Medieval History
Underwear dating from medieval times that was found under flooring of an Austrian castle is hardly racy by the standards of today.
But the discovery does suggest that women in 15th-century Europe took pride in their appearance, and perhaps not just the privileged classes.
The University of Innsbruck announced this summer that "the world's oldest brassieres" had been found at Longberg Castle in Tyrol, western Austria.
The cotton garments were decorated, much like today, with lace and embroidery. It might not be a stretch to suggest that such underwear was designed for those "special occasions," scholars say.
At the heart of Tyrol, an area lined with precipitous alpine peaks, is the city of Innsbruck. The items were found during renovations of the castle in summer 2008. The castle lies to the south of the city.
Four brassieres were found amid a heap of cotton material, clothing and leather footwear under the third floor.
Carbon dating by the university's archaeological research team dated the garments to between 1440 and 1485, making them the oldest in existence.
Click here to read this article from The Asahi Shimbun
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Medieval History
Medieval underwear points to racy history
But the discovery does suggest that women in 15th-century Europe took pride in their appearance, and perhaps not just the privileged classes.
The University of Innsbruck announced this summer that "the world's oldest brassieres" had been found at Longberg Castle in Tyrol, western Austria.
The cotton garments were decorated, much like today, with lace and embroidery. It might not be a stretch to suggest that such underwear was designed for those "special occasions," scholars say.
At the heart of Tyrol, an area lined with precipitous alpine peaks, is the city of Innsbruck. The items were found during renovations of the castle in summer 2008. The castle lies to the south of the city.
Four brassieres were found amid a heap of cotton material, clothing and leather footwear under the third floor.
Carbon dating by the university's archaeological research team dated the garments to between 1440 and 1485, making them the oldest in existence.
Click here to read this article from The Asahi Shimbun
See also Medieval lingerie? Discovery in Austria reveals what really was worn under those tunics
- Medieval Lingerie? Discovery In Austria Reveals What Really Was Worn Under Those Tunics
A recent discovery in an Austrian castle has revealed that bras existed back in the 15th century. It is among dozens of new textile artifacts that seem to have been preserved by a lucky accident, which will give historians a much better understanding...
- 12th Century Inscriptions Found At Nevern Castle ?that Kept Evil Spirits At Bay'
Rare pieces of inscribed slate unearthed during a dig at one of the nation?s oldest castles may provide valuable clues to life in medieval Wales, experts said yesterday. Archaeologists involved in a recent excavation on the site of Nevern Castle in the...
- Medieval Skeleton Found In Austria
Ancient bones have been discovered during construction work near Graz Castle. Manfred Lehner of the Archaeological Institute at city?s university said today (Wednesday) the human remains were found by workers at a building site outside the castle walls...
- Underpinnings: The Evolution Of Underwear From The Middle Ages Through Early Modernity
> Undergraduate Conference Saturday, April 24, 2010 > > Underpinnings: > The Evolution of Underwear from the Middle Ages through Early Modernity > > A conference organized by the undergraduate students of the Center for Medieval...
- Medieval News Of The Week
Document dating back to 1216 found at Brock 8th century Islamic vase found in Japan Remains of a medieval castle at the gates between Gipuzkoa and Alava Introduction to Medieval Aviculture Medieval finds at university dig World's oldest bible published...