48 The “cruzado” is Portuguese currency of the reign of King AfonsoV. 49 “Justos” are a Portuguese currency of the reign of King JoãoII. 50 The Siete Partidas is a legislative code written in Castile during the reign of AlfonsoX (1221–1284) with the aim of achieving a certain legal uniformity in the kingdom. It had a wide diffusion in Iberian kingdoms. notarial last wills and testaments from medieval porto who lived in Rua da Ourivesaria in the city of Porto. In recompense for the task, he leaves him eight thousand reais and a jewel; and to João Martins, a stonemason, he leaves one thousand reais for assisting in the same endeavours. His testament lists his possessions, such as money, wardrobe, slaves, and as well names his participation in the military expedition to Arzila in 1471. The will also specifies the outstanding debts of Rodrigo Aires. Tohis compadres, to Catarina he owed two goldcruzados,48 and to Pedro Afonso, abbot of São Romão do Coroado, he owed four goldjustos,49 respectively. To Bartolomeu Frobentin, and to a Castilian (not named), he owed a gold florin. To Pedro Vaz, Branca Gonçalves’ husband, he owed a cruzado; to João Pires, acooper, and André Gil, he owed “some money”. We even get to know a little about Rodrigo Aires’ library and the various books that the notary had in his possession, stored, archived, and/or preserved. The dissemination of literary knowledge meant the development of a new book culture that was due not only to changes made to the system of copying and composing manuscripts, but also due to the proliferation of new texts and intellectual tools aimed at facilitating the use of books and the acquisition of knowledge. It is therefore not surprising that a member of the cultured and literate group of notaries had books, incunabula, manuscripts, etc. in his possession. The provisions are clear regarding the sale of his books, and it appears that the money from these sales should be given to the souls of the deceased, just like his houses, estates, and movable property. He even ordered that his fourth book and the third and fifth be sold to those who wanted them the most and the money given for the souls of deceased. We should also mention the fact that this notary had in his possession several law books, such as a Livro de Partidas,50 essential for the exercise of notarial activity, that he bequeathed to Álvaro Velho’s wife, and another leather-bound book to Maria Martins, widow of Álvaro Anes. Therefore, the dissemination of 530
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