The alcaides and clerks of sacas in the small border towns of Northeastern Alentejo (1438-1521): functions, recruitment, and mobility

In Portugal, although the topic of the royal officialdom has attracted historiographical interest since the eighteenth century, and despite some studies focusing on certain local and regional officials connected to the treasury, much remains unclear regarding the Crown’s peripheral administrative structure in this area. Therefore, this article examines the alcaides and clerks of the sacas in a specific region: the border towns of northeastern Alentejo. First, we present the spatial context and the documentary typology used, as well as their potential and challenges for studying the royal officialdom linked to the sacas. Next, we seek to reconstruct the development of this network of officials, their functions, and their establishment in the towns analyzed. Finally, we aim to understand the social profile of the individuals who held these positions.