Changes in animal use in the Modern Period of Portugal

Summary

Portugal has undergone profound changes since the time of the so-called "Discoveries" in the 16th century when new continents were discovered and trade with other countries was intensified. New species were introduced and new strategies of animal husbandry were adopted to adapt to new global and local changes in demography and economy.

Zooarchaeology is used in this presentation to show how social change in the Portuguese Modern period can be seen. We study sites including 16th century Crestelos in northern Portugal, 17th century Santa Clara-a-Velha in central Portugal and 15th/17th century Palmela Castle and the Beja silos in the south. We provide examples that include the introduction of exotic species like the turkey, animal improvement such as Cattle and new strategies of carcass use.

We also examine differences between the south and north after the Christian conquest.

This Resource is Part of the Following Collections

• Animals in the Urban Environment AD 1500 - 1900   •
• Society for Historical Archaeology 2013

Keywords

Spatial Coverage

Individual & Institutional Roles

Contact(s): Society for Historical Archaeology

Record Identifiers

PaperId(s): 644