Ceramics and Cultural Change in Medieval (14th-15th Century) Portugal: The Case of Post-Reconquista Santarém

Archaeological excavations in Santarem have uncovered many domestic structures as well as dozens of storage pits, dated to the 12th-15th centuries and filled with domestic rubbish, including ceramics. Most of this material is clearly of local production and is similar to many other finds within the city and its region. This pottery was used for many different activities relating to the preparation, storage and consumption of food and drink. An examination of the morphological and decorative characteristics of this pottery indicates an Islamic tradition for the 13th-century wares, while the 14th- and 15th-century products appear to reflect a Christian identity. It is argued that this transition relates to wider cultural, social and economic changes in medieval Santarem.