Valor & Gutiérrez/Archaeology of Medieval Spain, 8. The Display of Secular Power

This chapter investigates the expression of secular power. This is most evident in both Andalusi and Christian contexts in the form of the royal palace. Here recent archaeological work is significantly altering the picture formerly given by architectural history. We can also follow royal and aristocratic ways of life as they were imitated in town and country by the rich and well-off. So this chapter alludes to the pastimes of hunting, feasting, sports and games, which were aristocratic activities and symbols of power, as well as other methods of display such as regalia and heraldry.