wills and testamentary executors in medieval portugal 276 Interest in last wills and testaments and other documents expressing the final wishes of medieval men and women is not new to either of the authors of the present article, as both have already published and analysed this typology of written source.1 However, on this occasion, the focus falls on a topic that has received little attention. Bearing in mind that wills apply in practice only when they are executed, it is worth considering those who undertook this duty: the testamentary executors.The approach chosen is founded upon a wide selection of sources, ranging from the twelfth to the end of the fourteenth century. Although including wills from both clergy and laity, both men and women, the majority belonged to the clergy of Portuguese cathedrals, as these wills have been published systematically and are thus more readily available.2 The present analysis was driven by a number of questions. Firstly, to find when the systematic appointment of executors began. Secondly, where within the document they were identified, and if there were specific formulas for that purpose – if so, how they evolved over time. Thirdly, to find the social categories of the testamentary executors – if they generally bore a degree of kinship or familiarity with the testators, and to understand the role of women in this context. Finally, to investigate if it is possible to determine whether the duties of the executor were completed, and to discover what burdens or rewards such a mission entailed. 1 Coelho 1980; Coelho 1990; Coelho, Morujão 2007; Coelho, Morujão 2011; Coelho, Ventura 1986; Morujão 2010. 2 Morujão 2010.The remaining sources used will be listed in the bibliography at the end of this paper. 3 Coelho, Morujão 2011, pp. 353–354. 4 On the theses regarding the Roman or Germanic origins of the legal personality of the executor and his competences, whether as executor-successor or executor-representative, in the mandationes of the tenth and eleventh centuries, see Merêa 1940, pp. 13–32. Introduction The use of the will reappeared in Portugal towards the end of the eleventh century, replacing the mandatio or manda that had previously been in use.3 In the mandatio, the testator charged a person they trusted with the disposition of their assets;4 in the will, it is the testator 1
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