“Tagus River Saints” explores how the Tagus River profoundly shaped Iberia's religious history, from the Moorish era through the Christian Reconquista. It examines the river as a dynamic site of cultural exchange and the evolution of religious pilgrimages along its banks. The book highlights how the Tagus, acting as a natural border and transportation route, fostered both conflict and collaboration among diverse religious communities, impacting the region's religious identity. Intriguingly, the Moors adapted pre-existing religious sites, and the river became central to pilgrimage routes, showcasing the interplay between geography and faith.
The book begins by establishing the historical context of the Tagus River valley, including its pre-Islamic roots and Moorish transformations. It progresses to examine the rise of Christian pilgrimage routes, focusing on sites like Toledo and Santarém, before investigating the ongoing religious syncretism even after the Reconquista. By interweaving historical analysis with vivid descriptions, “Tagus River Saints” challenges traditional narratives, demonstrating that the Tagus River was a catalyst for religious innovation, adaptation, and conflict throughout Iberian history.
