The inaugural Medieval Studies Seminar of 2025 will feature a distinguished presentation by Professor Katina T. Lilios (Department of Anthropology, The University of Iowa) on the long-term history of Agroal, a hilltop settlement in central Portugal with occupations spanning the Bronze Age (2200–1500 BCE) and the medieval period (13th–17th centuries CE). It will take place on April 2nd, at 4pm, online (via Zoom).
Titled “Revisiting the Bronze Age and Medieval Histories of Agroal (Ourém, Portugal): New Questions, New Methods” this talk will explore the latest research initiatives aiming to reassess the site’s historical significance. Previous excavations in the 1980s provided key insights into Portugal’s Early Bronze Age and revealed a medieval farmstead linked to the Knights Templar. Now, an international research team—including scholars from the University of Iowa, IEM, and Instituto Politécnico de Tomar—is preparing for new investigations using cutting-edge technologies such as LiDAR and thermal imaging, scheduled for summer 2025.
Abstract:
Agroal is a hilltop settlement located in central Portugal, which was occupied in the Bronze Age (2200-1500 BCE) and between the 13th-17thcenturies CE. Excavations were conducted at Agroal in the late 1980s, which produced important insights into the Early Bronze Age of Portugal. A medieval farmstead, with links to the Knights Templar, was also documented at Agroal. With new questions and new methods, plans are currently underway to re-examine the long-term history of Agroal with a team from the University of Iowa, IEM, and Instituto Politécnico de Tomar. This talk will present what we currently know about the site and what questions we hope to explore in future research projects, including Lidar/thermal imaging investigations planned for the summer of 2025.
Join us for this exciting opportunity to delve into Agroal’s evolving narrative and the innovative methodologies shaping future research.