The Moorish Tradition in Portuguese Archaeology

This study aims to synthesize the multifaceted presence of the Moors in the Portuguese landscape by analysing archaeological remains, toponymy, legends and popular beliefs, all supported by historical documentation and studies on Portuguese oral tradition. By adopting an interdisciplinary approach, I seek to bridge the tangible aspects of material culture with the intangible heritage of oral narratives, exploring how these elements inform and reinforce one another. This involves establishing connections between archaeological evidence and the rich corpus of oral traditions and folklore, which often reinterpret or preserve the memory of these archaeological vestiges. Through this analysis, I aim to demonstrate how these pre-existing materialities can be understood as remnants of the past and as living elements of “our tradition”, continuing to shape identities and the collective memory. This synthesis offers new perspectives on the enduring legacy of Moorish influence in Portugal’s cultural landscapes.