A Storm of Chickens: Reevaluating the 9th Century Frankish Countryside.

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2021-04-15

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en

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In the study of early medieval European history there is a lack of research pertaining to chickens. Primarily due to a lack of archaeological evidence caused by low likelihood of chicken bones surviving in the archaeological record. This thesis explores Carolingian polyptyques looking for textual evidence to rectify the underappreciation for the growing prominence of chickens and eggs in the agricultural landscape of 9th century Francia. I argue that chickens were more prevalent in the agricultural husbandry landscape than previously thought. In particular, I will argue that it was during the 9th century that egg production started to rise becoming a larger component of non-aristocratic diets. This thesis also explores the role of gender in egg production. While this thesis primarily dives into what we now see as a food good, at its core this thesis looks to provide a deeper insight into the lives of Frankish peasants.

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