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The breeding of pigs in the Middle Ages through the prism of stable isotopes of carbon and nitrogen

Publication at Faculty of Arts |
2020

Abstract

This contribution expands the existing information about the breeding of the domestic pig (Sus domesticus) in the Middle Ages, with emphasis on the nutrition and feeding regime of these farm animals so important for medieval economy, in different social environments and periods. Results of archaeozoological analysis published in the past were combined with findings from the analysis of two stable isotopes of biogenic elements - carbon and nitrogen.

The research centred on three medieval sites in the territory of today's Prague spanning a broad chronological period, from the 9th century until the 14th century. The comparison of the results with data from early medieval sites where predominantly extensive pig breeding is presumed helps characterize breeding strategies, especially in relation to the early medieval agglomeration of Prague.