Tell me more ×
History Stack Exchange is a question and answer site for historians and history buffs. It's 100% free, no registration required.

I'm looking for an inventory of the principal goods, buildings, livestock, and workers of a European farmstead; preferably before 1000 AD.

I know I've seen a primary source document like this before. It may have been for a Roman villa, which would be just fine.

share|improve this question
What culture are you looking for? – Luke Aug 21 '12 at 20:26
@Luke, any European one would be fine. – Joe Aug 21 '12 at 21:06

1 Answer

It's a century later, but the authoritative account of what people in a village owned, at least in England, is the Domesday book

share|improve this answer
1  
This is a helpful answer, but kind of second order. So what does the Domesday book say on this topic? – T.E.D. Aug 23 '12 at 15:05
1  
Well you can look up any village and it will tell you the number of ploughs, mills, cows, sheep and the number of fields. It's a little tricky because the area units aren't standard across the country - but it is at least contemporary – mgb Aug 23 '12 at 15:19
@mgb I really do feel that this may be the best answer despite the slightly late date. I suppose the Roman Empire may be able to provide us with something from an earlier date but at this time I am unaware of that source. – E1Suave Aug 24 '12 at 2:56
Roman empire would be much more varied, from large professional villa managed farms to essentially iron age tribes next door. – mgb Aug 24 '12 at 2:58
3  
Could you put some relevant portions here? Answers that just link to some source don't add value long term if the link somehow is unavailable. – MichaelF Aug 24 '12 at 10:53
show 1 more comment

Your Answer

 
discard

By posting your answer, you agree to the privacy policy and terms of service.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.