Editing Medieval weights and measures (section)

== Portuguese system ==
The various systems of weights and measures used in Portugal until the 19th century combine remote Roman influences with medieval influences from northern [[Europe]] and [[Islam]].The Roman and northern European influences were more present in the north. The Islamic influence was more present in the south of the country. Fundamental units like the {{lang|pt|alqueire}} and the {{lang|pt|almude}} were imported by the northwest of Portugal in the 11th century, before the country became independent of León.

The gradual long-term process of standardization of weights and measures in Portugal is documented mainly since the mid-14th century. In 1352, municipalities requested standardization in a parliament meeting ({{lang|pt|Cortes}}). In response, [[Afonso IV of Portugal|Afonso IV]] decided to set the {{lang|pt|alna}} ({{lang|pt|aune}}) of [[Lisbon]] as standard for the linear measures used for color fabrics across the country. A few years later, [[Pedro I of Portugal|Pedro I]] carried a more comprehensive reform, as documented in the parliament meeting of 1361: the {{lang|pt|arrátel folforinho}} of [[Santarém, Portugal|Santarém]] should be used for weighing meat; the {{lang|pt|arroba}} of Lisbon would be the standard for the remaining weights; cereals should be measured by the {{lang|pt|alqueire}} of Santarém; the {{lang|pt|almude}} of Lisbon should be used for wine. With advances, adjustments and setbacks, this framework predominated until the end of the 15th century.

Further information: [[Portuguese customary units]].