“Secrets of the Past: Ancient Vanilla Pod Discovered in Prague Castle Rubbish Pile Reveals Surprising Culinary History”
Renovations At Prague Castle Uncover The Oldest Vanilla Pod Ever Found In Europe
J. Irmišová et al.The oldest vanilla pod ever found in Europe, uncovered in a garbage heap at Prague Castle.
Between 2008 and 2009, renovations were carried out at Prague Castle’s Vladislav Hall. The castle, built between 1490 and 1502, was the seat of power for the King of Bohemia and served as a frequent meeting place for Europe’s elite.
In particular, Vladislav Hall functioned as a banquet space and a location for royal coronations. Beginning in the 17th century, the hall also served as a miniature marketplace where the elite could purchase luxury goods like books, art, and exotic foods.
During renovations in 2008 and 2009, archaeological crews were working on restoring the hall when they discovered remnants of an old floor that was destroyed in a fire in 1541. The floor was covered in layers of sediment containing a large amount of small artifacts, including a nearly three-inch-long vanilla pod.
Wikimedia CommonsThe vanilla pod was discovered near the side doors on the left at Prague Castle’s Vladislav Hall.
Radiocarbon dating of the pod found that it likely originated between the early 16th century and the late 17th century, perhaps during the reign of Holy Roman Emperor Rudolf II. He was known, among other things, for his interest in alchemy, a field of study that sought to transform and purify materials like lead into gold, and this may have some connection to the vanilla pod.
But what’s clear for now is that this pod is the oldest example of vanilla ever unearthed in Europe — making it a key discovery in understanding the timeline of the Columbian Exchange and how goods from the New World were used by Europeans.
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