Food worthy of kings and saints: fish consumption in the medieval monastery Studenica (Serbia)

Archaeozoological evidence from the medieval Studenica Monastery in Serbia reveals that large sturgeon species, likely transported over 200 km from the Danube region, were consumed at the site during the 14th and early 15th centuries. The presence of these high-value fish, including beluga and Russian sturgeon, suggests sophisticated long-distance trade networks and their significance in monastic dietary practices, particularly during religious observances like Lent and celebrations honoring the Virgin Mary and monastery founder. Skeletal analysis indicates that large specimens were brought whole, possibly dried or salted, reinforcing historical records of monasteries as key consumers of premium fish alongside royalty and nobility.

Živaljević, I., Marković, N., & Maksimović, M. (2019). Food worthy of kings and saints: fish consumption in the medieval monastery Studenica (Serbia). Anthropozoologica, 54(1), 179. https://doi.org/10.5252/anthropozoologica2019v54a16