Publications
Two sides of the mirror: war and mobility in Alentejo and Extremadura during the Late Middle Ages
War and mobility in the border region of Alentejo (Portugal) and Extremadura (Castile) during the Late Middle Ages were deeply intertwined, revealing two contrasting sides of conflict. While inhabitants were compelled to serve locally—such as patrolling town walls—they also faced burdensome obligations like repairing fortifications and participating in military campaigns. This duality highlights how war shaped daily life on both micro and macro scales, reflecting the defensive policies of the monarchies and the enduring impact of conflict on local populations.
Types and uses of vaults and timbrel vaults in Interior Alentejo: Data for a typological study
A typological study of vaults and timbrel vaults in Interior Alentejo reveals that groin, trough, barrel, and segmental vaults are the most prevalent types, with lunette and sail vaults appearing less frequently. Timbrel vaults predominantly feature trough and segmental shapes. The research found a strong correlation between vault types and their positioning within houses, as well as room geometry and house divisions. While the exact chronology of vaulting spread remains unclear, it is hypothesized to align with the evolution of housing typologies during the early Modern Age, coinciding with urban expansion in the late 16th/17th centuries and potentially influenced by military constructions from the late 17th century. The study surveyed houses in four cities to gather data on these architectural features.
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