Развитие на пчеларството по българските земи през XIII–XIV век
The development of beekeeping in the Bulgarian lands in the 13th–14th centuries

Summary/Abstract: The topic of beekeeping in the Bulgarian lands in the 12th–14th centuries is related to various areas of the medieval society’s life. The first source data on beekeeping are in the medieval accounting and trade books, in the charters issued by the Bulgarian kings, in the hagiographic texts, in the oratorical prose, in the works of natural sciences.In the 12th and 14th centuries the Bulgarian lands were part of the economic processes and changes in the Balkans and in Europe. Trade flourished during this period, the agricultural and craft sector developed. The economic boom was a major factor in the development of beekeeping as an economic sector. Beekeeping products were of high quality and contributed to the development of export trade. ,,Zagorje wax’’ (Cera Zagora) was widely known in Italian, Western European and Arab marketplaces – Alexandria and Damascus.The study of the fiscal system of the Bulgarian state in the 13th–14th centuries proves the existence and development of the beekeeping during this period. Beekeeping provided part of the state’s revenue share. Beekeeping developed in the monastic farms. Bee products were widely used in various areas of medieval society. Wax candles were used for the needs of the Church and the laity, for lighting in buildings. The wax was used for stamping documents, in painting, in medicine.Beekeeping in the Bulgarian lands in the 13th–14th centuries was part of the agrarian economy of the state. It was part of a functioning fiscal system and played an important role in the development of trade. Beekeeping products were widely used in medieval education, medicine and everyday life.

• Details
• Contents