Examples of quasi-monastic approaches to religious life in medieval Europe
When discussing religious life in the medieval period the focus has mostly been on the parish and wider ecclesiastical establishment or the traditional monastic world. In contrast, a current research project at BGU has focused on other aspects of religious expression, in particular hospitals, sites of both spiritual and physical healing and support for the secular populace.
The focus of this work has revolved around the way space and buildings were used to control activity and communicate the nature of the sites to residents and visitors. It also connects into wider discussion on the understanding of material culture, environmental, and zooarchaeological evidence as a means of expression of identity and function.