A fejedelmi Erdély rejtett kincse: a méz
The Dormant Treasure of the Princely Transylvania: the Honey

Summary/Abstract: In the Principality of Transylvania, honey was one of the important economic treasures of the 17th century. One of its most important uses was in nutrition, and was used as both a sweetener and a preservative. Recognizing its beneficial effects, it also played a prominent role in medicine, and its “by-product,” the wax, was also used in mining and estates for lighting. The economic value of honey and wax is also shown by the fact that the Saxon lands also owed a tenth of the honey to the treasury. In addition, special attention was paid to bee farming on each princely and fiscal estate. In some periods, there was a princely monopoly on collecting and trading in honey and wax. The aim of the study is to show what honey was used for in Transylvania during the 17th century. In addition, I will walk around the activities of the economic staff set up in Transylvania to perform tasks related to honey and wax.

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