Valor & Gutiérrez/Archaeology of Medieval Spain, 5. Technology, Craft and Industry

In this chapter the author explores the topic of archaeological research into industrial activities during the Middle Ages is in its infancy. Working tools and devices, have been found in many late medieval rural sites, always in relation to the activities of everyday life. Industrial facilities are less well known as most of those investigated belong to the last centuries of the Middle Ages. Archaeological excavations carried out in recent years however have significantly increased our knowledge of medieval industry, making it one of the most progressive research fields in medieval material culture. There is abundant evidence for textile production, tanning and leatherworking, mining and metallurgy, pottery and glass making; and waterworks for powering olive oil or sugar cane production.