Thearchaeological investigations carried out since 2004 at the “Charles V” Castle at Lecce by the University of Salento allowed the recovery of large quantities of animal remains, giving the opportunity to understand the socio-economic dynamics and the elite diet in Salento between the 12th and 16th centuries. In all periods diet was mainly based on the consumption of mutton and pork, while beef, poultry and rabbit were less appreciated. The presence of animals killed at a young and sub-adult ages refl cts the exploitation of meat which is well suited to the urban market and also suggests the consumption of tender and precious meat according to the table of high social classes. Game and sea products also were consumed by the inhabitants of the castle: the data outline changes in diet and taste through time. Of considerable interest is the presence of fallow deer in the 13th-14th c. layers. This species was introduced in Europe during the Middle Ages by noble families to hunt in their own lands. The remains of the animals used for transport and for company, horses, donkeys, dogs and cats are also well documented.
Socio-economic dynamics and élite diet in Salento between the 12th and 16th centuries AD. New data from the "Charles V" Castle at Lecce
Vito Giuseppe Prillo
2021
Abstract
Thearchaeological investigations carried out since 2004 at the “Charles V” Castle at Lecce by the University of Salento allowed the recovery of large quantities of animal remains, giving the opportunity to understand the socio-economic dynamics and the elite diet in Salento between the 12th and 16th centuries. In all periods diet was mainly based on the consumption of mutton and pork, while beef, poultry and rabbit were less appreciated. The presence of animals killed at a young and sub-adult ages refl cts the exploitation of meat which is well suited to the urban market and also suggests the consumption of tender and precious meat according to the table of high social classes. Game and sea products also were consumed by the inhabitants of the castle: the data outline changes in diet and taste through time. Of considerable interest is the presence of fallow deer in the 13th-14th c. layers. This species was introduced in Europe during the Middle Ages by noble families to hunt in their own lands. The remains of the animals used for transport and for company, horses, donkeys, dogs and cats are also well documented.
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