How to Mill Flour in Your Living Room – for History Nerds

Archaeologists dig in the dirt. Experimental archaeologists recreate what they dig up. They search to determine if their theories for how things worked in the past are accurate.

This can be anything from grinding grain to constructing an entire Danish hut for the purpose of watching it burn – seriously.

Experimental archaeology is an extremely satisfying combination of book-learning and hand-dirtying. It requires academic curiosity and meticulous research. Before a project is begun, a specific question is decided upon – what needs to be learned from the experiment?

A good question is based on a broad body of knowledge providing historical context. If studying a tool, the experimenter should know what research has already been done concerning who used it, made it, what it was used for, and many other things about the environment, culture, etc.

Once the question is determined, then the experimenting begins. Usually some sort of physical labor is involved – hauling timber or hot water, splitting shingles, or…grinding grain.

Last fall, I spent hours crouched over a stone, furiously rubbing grain kernels, watching many fall into the carpet instead of becoming flour. My question? How long would it take to get the same amount of flour you could create in five minutes using a blender. Why? I was curious – but also, I took an archaeology class which required a video detailing an experimental archaeology project. So there was that;)

Above you’ll find the evidence of my living room experimental archaeology.

Thank you to all the new and faithful readers who have visited Historyquester over the last months! Life has been hectic with work and school, and I regret that I haven’t posted here in ages. But – I look forward to posting more and sharing my historical wanderings with you once again. Till next time!