Agriculture
in medieval Finland formed the basis of the economy. Traces of agriculture and
cultivation were revealed from medieval village in Mankby during the
excavations between years 2007—2013. Several cultivation layers and ancient
field plots dated to the 13th century were found. Archaeobotanical samples were
collected during the excavations, and the data used in this study are
carbonized plant material revealed from the samples. Carbonized grains and
seeds represent harvested cereal crops and their associated weeds. Analysis of
the plant material from Mankby shows, that rye was the dominant cultivated crop
in the medieval village of Mankby

When
comparing the known fossil fields in Finland from the Iron Age to Medieval
times, it can be generally stated that fossil fields were designed. Designed fields
are a sign of permanent fields, which were meant to be under cultivation over
several generations. Field plots in the middle of the village gave
supplementary harvest, while the economy mainly based on the harvest gained
from the swidden fields in the forests.

Archaeobotanical
results in Mankby differ from the general situation in medieval Finland.
According to the archaeobotanical analysis done in several other sites, in
Finland the main crop was barley. Though, the cultivation of crops was rather versatile,
all main crops were cultivated, but local differences did occur. It seems that
different villages had specialized on different crops according to the soil
type at the area, cultivation tradition, and maybe also the cultural background
was one factor as well in choosing suitable crops for cultivation.