Exploitation of Pigs during the Late Medieval and Early Modern Period in Croatia

Bibliographic Data

ID13124589
AuthorsKim Korpes (0000-0003-4766-3488, University of Zagreb, corresponding author), Aneta Piplica (0000-0003-2778-7889, University of Zagreb), Martina Đuras (0000-0002-0538-0992, University of Zagreb), T Trbojević Vukičević (0000-0002-8151-7380, University of Zagreb), Magdalena Kolenc (0009-0007-6917-1042, University of Zagreb)
Year2024
Volume7
Issue2
Pages1014-1027
Publication date2024-02-16
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueHeritage (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 2571-9408 • E-ISSN: 2571-9408
PublisherMDPI AG (PUBLISHER • IT)
DOI10.3390/heritage7020049
OpenAlexW4391882507
LanguageEN
Citations received2
References cited11

This study investigated the historical consumption of pork in Croatia through a comprehensive analysis of pig bones from six medieval archaeological sites, comprising three castles and three monasteries dating from the 13th to the 16th century A.D. Employing a detailed morphological analysis of pig bones and teeth, the study quantified the number of identified specimens (NISP) per site. On bones and teeth, identification of sex and age was performed, and butchery patterns were documented. The results revealed a significant presence of pork in the diet of castle and monastery inhabitants, with pig bones being the most abundant animal remains. Age analysis suggested a prevalence of juvenile pigs, predominantly males. The findings implied that from the 13th to the 16th century A.D., pork was a staple in the diet of castles and monasteries in continental Croatia, sourced from pig breeding outside these sites. Typically, male pigs aged under two years were delivered for consumption to these establishments

Aesthetics · Ancient history · Art · Early modern period · Middle Ages · Period (music · Culinary Culture and Tourism · History · Linguistics and Cultural Studies · Rangeland Management and Livestock Ecology