Viva lá vida

Abstract (max. 200 words)

In this paper, we intend to follow the social and political trajectory of the merchant

Fernão Gonçalves Façanha who conducted his professional activity in Évora, one of the

most important cities of medieval Portugal, in the second half of the 14th century. This

is a powerful businessman who held various positions in the municipal administration

and in other urban institutions and played a relevant role in the public life of the city.

Despite the crisis and the troubles that have marked much of the time in which he lived,

Fernão Gonçalves will experience a process of enrichment and social empowerment,

which will progressively bring him closer to the leading group. His route is of great

historiographical interest, as it constitutes a good example of someone who knew how

to take advantage of the opportunities of a context which was largely favorable to

mobility and, to start a process of social ascent based on material wealth, but where the

relational framework and political options are equally essential.

Keywords (5 in total): Merchants, oligarchy, social mobility, 1383-1385 civil war,

Évora.