bbc.com
Medieval Fortune-Telling Die Unearthed at Auckland Castle
Seven years of archaeological digs at Auckland Castle in Bishop Auckland, County Durham, concluded last Friday with the discovery of a medieval jet die used for fortune-telling, alongside medieval toilets and whale baleen, offering insights into daily life at a medieval bishop's palace.
- How does the discovery of the jet die contribute to our understanding of medieval beliefs and practices compared to modern perspectives?
- The discovery of a fortune-telling die highlights the intersection of daily life and spiritual practices in the medieval period. The die, alongside medieval toilets indicating a level of sanitation uncommon for the time, demonstrates the resources and power associated with the bishop's household. The whale baleen find further illustrates the bishop's status and resourcefulness.
- What specific artifacts were discovered at Auckland Castle, and what do they reveal about the daily life and social structure of a medieval bishop's household?
- Archaeologists unearthed a medieval jet die at Auckland Castle, believed to have been used for fortune-telling, alongside other artifacts such as medieval toilets and whale baleen. These findings offer insights into daily life and beliefs at a medieval bishop's palace. The excavation, lasting over seven years, concluded last Friday.
- What future research could be conducted on these artifacts to further illuminate the intersection of religious beliefs, social practices, and resource management in medieval England?
- The analysis of these artifacts may reveal broader patterns of belief and practice in medieval England. The jet die's presence in a religious site suggests a possible connection between divination and religious authority. Further research could illuminate the role of superstition and belief in the daily lives of people at that time.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The headline and opening paragraph emphasize the unusual and quirky nature of the findings. The article's structure prioritizes these items, potentially overshadowing other important discoveries. This framing might lead readers to focus on the more sensational aspects rather than a comprehensive understanding of the archaeological work.
Language Bias
The language used is generally neutral. However, phrases like "magical" and "completely alien to our modern rational world" in relation to the fortune-telling die could be considered slightly loaded, implying a contrast between medieval beliefs and modern rationality. More neutral alternatives could be 'unusual' or 'unexpected' for 'magical', and 'uncommon in modern society' instead of 'completely alien to our modern rational world'.
Bias by Omission
The article focuses heavily on the quirky and unusual finds (medieval toilet, whale baleen, fortune-telling die), potentially omitting other significant archaeological discoveries that might provide a more balanced view of everyday life at the bishop's palace. The analysis of the findings is still underway, so a complete picture is not yet available, but the selection of items highlighted could skew public understanding towards the more sensational aspects of the site.
Sustainable Development Goals
The archaeological findings offer insights into the sanitation and resource management practices of a medieval community, contributing to the understanding of historical urban development and sustainable practices. The discovery of a medieval toilet system and the utilization of whale baleen highlight resourcefulness and waste management approaches of the past. Analyzing these historical practices can inform contemporary sustainable urban planning and resource management strategies.