The Icelandic medieval monastic garden - did it exist?

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.

Volcanoes, medicine, and monasticism: Investigating mercury exposure in medieval Iceland

“…Similarly, during the 15th century, German, Dutch, English, and Danish merchants engaged in trade between Iceland and the mainland, spreading both diseases and their purported remedies. The remains of imported objects and food found at Skriðuklaustur (e.g., fruits and exotic plants) also highlight Iceland's international cultural integration at this time (Kristjánsdóttir, 2016;Kristjánsdóttir, Larsson, & Åsen, 2014). As monasteries were obliged to provide burial rites to all those who died within their care, individuals excavated from Skriðuklaustur may have been very diverse in terms of origin and social status, including foreign merchants, elite members of the church, and the common people of Iceland (Kristjánsdóttir, 2012).…”

Scholarly vs. Traditional Knowledge: Effects of Sacred Natural Sites on Ethnobotanical Practices in Tuscany, Central Italy

“…Such ancient medicinal knowledge was then adapted to local conditions (Dal Cero et al 2014). Such an osmotic phenomenon perpetuated through the centuries by the close contact of monastic communities with neighboring communities (Lardos and Heinrich, 2013) has been fostered by pilgrimages which have contributed immensely to the spread of knowledge, especially during the Middle Ages (Kristjánsdóttir et al 2014).…”

Medieval Masculinities and Violence: Weapon-Related Trauma in Skeletal Assemblages from Two Religious Houses in Iceland and Sweden

“…Skriðuklaustur functioned as a hospital, and many individuals buried in the cemetery displayed pathological changes. There were also findings of surgical instruments, and pollen and seeds from medical plants (Kristjánsdóttir et al, 2014). All three males with WRT buried in Skriðuklaustur are interpreted as patients.…”