Fish and fishing in the medieval Wrocław (Poland): New insights based on archaeozoological data

Abstract

Wrocław (Wratislavia, Breslau) was established on the Oder River, at the intersection of important trade routes between the Baltic Sea, Kyivan Rus, and inland countries of Central Europe. The local population was hugely dependent on the resources the river provided, including a rich variety of fishes used for food. Here we analyse a sample of fish remains recovered from five archaeological sites in the territory of the medieval Wrocław. In total, 185 skeletal elements (isolated bones and scales) were processed and 11 species belonging to six families (Acipenseridae, Cyprinidae, Siluridae, Esocidae, and Percidae) were identified. Most remains belong to the bream, tench, and perch, which were common local species. The sturgeon, salmon/trout, and carp were among the highly demanded species and mainly consumed by the nobility. Religious restrictions and habits, especially during periods of fasting, could also have a considerable impact on the volume of fishing and fish consumption. Fishing tools found at the archaeological sites indicate that various techniques were used to catch the freshwater species in the surrounding water bodies, whereas marine fishes were probably imported from the Baltics and purchased on markets. The estimated body length of individuals provide valuable data for zoological analyses and, considering the set of fishing tools found at the studied sites, might also indicate some degree of selectivity in fishing in the medieval Wrocław, although the latter cannot be affirmed due to the applied collecting method.