New Perspectives in the Study of Al-Andalus Ceramics, Mértola (Portugal) and the Mediterranean Maritime Routes in the Islamic Period

Abstract

Mértola was a medieval port situated at the most northerly navigable point of the River Guadiana (Portugal). The port is located at an intersection between regional commercial networks and long distance Mediterranean maritime trade routes. In the Islamic period, especially in the sixth/twelfth century, traded ceramic vessels arrived at Mértola as a result of exchange with various ports in the Western Mediterranean. However, in the hinterland regions of Mértola these vessels are relatively rare. Instead, the traded ceramics, which were transhipped at Mértola, were distributed to nearby cities such as Beja, Moura and Évora. The consumers of these products were groups of elevated economic status, living in large settlements. In small rural settlements these traded ceramics are not present, suggesting that they were unobtainable to the rural population.