What's happened
Recent research has uncovered that medieval manuscripts from Clairvaux Abbey were bound in sealskin sourced from as far as Scandinavia and Greenland. This finding challenges previous assumptions about local material use and highlights the extensive trade networks of the 12th and 13th centuries.
What's behind the headline?
Trade Networks in the Middle Ages
- The discovery of sealskin bindings suggests that Cistercian monks were part of a complex trade network that extended beyond local sourcing.
- This challenges the notion that medieval societies were isolated and highlights the interconnectedness of different regions.
- The choice of sealskin, likely due to its color and availability, reflects the monks' engagement with global trade routes.
Implications for Historical Understanding
- The findings prompt a reevaluation of how materials were sourced in medieval Europe, suggesting that economic interactions were more sophisticated than previously thought.
- Understanding these trade networks can provide insights into the cultural exchanges that occurred during this period, influencing everything from art to literature.
- The research also raises questions about the monks' awareness of the materials they used, as seals were not commonly depicted in medieval art, indicating a potential disconnect between the source and the users of these materials.
What the papers say
The Guardian reported that researchers found sealskin on the covers of manuscripts from Clairvaux Abbey, stating, "Contrary to the prevailing assumption that books were crafted from locally sourced materials, it appears that the Cistercians were deeply embedded in a global trading network." Similarly, the New York Times highlighted the surprising nature of this discovery, noting that the books were bound in sealskin sourced from regions as far as Greenland and Scandinavia. The Independent emphasized the lack of written records regarding the use of sealskin, suggesting that the monks may not have known the true identity of the material they were using. This contrasts with the NY Post's focus on the implications of the findings for understanding medieval trade, stating that the research sheds light on a booming ancient system of global trade.
How we got here
The study of medieval manuscripts has revealed that many were bound in materials previously thought to be local, such as deer or boar skin. Recent analyses have shown that sealskin was used, indicating a broader trade network than previously understood.
Go deeper
- What other materials were used in medieval manuscripts?
- How did trade networks operate in the Middle Ages?
- What does this discovery mean for our understanding of history?
Common question
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What Do Sealskin Covers Reveal About Medieval Trade?
Recent discoveries about medieval manuscripts have unveiled surprising details about their covers, previously thought to be made from common animal skins. This revelation not only sheds light on the materials used but also raises questions about the trade networks of the time. How did Cistercian monasteries connect with Norse trading routes? What does this mean for our understanding of medieval craftsmanship? Read on to explore these intriguing questions.
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Clairvaux Abbey (, French: [klɛʁvo]; Latin: Clara Vallis) was a Cistercian monastery in Ville-sous-la-Ferté, 15 kilometres (9.3 mi) from Bar-sur-Aube. The abbey was founded in 1115 by Bernard of Clairvaux. As a primary abbey, it was one of the most sig
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