Aspetti di vita quotidiana nei castelli del Friuli medievale: dati archeologici preliminari [Daily life in Medieval Friuli castles: Some first evidence from the archaeology]

Archaeological investigations carried out in the castles of Eastern Friuli (the castles of Ahrensperg, Motta, Partistagno, Zucco) have provided extensive data about life in these settlements from the 13th to the 16th centuries. This study considers aspects of daily life derived from certain closed contexts, also in relation to the functional use of spaces: hearths, cooking and food preparation vessels, tableware, and hygiene-related elements. Preliminary analysis clearly highlights the high standard of living in late medieval castles, which served as residences for the high nobility. This is evidenced by the importation of ce-ramics from Byzantine and Islamic areas, refined Venetian glassware, and a hygiene system comparable to that found in the most important urban residences in the Upper Adriatic region. During the 15th century, however, there is a noticeable decline and impoverishment of materials used by the lower classes, who were the only remaining inhabitants within the castles.