Drawing on research findings of a fish event horizon in England and extensive work on historical fish consumption in Belgium, this study aims to answer the question: How did fish consumption...Show moreDrawing on research findings of a fish event horizon in England and extensive work on historical fish consumption in Belgium, this study aims to answer the question: How did fish consumption develop in the northern Low Countries during the early and late medieval period (450-1500). This research is conducted using the Dutch Fish Bones (DFB) dataset, which includes the Number of Identified Specimens (NISP) of fish species and families from archaeological sites between 0-2000 CE. The DFB-dataset is subjected to aoristic analysis in 25-year bin categories to create a diachronic timeline. Despite potential biases and limitations, coherent with the presence of uncertainty within each assemblage and the underrepresentation of certain fish species due to differential preservation and the collection methods employed in archaeological excavations, the study offers valuable insights into regional fish consumption dynamics. During the period from 450 to 650, both inland and coastal regions displayed a preference for locally sourced fish. Freshwater eels, cyprinids, and perches were the primary choices inland, while coastal consumption mainly consisted of demersal righteye flounders and small amounts of herring. From 650 to 950, the coastal region continued to heavily rely on righteye flounders, while freshwater fish remained popular inland. However, there was a gradual emergence of marine fish consumption during the "long eighth century," likely influenced by trade and commercial hubs. Between 950 and 1200, the consumption of marine, migratory, and freshwater fish declined in the northern Low Countries, potentially due to the Medieval Warm Period and changes in fish populations. Despite this decline, there was a slight increase in codfish consumption, which may be linked to the growing trade of Norwegian stockfish. Urban areas witnessed a shift towards marine consumption between 1200 and 1375 in a period that can be called a gradual ‘fish event horizon’, rural areas, in contrast, exhibited a delayed increase in marine fish consumption almost a century after urban consumption surged. The development of markets and trade hubs played a crucial role in making marine fish more accessible in inland regions. The rapid growth in smelt consumption during the fourteenth century reflects the broader trend of rising fish consumption, fuelled by urbanization, population growth, and dietary restrictions. The formation of the Zuyderzee facilitated trade of the Hanseatic cities by providing an open waterway to the North Sea. However, human interventions disrupted the distribution of fish species, leading to a decline in freshwater eels. During the late fourteenth to seventeenth centuries, fish consumption experienced significant expansion phases. Herring, cod, and righteye flounders were consumed in larger quantities, driven by technological advancements in fishing techniques and equipment. The herring industry of the northern Low Countries grew rapidly, with Dutch vessels dominating European trade. Between 1650 and 1800, overall fish consumption declined due to conflicts, economic difficulties, and political instability. However, throughout the centuries following the fish event horizon, the pattern of high marine fish consumption has remained steadfast and continues to be relevant in modern times. These findings illuminate historical fish consumption patterns in the region and provide a foundation for future research, including enriching the dataset, calling for additional meta-analyses and isotopic research, and addressing knowledge gaps, such as the significant decrease in overall fish consumption in the period 950-1200.Show less
Early medieval garnet inlaid objects are subject to a lot of studies, predominantly those of economies and exchange. The topic of social significance, especially in relation to gender, is however...Show moreEarly medieval garnet inlaid objects are subject to a lot of studies, predominantly those of economies and exchange. The topic of social significance, especially in relation to gender, is however barely touched upon. This research studies the gender representation of garnet inlaid objects in Frankish-Merovingian Europe during the fifth and sixth centuries. In total 549 garnet inlaid objects were assembled from over 105 sites within the research area consisting of the Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg, and the German Provinces Nordrhein-Westfalen and Rhineland-Pfalz. The types of objects found within the research area mainly consist of embellishments, such as brooches, jewellery and belt fittings. This study also comprised of rarer objects such as weapons or saddle mounts. The results of the dataset are critically assessed , looking mostly at the gender theories established during the last 30 years. Also, the dataset is incorporated within a larger research frame by including the examples of Childeric and Sutton Hoo. As a result it could be established that garnet inlaid objects are predominantly found within female graves. The amount of garnet used upon an object and the types of objects found change over time, but they remain present in female contexts throughout the period. The objects adorned with garnets that are incorporated within the male grave are usually only present within sixth century contexts. However at the end of the fifth century they are first found related to a very rich male context (e.g. Childeric). An area where garnets are predominantly present in the research area could not be discovered but some regional differences were observed. The rapid decline within garnet adorned objects found within the research area, combined with the Anglo Saxon Sotton Hoo burial is suggesting a geographical shift in the use of garnet inlaid objects. A lot remains to be researched in new studies. The sexing of graves where the objects are found is, for instance, a worthwhile research focus. Also a thorough examination of the total grave assemblages could reveal new and exciting data.Show less
This study deals with the animal remains from the Carolingian monastery in Susteren. The animal remains were excavated from waste pits. Of the animals found, pigs are the most common, followed by...Show moreThis study deals with the animal remains from the Carolingian monastery in Susteren. The animal remains were excavated from waste pits. Of the animals found, pigs are the most common, followed by cattle and sheep/goat. Remains of wild animals and birds were also found. Almost all of these animals are used for consumption. Various elements are missing in the assemblage. Among these are the vertebrae and feet of cattle, pig and sheep/goat and the skulls of sheep/goat. There are also various elements which are found relatively often, among them are the mandibles of cattle, pig and sheep/goat and the tibias of sheep/goat and roe deer. The composition of the remains is extremely similar to that of the remains found inside a channel at the same site and were previously studied. There are also similarities in composition with material from the sites the Zutphense gravenhof and the English Flixborough. The presence or absence of certain elements can be caused by taphonomic processes. This does not work for all elements however. Food distribution seems therefore to play a part. This is emphasized by the similarities in element distribution at Flixborough. Here the same type of food distribution seems to have been present.Show less
