Linhagem e identidade social na nobreza medieval portuguesa (séculos XIII-XIV)

Abstract

The emergence and assertiveness of a new historiography of medieval Portuguese nobility, particularly apparent in the last few years, is revealed by a significant number of studies carried out in the areas of social and cultural history and the history of mentalities. The wealth and singularity of some of the sources used, with particular reference to the books of nobility drawn up from the end of the 13th century to the 1340s, led to this revival which, however, broadened its analysis to include a variety of document typologies. The model proposed by Duby to analyse the evolution of kinship structure was reflected in this theme’s treatment in Portugal through the work of José Mattoso. The research undertaken in the last few years has allowed us to confront perspectives and review interpretations. Thus, throughout the 13th and 14th centuries in Portugal, on a par with an essentially «vertical» kinship structure, made clear for example in the very structure of the books of nobility, there remained a system of hereditary transmission of patrimony which treated all heirs as equal, with no exclusion of second sons or females. This fact contributed to the atomization and dispersion of nobiliary property, preventing the constitution of any great and enduring regional secular seigniorial potentates during this period.