Reconstructing social space in the Duchy of the Archipelago. Patronage and Spatial Associations during the 13th Century

This paper sets out an initial presentation of the characteristics of the patronage activity concerning the development of spatial associations in the Duchy of the Archipelago during the 13th century. Is patronage primarily the cause or result of the changes expressed through archaeological evidence? Is it an element signifying rupture from or continuity with the previous existing set up? Through some typical examples, the course of the phenomenon is followed through the spatial correlations and changes caused, from the physical to the social space and vice versa and an attempt is made to classify patronage activity. Finally, a theoretical formulation of the respective conclusions reached will be attempted, based on the understanding of ‘space’ basically as a social field.