Exploring the Ancient Trade Routes Across Portugal

Trade routes in ancient Portugal were pivotal in shaping its early civilizations, connecting the Iberian Peninsula to broader Mediterranean and Atlantic networks. These routes, utilized by Phoenicians, Celts, Romans, and later by Visigothic and Moorish traders, enabled the exchange of goods, ideas, and cultural practices, leaving a lasting impact on the region’s development. From maritime paths along the Atlantic coast to overland trails that crisscrossed the peninsula, these trade routes fostered economic prosperity and influenced societal structure in ancient Portugal.

This post delves into the history and significance of these ancient trade routes, focusing on the goods exchanged, key routes utilized, and the cultural implications of these connections for Portugal’s early civilizations.

I. Early Trade Routes: The Role of Phoenician and Celtic Influence

In the pre-Roman period, the Iberian Peninsula attracted trade due to its rich mineral resources, including copper, tin, and gold. Ancient Portugal was at the heart of this trade, with routes stretching across the region and into neighboring territories.

A. Phoenician Maritime Trade Networks

Phoenician Coastal Settlements: Phoenician traders established settlements along the Iberian coastline as early as the 9th century BCE, including locations in what is now Portugal, such as Tavira in the Algarve. These coastal settlements served as trading posts where goods from the eastern Mediterranean, such as glass, pottery, and luxury items, were exchanged for local resources like metals.
Atlantic Maritime Route: Portugal’s western coast was integrated into the Atlantic trade route that connected it to other parts of the Iberian Peninsula, North Africa, and the Mediterranean. The Phoenicians established trading links as far as the British Isles, sourcing tin, which was vital for the production of bronze—a commodity highly valued in the ancient world.
Introduction of Mediterranean Goods: Through these coastal routes, Portugal received goods such as olive oil, wine, and spices. The influence of Phoenician goods and practices gradually permeated Portuguese society, introducing new items and possibly even new agricultural techniques, which were adapted to local needs.

B. Celtic Overland Trade Networks

Celtic Trade Networks and Tribal Exchange: Celtic tribes in Iberia, particularly the Lusitani in Portugal, were known for their mobility and established overland trade networks across the region. These tribes traded items like weapons, salt, and livestock, as well as cultural artifacts unique to Celtic craftsmanship, such as intricate jewelry and pottery.
Routes Along River Valleys: The Tagus and Douro rivers were significant in facilitating the movement of goods through the interior. These rivers acted as natural highways for transporting materials like minerals and agricultural products, connecting inland regions with coastal areas.
Cross-Peninsula Exchange: The Celts used overland routes across the peninsula to exchange goods with other tribes, and likely engaged in some trade with Phoenician coastal settlers. This interaction between inland and coastal peoples laid the groundwork for a more interconnected Iberian trade network.

II. Roman Influence: Integrating Portugal into the Empire’s Trade System

The Roman conquest of the Iberian Peninsula in the 2nd and 1st centuries BCE profoundly transformed trade networks in Portugal. The Romans established a more organized and expansive trade infrastructure, facilitating local commerce and connecting Portugal to the broader Roman Empire.

A. Roman Road Networks

The Via Lusitanorum: The Romans built a sophisticated system of roads, including the Via Lusitanorum, which linked major Roman cities like Olissipo (Lisbon) and Emerita Augusta (Mérida, Spain). These roads allowed for more efficient transport of goods and people, increasing the movement of resources throughout the region.
Expansion of Interior Routes: Romans expanded overland routes to access Portugal’s mineral-rich interior, particularly in areas like Alentejo and the Beiras region. Through these roads, minerals like copper, silver, and iron were transported to coastal ports, from where they were shipped to other parts of the empire.
Economic Impact of Roman Infrastructure: Roman roads enabled the swift transport of luxury items, agricultural goods, and military supplies. Towns near these roads flourished, turning into local trading hubs and benefiting economically from the steady flow of goods and travelers.

B. Maritime Trade and the Atlantic Ports

Lisbon as a Key Port: Olissipo (modern-day Lisbon) emerged as a significant port for maritime trade during Roman rule. It became a hub for goods traveling between the empire’s provinces, including items such as grain, wine, olive oil, and manufactured goods, which were exchanged with local Lusitanian goods like fish, salt, and metals.
Integration with the Mediterranean Trade Network: Roman ships regularly traversed the Atlantic coast of Portugal, connecting it to other important Roman ports in Gaul (modern-day France), North Africa, and the broader Mediterranean. This network facilitated the flow of exotic goods, luxury items, and ideas across great distances, influencing local tastes and customs.
Import and Export Goods: Portugal’s exports under Roman rule included salt-preserved fish, garum (a fermented fish sauce highly prized across the empire), wine, and ceramics. The import of Roman goods such as glassware, fine pottery, and decorative items brought new styles and cultural influences to Portugal.

III. The Decline of Roman Trade and Shifts During the Visigothic and Moorish Periods

After the fall of the Roman Empire, Portugal’s trade routes underwent a transformation as the Visigoths took control of Iberia in the 5th century CE, followed by the Moors in the 8th century. These shifts led to changes in both the routes and the goods exchanged, adapting to the new socio-political landscape.

A. Visigothic Trade Adaptations

Continued Use of Roman Infrastructure: The Visigoths continued to use Roman roads and ports, albeit with reduced traffic due to the collapse of the centralized Roman economy. Trade became more localized, with a focus on agricultural goods and basic necessities rather than luxury imports.
Trade with Neighboring Kingdoms: While international trade decreased, the Visigoths maintained routes to other Christian kingdoms, exchanging goods such as livestock, agricultural produce, and textiles. Some trade routes extended northward to the Frankish kingdoms, introducing influences from Northern Europe.

B. Moorish Control and New Trade Opportunities

Revitalization of Maritime Routes: The Moors revitalized trade across the Iberian Peninsula when they established control in the 8th century. Portuguese coastal towns like Lisbon and Faro became part of a broader Islamic trade network that extended through North Africa and into the Middle East.
Introduction of Exotic Goods: Under Moorish influence, trade routes brought exotic goods like spices, silks, perfumes, and advanced agricultural techniques to Portugal. This influx contributed to the development of a more diverse material culture and advanced agricultural methods, including irrigation systems.
Intellectual Exchange: Besides goods, the Moorish trade network facilitated intellectual exchanges, bringing scientific, mathematical, and medical knowledge that shaped early Portuguese society, laying the groundwork for the eventual Christian Reconquista and the rise of Portugal as a maritime power.

IV. Legacy of Ancient Trade Routes in Portugal’s Historical Development

The trade routes of ancient Portugal left an enduring legacy, influencing the region’s economy, culture, and social structure. The networks built by the Phoenicians, Celts, Romans, and Moors not only enriched ancient Portuguese society but also prepared the region for its role in the Age of Exploration.

Cultural Exchange and Blending: Ancient trade routes brought cultural influences from different civilizations, which blended into Portugal’s unique heritage. This cultural diversity, originating from centuries of trade, laid the foundation for Portugal’s openness to exploration and maritime trade.
Economic Development and Trade Specialization: The ancient trade in minerals, agricultural products, and manufactured goods established early specializations that would carry into Portugal’s medieval and early modern economies. Fishing, winemaking, and metalwork, all of which began under ancient trade systems, became crucial industries.
Pathways for Exploration: The knowledge and experience gained from ancient trade networks equipped Portugal with the navigational skills and maritime knowledge that would later fuel its ambitions as a seafaring nation. The ancient routes laid the groundwork for Portugal’s emergence as a global trading empire in the 15th century.

Ancient trade routes across Portugal served as conduits for more than just goods—they were pathways of cultural exchange, economic growth, and technological advancement. From the Phoenician traders along the coast to the extensive Roman roads connecting the hinterlands, these routes shaped ancient Portugal’s history and development. As these networks evolved under different powers, each brought its unique influence, enriching Portugal and setting the stage for its future as a prominent maritime nation. The legacy of these ancient routes lives on, reflecting the enduring importance of trade and connectivity in Portugal’s past and present.