The (re)building of Castelo Velho

Abstract

This article attempts to outline the main lines of thought that theorized and gave shape to Castelo Velho de Freixo de Numão. From the analysis of fourteen academic theses, we will explore how the archaeological site derived from a dialectic process, between, on the one hand, the researchers, their perspectives, interests and the questions they raised; and, on the other hand, the materialities and spaces that have given shape to the site. The narrative begins with a reflection on the charm of the ruin, then going through the vase analogy and fragment choreography, to finally meet the archaeologist, the one who “re-builds”. The question that guides this article is: in which ways has the idealization of Castelo Velho changed in the narratives of the archaeologists?