Caves and Ritual in Medieval Europe, AD 500-1500

Caves and rockshelters in Europe have traditionally been associated with prehistory, and in some regions cave archaeology has become synonymous with the Palaeolithic. However, there is abundant evidence that caves and rockshelters were important foci for activities in historic times. During the medieval period (here taken as AD 500–1500) caves were used for short-term shelter, habitation, specialized craft activities, storage, as hideaways, and for tending animals. Caves were also used for ...