The aim of the present study is to offer a reading of what the distribution of the rural population of Alto Alentejo may have looked like in Roman times. Dealing with such an extensive territorial area and with such a diverse landscape has allowed us to better understand how the patterns of organisation of rural human settlements were influenced both by the natural environment as well as the pre-existing rural communities.
The period studied is intentionally long: our analysis begins with the formation of the imperial landscape and ends in 711, a milestone which is considered significant in establishing the boundary with the Ancient World.
Drawing on substantial work of archaeological prospection, this study therefore proceeds to analyse the factors that motivated the creation of a landscape that was inhabited and modified throughout Empire and Late Antiquity by many diverse people.
Author
Carneiro, André
Keywords
Povoamento romano,
Villae,
Alentejo,
Agricultura romana,
Roman settlement,
Roman agriculture
