d