Trecentonovelle This is not just a collection of short stories appear in their casual evidence of facts and stories tend to weld or nell'incisività dell'aneddoto color of a figurative representation: it is much more. It is also an effective vehicle to rebuild the people's living habits of the Middle Ages, especially those in the supply and the incidence concrete, everyday, that economic and social structure had on the lives of men.
The history of food, at least until a few years ago, for Italy, to studies by Massimo Montanari, has been studied in disciplines "surgically" separate, often do not communicate with each other, the result of research in selected areas was to give an account in detail of individual aspects, without addressing the problems uniformly. The work led to the writing of this essay is provided by its search for a source that could, alone and within a defined space-time context, to give an overall picture of how he lived the relationship between man and the food. In this perspective, the collection of bags is exemplary through a cross section of late medieval society, the author provides us with a series of elements that is impossible to separate; you can not choose one aspect to another for the pleasure to analyze: the physiological aspects, economic, social, religious and psychological aspects are interrelated and all harbingers of an interpretation that goes beyond the "farcical story" and that hides deep cultural and symbolic meanings. Has proved very useful for a historical approach to the news, the text of G. Cherubini, life in fourteenth-century novels of John Sercambi, in "Lords, peasants, bourgeois. Research on Italian society of the Middle Ages, "The New Italy Editrice, Florence 1974.
The characters described by Sacchetti, almost always intent to carry out their productive activities, with their gestures and their habits, constitute a paradigm to explore the remarkable history of food. Represent ideal situations and behaviors in order to move into newer historiographical approaches, which are not exhausted in the reconstruction of enterprises of great men, but are also interested in the structures of everyday life, which belong to the people's eating habits.
Within these structures, the minimum life situations of everyday life must have something, a sense of order. If they can show properties in relation to other historical events, events or cycles, they are actually far from static, even if you develop in a time much slower, the time long structures, such as Fernand Braudel pointed out. In reality, the everyday gestures change with all that is related to them. The structures of everyday life are clinging to history. If we consider first the Greeks and then the Romans, they dined lying on the beds, but the early Middle Ages in the West have abandoned that position, sitting to eat. This change of attitude is not isolated from other changes occurring in parallel: then releasing the left hand, the sitting position has allowed large chunks of flesh cut with knives, just then appearing on the table. And certainly not a coincidence that these "meat eaters" were even those who introduced the use of a fork. The daily life of the novels has made it possible to shed light on some peculiar aspects of food consumption: the relationship between humans and the environment, the usefulness of the figures of trade in the processing and sale of food, cooking techniques food recipes detectors and using tools and texture them.
These are the keys with which he tackled the theme of food in the Middle Ages especially in Tuscany, which are set most of the stories of the bag. The
Trecentonovelle has given us the image of a society where the activity economy was still predominantly agriculture and where most residents were farmers or artisans. In fact, these centuries of mercantile expansion, manufacturing and urbanization have seen on the structures of society remain the same: generally the products traded, which is processed in its raw state, came from the cultivation or breeding. Forestry and agriculture offered almost all raw materials to shape, as a whole was still minimal because of the importance of metals in economic life.
The first part will focus on the elaborate and animals on its farm because they were one of the food resources (not only) plus is important for farming families and for the more affluent classes. I will consider the role that has served the pork, the food par excellence of the medieval period, focusing on the mutation of farming techniques that shines in the transition between the high and late Middle Ages, the difficulties regarding the slaughter of ' animal due to lack of familiarity of figures are not intended for the profession and the tools used for the purpose. Emerge but also indicative parameters on the weight of the animals, their physical features, the actions of their masters. Inevitably provide, in addition, to further considerations also the versatility of its parts and anecdotes relating to accommodation and preservation of the pig.
I will then deal the role of sheep in the household, emphasizing the importance of the sheep, unlike pigs, was also very useful from a living as a supplier of milk and wool. I will focus here on breeding of animals and how their meat was considered by the municipality. It is also interesting to note that the consumption of this food was marked by rituals connected with liturgies that went beyond the economy and the livelihood of families. Another aspect to be taken into account will cover food products: the impact of milk in the society described by the bag and the role that covered the cheese both as a food in itself and as a bargaining chip for the markets.
With regard to farm animals, however, they constitute a valuable resource for the needs of family farmers. Some enjoyed a reputation as to be served on occasions of celebration for the taste and texture of their meat. We will see, also, that every religious festival will custom cook a different animal. In this regard one can not overlook the role of eggs, food rich, healthy and nutritious food that often, apart from being consumed by the farmers (it is impossible to determine the amount), was for them an additional source of income, since it does not disdain to sell on city \u200b\u200bmarkets.
Another important resource was made from wildlife that roamed in undisturbed forests. If the farmers had an additional source to supplement their diet for young noblemen his capture was also a military training ground, through hunting, in fact, learned to use weapons.
then treat the animal capture techniques: try to understand, through the testimony of the novels, which was the most sought after game, and what were the scene of the hunt. I will focus also on the systems used by farmers to capture the animals and then putting them in relation to those used by the upper classes. The comparison is possible since the approach was totally opposed to hunting.
The stories also provide us with relevant details for us to review what were the most sought after animals, and what most feared.
If hunting was a major resource, the fishing was no less: the ease with which this product was captured and the goodness of some species made it a particularly popular food. Therefore it seemed appropriate to focus on its wide availability and its trade: in effect, a commodity available to all, both in indoor freshwater into the sea, could not be sold in large quantities on the market stalls and fishmongers. But the fish was also food connotations strongly religious abstinence from meat during Lent it was the most sought after dish. On this theme, the Trecentonovelle gives us a testimonial about how they were accepted by the population of those requirements. The novels are also very useful to determine what were the case, reputed at the time, most succulent and what methods are best used to catch them.
Men do not only fed animals. There were less tasty product, which still provides a daily intake above all on the tables of peasants, that is produce. The stories examined give us information about their location, what vegetables were grown and what take steps to prepare sauces or soups. In some cases, the widespread use leads us to consider issues that go beyond the mere consumption, such as the proper preservation over time, the healing or symbolic meanings. The stories also show us the richest intent on frugal meals by questioning the conventional wisdom that were thought to be reserved for poor food. The main difference was that for them constitute a variation, while the poorest was the daily subsistence.
will notice, then, that the impulse market with the consumption of vegetables was no longer limited to the producers: the marketing of these products became dynamic, both in the markets more distant (when vegetables were not too easily perishable) and, especially, in trade between the countryside and nearby towns.
are also interesting indications regarding the means of maintenance of the plants, especially because they confirm the relative closeness between arable fields and the garden.
Regarding the role of fruit, but the news is little help to understand that it was appreciated by people of all social strata. Unquestionably for the poor, the consumption of fruit was still a marginal value, they will use it only if they planted some fruit trees in their gardens, while the nobles they were widely used especially in occasions. Ultimately, the fruit still covered the role of a niche product for fine tastes of the aristocracy could only enjoy it regularly.
If the fruit was considered food for the rich, it can not be said for the sweet chestnut, especially for those living in mountainous areas, helped to provide significant calories to their meals. In this regard, we will see what systems the chestnuts were kept and how they were consumed.
Reading the stories, then, shows the vital role of wine, a resource of great importance for its nutritional value, medicinal and liturgical, not to mention its spread "Cross" in society and its great importance in promoting conviviality.
will try to understand what standards are aligned on the quality of the drink, what criteria was kept and consumed, and the possible economic consequences flowing from it. I will then
of trade figures, figures who had the task of transforming the food or to sell them. Observe that the work was carried out on food has been an excellent opportunity to better understand the mechanisms of the society of food.
The oldest picture in this area was that of the host: the bag describes the tasks, the types of food offered to customers without leaving even details on its nature, useful for understanding even those who frequented the taverns.
Then I will focus on the craft of the baker, one of the most interesting, and he had a very important role because they cook the mixture prepared by the women at home, packed some loaves of bread as well as for travelers or for those who could not provide alone. If we think that he maintained the right temperature during baking without having to provision or clock or thermometer, you realize how delicate was his business. Sacchetti, describing overworked, gives due importance within the urban center. Observing the baker, then you could understand many things: for example the eating habits of the people, observe which foods were commissioned (because it was not cooked in ovens only bread but also meat and fish), even the economic situation of a country.
If the baker had the task of cooking the bread, the miller, however, was the one who was skilled in getting the complicated machinery of the mill. But the bags rather than praise or provide technical details on this business, focuses on the ability of dishonest millers, who were perceived dishonest, lazy and superficial. Their bad reputation was a decisive factor against artisans indispensable, but a little 'marginal.
A leading role was the butcher, who sold all those animals named above, and subject breeding. The reading of the novel allows us to understand what types of meat and especially in what were the most popular times of the year. Worthy of note are the details on the places that were used to market and the discharge of animal waste. Noteworthy are also the information about the activities of butchers: describes the procedures for the slaughter of animals (especially pork), but also details emerge on a job that was often practiced at home. They appear, moreover, a number of places where the meat is traded: kiosks, shops, taverns and even on the shelves of the fruit, each with different characteristics.
is also important the role of the gardener: le novelle ci forniscono indicazioni sulle opinioni dell’epoca in merito alla vite da trapiantare e sulla qualità del prodotto ottenuto. Affiorano particolari anche sui luoghi adibiti all’innesto e alle tecniche di manutenzione della pianta. Il Sacchetti sottolinea, poi, le diverse scelte dei nobili che, per motivi di prestigio, cercavano vitigni di valore al di fuori della regione d’appartenenza.
Infine l’analisi si sposta sulla tecniche di cottura dei cibi, sugli ingredienti utilizzati, sulle ricette e sui condimenti. Spicca anche l’importanza attribuita all’estetica della cucina, dove il piacere della sorpresa e dei colori erano tenuti in grande considerazione. Si apprende, per di più, come si cucinavano the various dishes, with which foods were combined or trimmed and evaluating how the characters.
I extended my attention on the tools of the kitchen. I dealt with the fireplace / chimney, trying to figure out where it was placed, what materials were built and if they were tools used to govern the fire. Then I looked at the pots, graters, containers and all utensils appointed: this work has proved useful because it gave me more metrics about the food prepared. The use of certain foods to me, however, suggested the use of certain items missing from inside the news.
Finally, my attention has been focused on what furnishings venivano adoperate durante il pasto; interessante è stato apprendere come sedie, tavoli e il vasellame da cucina, non solo denotavano una gerarchia nella società, ma anche all’interno della famiglia.
La lettura del Trecentonovelle ci offre preziose informazioni sulla cucina medievale, fondendo nozioni provenienti dalla vita e dall’esperienza quotidiana, dalla cultura medica o dall’ambito religioso, ed evidenzia le caratteristiche del genere stesso e il metodo di lavoro del Sacchetti, che ha abilmente amalgamato contributi provenienti da sfere culturali diverse e ricostruito con buona dovizia di particolari l’affascinante e ricco mondo gastronomico del basso Medioevo.
The history of food, at least until a few years ago, for Italy, to studies by Massimo Montanari, has been studied in disciplines "surgically" separate, often do not communicate with each other, the result of research in selected areas was to give an account in detail of individual aspects, without addressing the problems uniformly. The work led to the writing of this essay is provided by its search for a source that could, alone and within a defined space-time context, to give an overall picture of how he lived the relationship between man and the food. In this perspective, the collection of bags is exemplary through a cross section of late medieval society, the author provides us with a series of elements that is impossible to separate; you can not choose one aspect to another for the pleasure to analyze: the physiological aspects, economic, social, religious and psychological aspects are interrelated and all harbingers of an interpretation that goes beyond the "farcical story" and that hides deep cultural and symbolic meanings. Has proved very useful for a historical approach to the news, the text of G. Cherubini, life in fourteenth-century novels of John Sercambi, in "Lords, peasants, bourgeois. Research on Italian society of the Middle Ages, "The New Italy Editrice, Florence 1974.
The characters described by Sacchetti, almost always intent to carry out their productive activities, with their gestures and their habits, constitute a paradigm to explore the remarkable history of food. Represent ideal situations and behaviors in order to move into newer historiographical approaches, which are not exhausted in the reconstruction of enterprises of great men, but are also interested in the structures of everyday life, which belong to the people's eating habits.
Within these structures, the minimum life situations of everyday life must have something, a sense of order. If they can show properties in relation to other historical events, events or cycles, they are actually far from static, even if you develop in a time much slower, the time long structures, such as Fernand Braudel pointed out. In reality, the everyday gestures change with all that is related to them. The structures of everyday life are clinging to history. If we consider first the Greeks and then the Romans, they dined lying on the beds, but the early Middle Ages in the West have abandoned that position, sitting to eat. This change of attitude is not isolated from other changes occurring in parallel: then releasing the left hand, the sitting position has allowed large chunks of flesh cut with knives, just then appearing on the table. And certainly not a coincidence that these "meat eaters" were even those who introduced the use of a fork. The daily life of the novels has made it possible to shed light on some peculiar aspects of food consumption: the relationship between humans and the environment, the usefulness of the figures of trade in the processing and sale of food, cooking techniques food recipes detectors and using tools and texture them.
These are the keys with which he tackled the theme of food in the Middle Ages especially in Tuscany, which are set most of the stories of the bag. The
Trecentonovelle has given us the image of a society where the activity economy was still predominantly agriculture and where most residents were farmers or artisans. In fact, these centuries of mercantile expansion, manufacturing and urbanization have seen on the structures of society remain the same: generally the products traded, which is processed in its raw state, came from the cultivation or breeding. Forestry and agriculture offered almost all raw materials to shape, as a whole was still minimal because of the importance of metals in economic life.
The first part will focus on the elaborate and animals on its farm because they were one of the food resources (not only) plus is important for farming families and for the more affluent classes. I will consider the role that has served the pork, the food par excellence of the medieval period, focusing on the mutation of farming techniques that shines in the transition between the high and late Middle Ages, the difficulties regarding the slaughter of ' animal due to lack of familiarity of figures are not intended for the profession and the tools used for the purpose. Emerge but also indicative parameters on the weight of the animals, their physical features, the actions of their masters. Inevitably provide, in addition, to further considerations also the versatility of its parts and anecdotes relating to accommodation and preservation of the pig.
I will then deal the role of sheep in the household, emphasizing the importance of the sheep, unlike pigs, was also very useful from a living as a supplier of milk and wool. I will focus here on breeding of animals and how their meat was considered by the municipality. It is also interesting to note that the consumption of this food was marked by rituals connected with liturgies that went beyond the economy and the livelihood of families. Another aspect to be taken into account will cover food products: the impact of milk in the society described by the bag and the role that covered the cheese both as a food in itself and as a bargaining chip for the markets.
With regard to farm animals, however, they constitute a valuable resource for the needs of family farmers. Some enjoyed a reputation as to be served on occasions of celebration for the taste and texture of their meat. We will see, also, that every religious festival will custom cook a different animal. In this regard one can not overlook the role of eggs, food rich, healthy and nutritious food that often, apart from being consumed by the farmers (it is impossible to determine the amount), was for them an additional source of income, since it does not disdain to sell on city \u200b\u200bmarkets.
Another important resource was made from wildlife that roamed in undisturbed forests. If the farmers had an additional source to supplement their diet for young noblemen his capture was also a military training ground, through hunting, in fact, learned to use weapons.
then treat the animal capture techniques: try to understand, through the testimony of the novels, which was the most sought after game, and what were the scene of the hunt. I will focus also on the systems used by farmers to capture the animals and then putting them in relation to those used by the upper classes. The comparison is possible since the approach was totally opposed to hunting.
The stories also provide us with relevant details for us to review what were the most sought after animals, and what most feared.
If hunting was a major resource, the fishing was no less: the ease with which this product was captured and the goodness of some species made it a particularly popular food. Therefore it seemed appropriate to focus on its wide availability and its trade: in effect, a commodity available to all, both in indoor freshwater into the sea, could not be sold in large quantities on the market stalls and fishmongers. But the fish was also food connotations strongly religious abstinence from meat during Lent it was the most sought after dish. On this theme, the Trecentonovelle gives us a testimonial about how they were accepted by the population of those requirements. The novels are also very useful to determine what were the case, reputed at the time, most succulent and what methods are best used to catch them.
Men do not only fed animals. There were less tasty product, which still provides a daily intake above all on the tables of peasants, that is produce. The stories examined give us information about their location, what vegetables were grown and what take steps to prepare sauces or soups. In some cases, the widespread use leads us to consider issues that go beyond the mere consumption, such as the proper preservation over time, the healing or symbolic meanings. The stories also show us the richest intent on frugal meals by questioning the conventional wisdom that were thought to be reserved for poor food. The main difference was that for them constitute a variation, while the poorest was the daily subsistence.
will notice, then, that the impulse market with the consumption of vegetables was no longer limited to the producers: the marketing of these products became dynamic, both in the markets more distant (when vegetables were not too easily perishable) and, especially, in trade between the countryside and nearby towns.
are also interesting indications regarding the means of maintenance of the plants, especially because they confirm the relative closeness between arable fields and the garden.
Regarding the role of fruit, but the news is little help to understand that it was appreciated by people of all social strata. Unquestionably for the poor, the consumption of fruit was still a marginal value, they will use it only if they planted some fruit trees in their gardens, while the nobles they were widely used especially in occasions. Ultimately, the fruit still covered the role of a niche product for fine tastes of the aristocracy could only enjoy it regularly.
If the fruit was considered food for the rich, it can not be said for the sweet chestnut, especially for those living in mountainous areas, helped to provide significant calories to their meals. In this regard, we will see what systems the chestnuts were kept and how they were consumed.
Reading the stories, then, shows the vital role of wine, a resource of great importance for its nutritional value, medicinal and liturgical, not to mention its spread "Cross" in society and its great importance in promoting conviviality.
will try to understand what standards are aligned on the quality of the drink, what criteria was kept and consumed, and the possible economic consequences flowing from it. I will then
of trade figures, figures who had the task of transforming the food or to sell them. Observe that the work was carried out on food has been an excellent opportunity to better understand the mechanisms of the society of food.
The oldest picture in this area was that of the host: the bag describes the tasks, the types of food offered to customers without leaving even details on its nature, useful for understanding even those who frequented the taverns.
Then I will focus on the craft of the baker, one of the most interesting, and he had a very important role because they cook the mixture prepared by the women at home, packed some loaves of bread as well as for travelers or for those who could not provide alone. If we think that he maintained the right temperature during baking without having to provision or clock or thermometer, you realize how delicate was his business. Sacchetti, describing overworked, gives due importance within the urban center. Observing the baker, then you could understand many things: for example the eating habits of the people, observe which foods were commissioned (because it was not cooked in ovens only bread but also meat and fish), even the economic situation of a country.
If the baker had the task of cooking the bread, the miller, however, was the one who was skilled in getting the complicated machinery of the mill. But the bags rather than praise or provide technical details on this business, focuses on the ability of dishonest millers, who were perceived dishonest, lazy and superficial. Their bad reputation was a decisive factor against artisans indispensable, but a little 'marginal.
A leading role was the butcher, who sold all those animals named above, and subject breeding. The reading of the novel allows us to understand what types of meat and especially in what were the most popular times of the year. Worthy of note are the details on the places that were used to market and the discharge of animal waste. Noteworthy are also the information about the activities of butchers: describes the procedures for the slaughter of animals (especially pork), but also details emerge on a job that was often practiced at home. They appear, moreover, a number of places where the meat is traded: kiosks, shops, taverns and even on the shelves of the fruit, each with different characteristics.
is also important the role of the gardener: le novelle ci forniscono indicazioni sulle opinioni dell’epoca in merito alla vite da trapiantare e sulla qualità del prodotto ottenuto. Affiorano particolari anche sui luoghi adibiti all’innesto e alle tecniche di manutenzione della pianta. Il Sacchetti sottolinea, poi, le diverse scelte dei nobili che, per motivi di prestigio, cercavano vitigni di valore al di fuori della regione d’appartenenza.
Infine l’analisi si sposta sulla tecniche di cottura dei cibi, sugli ingredienti utilizzati, sulle ricette e sui condimenti. Spicca anche l’importanza attribuita all’estetica della cucina, dove il piacere della sorpresa e dei colori erano tenuti in grande considerazione. Si apprende, per di più, come si cucinavano the various dishes, with which foods were combined or trimmed and evaluating how the characters.
I extended my attention on the tools of the kitchen. I dealt with the fireplace / chimney, trying to figure out where it was placed, what materials were built and if they were tools used to govern the fire. Then I looked at the pots, graters, containers and all utensils appointed: this work has proved useful because it gave me more metrics about the food prepared. The use of certain foods to me, however, suggested the use of certain items missing from inside the news.
Finally, my attention has been focused on what furnishings venivano adoperate durante il pasto; interessante è stato apprendere come sedie, tavoli e il vasellame da cucina, non solo denotavano una gerarchia nella società, ma anche all’interno della famiglia.
La lettura del Trecentonovelle ci offre preziose informazioni sulla cucina medievale, fondendo nozioni provenienti dalla vita e dall’esperienza quotidiana, dalla cultura medica o dall’ambito religioso, ed evidenzia le caratteristiche del genere stesso e il metodo di lavoro del Sacchetti, che ha abilmente amalgamato contributi provenienti da sfere culturali diverse e ricostruito con buona dovizia di particolari l’affascinante e ricco mondo gastronomico del basso Medioevo.