Elephants and Ivory with John Beusterien - Medievalists.net
Briefly

Elephants were acknowledged across the medieval world for their intelligence, long memories, and loyalty, appearing frequently in bestiaries. Ivory, a key product derived from elephants, became an important trade item in regions like medieval China and Spain. The services rendered by elephants were diverse, ranging from labor to entertainment, demonstrating their multifaceted roles in society. The exploration of elephants and the ivory trade further reveals ecological implications related to their exploitation during the medieval period, marking a significant cultural and economic connection between various regions.
Throughout medieval times, elephants were recognized for their remarkable traits such as intelligence, memory, and loyalty, often highlighted in bestiaries of the era.
Ivory from elephants became a significant commodity in trade, especially in regions like medieval China and Spain where it held cultural and practical importance.
The use of elephants in historical contexts included various services, ranging from labor to entertainment, showcasing their utility and the interest they sparked across cultures.
John Beusterien's work delves into the complexities of the ivory trade and the ecological implications tied to the exploitation of elephants during medieval times.
Read at Medievalists.net
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