Abstract Lisbon is a city that originated along the River Tagus, one of the largest and most significant rivers traversing the Iberian Peninsula. From prehistory through the Roman era, and particularly during the period of European maritime expansion, this locale has consistently demonstrated its importance to various human groups and civilisations. The River Tagus, owing to its substantial size and the abundance of resources along its banks, has historically facilitated connections with the hinterland, enabling the transport of diverse goods, people, animals, and various species to the area where Lisbon would eventually flourish. Evidence of these connections has now emerged from an excavation revealing the final phase of the city’s occupation, already in the post-industrialisation period. This paper presents the findings of a nautical context encompassing the remains of eight river boats dating to the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. The fragments, representing various types and sizes of boats, hold significant historical value. They provide insights into the history of contemporary nautical activities and the recent past of the River Tagus, particularly concerning fishing and the transportation of goods and people. These findings facilitate a discussion on the historical and recent past of Lisbon, focusing on the last traditional vessels used in connection with the River Tagus and the reinforcement of the riverfront. Preserved in varying conditions, these vessels significantly enhance our understanding of Lisbon’s port life and the River Tagus. They offer crucial data on construction methods, vessel types, periods of abandonment, storms, and landfill formation.
Ac et al. (Sun,) studied this question.