Chapter The tower of Agicampe (Loja, Granada). Social change in the rural Nasrid world

Abstract

The aim of this work is the study of certain buildings of Granada, constructed during the last medieval centuries: the so-called “Torres de Alquería”. Their functions will be analysed, especially those linked to the defence of rural communities, which has been their traditional purpose, though new ways of interpreting these buildings will be proposed. We also include a case study: the Agicampe Tower. A building that would correspond to this typology. We present the results of the recent archaeological excavations carried out in this building and its surroundings, as well as the impact on the settlement dynamics of the area, changes that could extend to the rest of the rural space of the Nasrid kingdom.