Humans Serving Nature: Beekeeping and Bee Products in Piero de Crescenzi’s Ruralia commoda
Abstract
Piero de Crescenzi’s chapters on bees in Ruralia commoda (1307) emphasize observation, service, and health care for the hives maintained on the grounds of an agriculturally productive villa. His work was deeply influenced by Greco-Roman and Judeo-Christian understandings of nature that highlighted a divinely created earth meant for humans to manipulate and maintain. These chapters, however, idealize a custos who served the bees rather than manipulating them for human benefit. The essay reveals respect for a culturally revered insect species
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