16th–17th cen. Klaipėda town residents’ lifestyle (by archaeological, palaeobotanical, and zooarchaeological data of Kurpių street plots)
Volume 12 (2009), pp. 95–111
Pub. online: 25 November 2009
Type: Article
Open Access
Received
1 August 2009
1 August 2009
Revised
3 September 2009
3 September 2009
Accepted
5 October 2009
5 October 2009
Published
25 November 2009
25 November 2009
Abstract
Archaeological excavations at one of Klaipėda Old Town’s blocks near Kurpių Street provided valuable and unique materials for investigating the development of urbanism in the 16th-17th centuries, the activities, and way of life of the residents. The article presents the results of these investigations and considers some aspects of the town residents’ lifestyle. Mid-16th – second half of the 17th century building construction and interior furnishings, plot layouts, and development of the block’s habitation are analysed. Interpretations are offered based on the archaeological material regarding the activites and lifestyle of the plots’ owners. Results of the newest palaeobotanical and zooarchaeological research are presented in the article. The latter data, along with published historical sources, suggest certain conclusions regarding 16th-17th century Klaipėda townspeople’s diet.