Teodósio II, Duke of Braganza

Teodósio II, 7th Duke of Braganza was a Portuguese nobleman and father of João IV of Portugal. He is known for his allegiance to King Philip I of Portugal.

The loba: A voluminous outer garment

The loba was a wide, floor-length outer garment worn by both genders, often made of large amounts of fabric, which effectively hid the body's natural form. While it was common for civilians in public ceremonies, it eventually evolved to become an exclusive garment for male clergy and scholars.

Women's homely clothing and the baju jacket

Inside the home, women often went barefoot and wore a simple short jacket called a baju, which covered them only to the navel. Men frequently preferred this natural, homely look over elaborate festive clothing, which they felt detracted from a woman's true shape.

Enslaved Musicians in Noble Households

Royal and noble households kept enslaved musicians, such as a group of eleven enslaved shawm players in the Duke of Bragança's chapel in 1564.

Daily travel distance capabilities

A hurried group traveling with mounts could cover about 40 kilometers per day, provided they were not using oxen, which traveled much slower.

Professional goods transport specialists

Professional carriers known as almocreves, almoqueires, or recoveiros were responsible for long-distance transport of goods between the interior and the coast.

Cooking with Hearths and Braziers

Cooking was done on hearths and braziers using charcoal and firewood, which were significant expenses for families. On the streets of Lisbon, vendors operated 10 cabanas with braziers to roast sardines and other fish for laborers.

Multifunctional Living Spaces in Modest Homes

Modest homes were cramped, with cooking, sleeping, and storage compressed into shared, multifunctional rooms using curtains, benches, and chests. In artisan districts, the street served as an extension of the home, where neighbors gathered, children played, and daily chores like cleaning fish took place.

Cod on the commoners' table

During the 16th century, ordinary people consumed cod as a source of animal protein, especially on festive occasions, prepared by frying, boiling, or roasting.

Dietary staples of the era

Bread, wine, and meat formed the dietary foundation, though commoners mostly relied on bread and fish, with less access to prestigious meat.

Cost of Poultry in the 1500s

In the 16th century, chickens were a high-value food item, with each one costing 30 réis.

Wheat Prices in Portugal 1550–1574

Between 1550 and 1574, the annual price of a moio of wheat fluctuated significantly, reaching as high as 6,000 réis in several years.

Common occupations in 16th-century Lisbon

Lisbon's economy relied heavily on dock labor, such as stevedores and carters, and guild-regulated crafts like bakers, tailors, and shoemakers. Domestic service was also a common occupation for women and enslaved individuals.

Status symbols and new daily utensils

At the royal court of João III, the use of forks and knives had become a daily habit, representing a change from earlier times. Meanwhile, spice consumption like pepper and cinnamon served as a status symbol for the upper classes.