Village populations according to the polyptyque of the abbey of St Bertin
Gavin M. Schwarz
For a number of years the use ninth-century polyptyques as sources for demographic information has been rightly criticised, and their very usefulness this purpose called into question. Nevertheless, results efforts to base population estimates on these polyptyques, particularly those F. Lot Saint-Germain des Pres, H. van Werveke St Bertin's, have generally accepted, though reluctantly with serious reservations, in absence anything better. This article attempts provide something better Bertin's by isolating components both land so that they can be subjected rigorous statistical measurement analysis. By doing this, shortcomings past are avoided valid criticisms (it is hoped) met. Much analysis made possible careful preparatory work late Professor Ganshof his associates embodied Commentaire recent edition polyptyque. The result reduce some 40 percent average density found Van Werveke. In process making calculations, unexpected light shed distribution space large numbers people subject protection lord abbey Bertin.
Journal of Medieval History