Medieval beekeeping

Anyone interested in honey or bees should check out medieval beekeeping.  Just google that and the images that come up are incredible. 


The source I read tonight was a 10th century Byzantine agricultural work, the Geoponika.  In Sicily and the Roman world, Virgil's widely read work on agriculture would have been the source for any beekeeper, provided, of course, he or she could read Latin.


The Byzantine work indicates that beechwood, fig or Valonia (where is that?!) oak should be used for the hive and rubbed with ash and cow dung.  Ash - okay, cow dung - I just don't know about that ...


Basins of wine mixed with honey should be put out to feed young bees and the beekeeper should be sure to put leaves (the source says of savory, but I imagine any leaves will do) in the bowl so that the bees have something to crawl on and won't drown.


Honey should be harvested three times a year - in early May, summertime, and finally around October.  Of course, some honey needs to be left in the hive.


To avoid being stung, smoke was used.  The medieval images also show masks and protective clothing and also smearing oneself with the juice of the male wild mallow.  Do not ask me where that would grow or how to recognize male from female!