Die mittelalterliche Verwendung Osteifeler Tuffe im Kartenbild

Abstract

The Medieval Use of Osteifel Tuffs in Maps

During the Middle Ages, tuff from the East Eifel was exported for construction purposes to the stone-poor regions of the Rhine and the North Sea coast. Despite many years of research, a comprehensive map covering the entire distribution area is still lacking. This article compiles the results of regional studies for Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany, and Denmark, and presents a list and a distribution map that also includes the Rhine region. Among the approximately 1100 recorded buildings are about 950 churches and about 150 secular buildings, including fortresses, residential buildings, and other structures. Not only the church but also secular elites played a role in constructing these buildings. The number and distribution of churches seem to be closely linked to the development of the economy and population. The distribution is primarily oriented along waterways for transport-economic reasons but also appears to depend on the regional soil conditions.

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