Medieval woodland and its use in the Schleswig isthmus, Northern Germany

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The project addresses the woodland composition and state as well as woodland use during early and high medieval times in the area of the Schleswig Isthmus, in Northern Germany. Changes of woodland coverage, structure and composition due to intense human activities are investigated in context of the rise of the Danish kingdom (Danewerk) and urbanisation processes (Haithabu: 9th- mid 11th century; Schleswig: since the late 11th century. Specific questions are: (1) In which state were woodlans around Haithabu, Danewerk and Schleswig (e.g. density, age structure)? (2) How and when did changes occur to the woodland during early- and high medieval times (e.g. undisturbed growth, small and large scale clearances, change of structure)? (3) How did the people use and interact with the woodland (e.g. woodland usage systems, import of timber and wood).Around 8.000 oak wood samples are available from Haithabu, Schleswig and Danewerk for a detailed dendrochronological, dendrotypological and dendroecological analysis. The oldest wood pieces originate from trees which germinated in the 5th century, and the youngest were felled in the 14th century. In addition, charcoals from Haithabu will be analysed anthracologically. The thus originated data will be combined with estimations on the energy wood need for e.g. iron processing (Haithabu), for medieval town (Schleswig), and for brick production (45.000 m³ bricks for the Waldemar wall of the Danewerk). Further available data on the palaeoenvironment will be integrated.