Scandinavian Journal of HistoryVolume 39, Issue 5, 2014 |
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The Icelandic medieval monastic garden - did it exist?
- DOI:
- 10.1080/03468755.2014.946534
pages 560-579
- Published online: 05 Nov 2014
Abstract
In
the multidisciplinary project presented here, 12 known monastic grounds
in Iceland were surveyed by a group of medievalists from different
fields in the summers of 2009, 2010 and 2011. The aim of the survey was
to increase knowledge of the Icelandic monastic garden and of the plants
that were known and used there; to look for possible medieval cultural
relict plants; to observe continental influence on the island; and to
vitalize discussion and research. Landscape and plants were surveyed at
the 12 monastic sites, and full botanical investigations made. Many of
the plants found have a medieval past as medicinal and utility plants,
and some of their properties may have been common knowledge to medieval
Icelanders. An investigation of written sources and archaeological and
archaeobotanical findings from excavated sites added to the
investigators’ knowledge. So were there monastic gardens in Iceland in
the Middle Ages? The answer is a rather confident yes. With all the
evidence combined, the investigators were able to trace the deliberate
use of medicinal, food and utility plants in the monastic contexts.
Whether they were cultivated, tended in situ, gathered growing wild or imported is another matter. Continental influence was more evident than has previously been observed.
