Islamic roots unearthed: New revelations in Almada archaeology
Archaeologists have found fragments of an Islamic dwelling from before the 11th century under the foundations of the medieval castle in Almada, in western Portugal. This discovery sheds new light on the city's history, which was an important centre during the Muslim rule of the Iberian Peninsula.
The archaeological research in Almada, which has been ongoing for several years, is led by Prof. André Teixeira from the New University of Lisbon. In conversation with the media, he explained that the work on the site of the 12th-century castle is quite challenging due to a combination of many factors. Nevertheless, during searches conducted in the second half of 2024, the team of archaeologists discovered evidence of Islamic followers from before the 11th century, as well as two human skeletons.
The materials we've unearthed include fragments of the house's walls. In this location, there was a residential building whose walls contained stucco with lime mortar, explained archaeologist Telmo Antonio. The found ceramics also indicate earlier habitation of this area by the Muslim population.
Scientists suspect that the castle in Almada could have been built at the end of the 12th century on the site of an earlier Arabic settlement. It is also hypothesised that the Arabs settled on the site of an earlier Roman settlement and even one inhabited by people from the Iron Age. Ruins of such buildings had previously been found near the castle in Almada.
Further work poses a considerable challenge
The main challenge for further excavation work is that a Portuguese gendarmerie post is currently located on the site, where essential objects for research may be found. Additionally, ongoing renovations complicate the work. The fact that the land belongs to different owners also does not ease matters.
Almada was recaptured in 1147 by troops commanded by King Afonso I of Portugal, known as Afonso the Conqueror. Recent archaeological discoveries highlight the city's importance in Portugal's history and open new directions for research into its past.
