Beneath Almada: Unearthing Islamic roots predating 11th century
Archaeologists have discovered fragments of an Islamic dwelling dating back to before the 11th century under the foundations of the medieval castle in Almada, in western Portugal. This finding sheds new light on the city's history, which was an important centre during Muslim rule on the Iberian Peninsula.
Prof. André Teixeira from the New University of Lisbon has led archaeological research in Almada for several years. Speaking to the media, he explained that working on the site of the 12th-century castle presents many challenges due to a combination of factors. However, during excavations conducted in the second half of 2024, the team of archaeologists unearthed traces of Islamic presence from before the 11th century as well as two human skeletons.
The materials we've uncovered include fragments of the house's walls. Archaeologist Telmo Antonio explained that a residential building once existed here, with walls featuring stucco and lime mortar. The ceramics found also indicate earlier habitation of this area by the Muslim population.
Scientists suspect that the castle in Almada might have been constructed at the end of the 12th century on the site of a previous Arabic settlement. It is also hypothesized that the Arabs built on the site of an earlier Roman settlement, possibly inhabited by people from the Iron Age. Ruins of such buildings had been discovered previously near the castle in Almada.
Further work poses a considerable challenge
The main challenge for further excavation is the fact that a Portuguese gendarmerie post is currently on the site, where important objects for research may be found. In addition, ongoing renovations complicate the work. The fact that the land belongs to different owners further complicates matters.
Almada was recaptured 1147 by troops commanded by King Afonso I of Portugal, known as Afonso the Conqueror. Recent archaeological discoveries underscore the city's importance in Portugal's history and open new directions for research into its past.
