Premodern hunting with birds of prey in the historical Lithuanian lands: entertainment, politics or economic necessity?

ENBased on the osteological material from archaeological sites and historical written sources available from what was formerly Lithuanian territory, the importance of hunting with birds of prey in the lives of people inhabiting this region in the 8th–14th centuries is surveyed. It is demonstrated that hunting was an occupation that differed in importance for common members of the community and the ruling elite. In the 8th–14th centuries, hunting with birds of prey was, first of all, a form of entertainment for the nobility. The uncovered bird equipment (hoods, strips and bells) are described. Hunting with birds of prey by common members of community was forbidden by law. The main game animals hunted using raptors were usually other birds and hares. The written sources and archaeological data help to localise in the historical Lithuanian lands many medieval castles and hunting estates where hunting birds were bred and trained. The article analyses the medieval toponymy and heraldry related to the birds of prey used for hunting. Keywords: Falconry, osteoarchaeology, hunting estate, historical source, historical Lithuanian lands.

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