On February 15, the Livonian Order Castle will host the Medieval Readings for the tenth time, introducing medieval daily life and history. The theme of the readings is “Of Beasts and Men or the Bestial and the Human.”
The choice of theme is related both to the closeness between the natural world and medieval people and to the events of the modern world.
The Medieval Readings will feature medieval history researchers Andris Levāns and Armands Vijups, philosopher Artis Svece, zooarchaeologist Eduards Plankājs, and historian Gunta Deģe. The speakers’ presentations reflect a professional interest in this topic, promising an engaging event for the audience as well.
A. Vijups will talk about the komtur’s “small business”—hunting falcons from Ventspils, while Ed. Plankājs will discuss teeth that bite and teeth that protect. G. Deģe will explain the ordinary and supernatural qualities attributed to animals in the 13th–15th centuries, and A. Levāns will explore beastly human behavior in medieval Livonia. Philosopher A. Svece will discuss human-animal interactions in the Middle Ages, which, in his view, were much more direct than they are today.
The Medieval Readings will take place in the Chapter Hall of the Livonian Order Castle from 12:00 to 16:00. Alongside the readings, workshops showcasing crafts typical of the 14th–16th centuries are also planned.
The historical research and reconstruction club Rodenpoys will offer workshops on shield-making, bone and horn crafting, and medieval board games. Adding to the atmosphere of the nearby Valentine’s Day, fortune teller Brother Ivars will be present. Meanwhile, the Medieval Feast will take place all Saturday at the Castle Tavern of the Livonian Order Castle.
Entry is with museum tickets.
The Medieval Readings are supported by the State Culture Capital Foundation.
