History
The first settlements in the area of Arcos de Valdevez occurred between the 5th and 5rd millennium A.D., verified by archaeological investigations from many of the funerary mounds within the municipality, such as Núcleo Megalítico do Mezio. This also includes many rock carvings and paintings that were found in the Gião archaeological station. This period of proto-history, and Roman occupation, not just for its influence on toponymy, was important for many of the defensive and habitational structures that dot the landscape of the municipality. These include many of the castros that exist throughout the area, and in particular, in the parishes of Ázere, Álvora and Cendufe.
During the Middle Age many of these proto-cultural sites were abandoned for medieval parishes or monasteries located along plains or atop strategic hills, such as the Monastery of Ermelo (Cistercians) or Santa Maria de Miranda (Benedictine). These areas facilitated settlement, which was tied to herding and seasonal cultivation, while the mountains provided many sources of game. The facility of settlement greatly enhanced its importance, since its proximity to Spanish territory favoured strategic expansion into the south: the number of medieval bridges in the area, such as in Vilela and Cabreiro improved further expansion.
In documents dating back to the 10th and 11th Century, there were several military, social centres and infrastructures had been built along these northern positions. A Roman-type bridge within the municipal limits, was constructed between the 12th and 13th Century, and first referenced during the named Inquirições de 1258 (1258 Inquiries), when the name Arcos appeared in Portuguese toponymy.
Although abandoned in the 13th Century Castle of Santa Cruz in Vila Fonche, which predates the actual village, was one of the first human centers, helping to protect human populations and facilitate communication that crossed the bridges along the Vez River. By 1258, the Castle controlled a geographic area that included the present boundaries of Arcos de Valdevez. Its importance along these trade and military routes influenced King Manuel I to elevate this "metro-pole" to the status of village in 1515.
Liberal reforms during the 18th Century would expand the administrative limits of the municipality, with the annexation of the areas of Soajo, Ermelo and Gavieira.
Read more about this topic: Arcos De Valdevez Municipality
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