Waste from human activities is regularly unearthed from the archaeological sites of medieval habitats. Generally composed from numerous faunal remains, their analysis can often document the meat diet of the inhabitants. Montsoreau site presents levels primarily dating from the 11th century. Archaeologists ascribe an elite status to the site through the archaeological documentation and textual research. Thanks to an appropriate collection method (screening), this site delivered abundant vertebrate remains, more than 30,000 of which were identified. They belonged mainly to Mammals (30%), Birds (9%) and "fish" (61%). For the first two groups, the domestic taxa dominated. The list of species hunted and fished is long. Most of the remains were from consumed species and the meat diet can be approached from different perspectives: quality and quantity, the nature of activities and waste management, as well as consumer choices concerning the supply of meat resources and prospective territories exploited to obtain them. Comparison of faunal data from Montsoreau with other contemporary sites allows especially to cite as indicators of high social status: the preponderance of the Pig, the extent of hunting and the diversity of game species, the presence of prestigious species such as the Sturgeon and Peacock, and more than these elements themselves, their simultaneous presence.
Acquisition of animal resources, meat diet and social distinction in Anjou from late 10th to early 12th century. Zooarchaeological study of Montsoreau site (Maine-et-Loire, France).