Searching. Please wait…
1582
37
171
29406
4423
2606
347
392
Abstract: This paper presents a long-term synthetic overview of the socio-ecological dynamics responsible for the shaping of present-day rural landscapes in the Spanish Central System. Available historical and palaeoenvironmental records have been compiled and cross-referenced to characterise key transformations unfolding in this mountainous macro-region during the medieval time span. A sharp deforestation of upland pines and midland oaks was due to extensive Late Antique strategies. Pre-tenth-century trajectories are diverse and exhibit the recovery of high-mountain pine forests and highly localised agro-pastoral impact on selective mid-altitude niches. The eleventh-century early repopulation policy implied migrations, increased momentum of rural village foundation and extension of colonised agrarian landscapes in the tablelands of the Extremadurii. The pace and intensity of these phenomena depended on ecological and historical circumstances, leading to subsequently different realities. By the mid-thirteenth century the definitive pacification and the rising demographic trend facilitated the later permanent occupation and the ensuing integral and sustainable exploitation of the highlands ? and especially the Transierra ? within the feudal system. High-altitude landscapes exhibit intensive forest clearances due to transterminant livestock movements and the benefit of seasonal resources, whereas low-altitude settings specialised in arboriculture and diversified crops to supply urban markets.
Fuente: Journal of Medieval Iberian Studies Volume 7, 2015 - Issue 1
Publisher: Taylor & Francis
Year of publication: 2015
No. of pages: 19
Publication type: Article
DOI: 10.1080/17546559.2014.925135
ISSN: 1754-6559,1754-6567
Publication Url: https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/17546559.2014.925135
Google Scholar
Citations
Read publication
BLANCO-GONZÁLEZ, ANTONIO
LÓPEZ-SÁEZ, JOSÉ ANTONIO
ALBA, FRANCISCA
ABEL, DANIEL
SEBASTIAN PEREZ DIAZ
Back