Hard to Obtain, Hard to Translate: Lime and Earth Construction in Early Modern Portuguese Writings on Architecture and Fortification

Early modern Portuguese writings on fortification reveal a pragmatic approach to construction, favoring time-tested knowledge and practical experimentation over theoretical guidance. A notable finding is the preference for lime masonry over earth filling for ramparts, despite the difficulty in obtaining high-quality lime. Administrative records from Mazagan (1541) provide firsthand accounts of new fortress-building methods, while an anonymous manuscript from around 1579 blends multiple sources with the author's observations, introducing new terms and techniques that pose translation challenges. The study highlights the merging of Vitruvian principles with empirical knowledge, showcasing a blend of tradition and innovation in early Portuguese architectural practices.

Tavares da Conceição, M. (2020). Hard to Obtain, Hard to Translate: Lime and Earth Construction in Early Modern Portuguese Writings on Architecture and Fortification. Opus Incertum, 6, 54–67. https://doi.org/10.13128/opus-12360