Finding Medieval Medicine Through Archaeobotany: An Ontological Approach

Abstract

ABSTRACT An ontological approach to medieval archaeobotany could assist in uncovering otherwise obscure evidence of complex human-plant interactions. In particular, archaeobotanical remains could contribute more toward research on medieval medicine and understandings of human and environmental health. This article considers ways in which current archaeobotanical methods and practices may be limiting interpretations of medieval plant remains. We argue that increased immersion in both ontological and sedimentary contexts can improve archaeobotanical research by integrating plant remains with other archaeological and textual evidence. We offer an interdisciplinary theoretical and methodological framework toward broadening the interpretative scope of medieval archaeobotanical datasets, with an emphasis on humoral and spiritual ontologies.