Honeybee Histories
Explore the rich history of honeybees and beekeeping
Join Dr Matt Phillpott on a journey through the fascinating world of honeybees, exploring their history and significance throughout time.
Palladius (c. 4th-5th century AD), honeybees, and the fall of Rome
The last Roman writer to write on beekeeping was Palladius. In this essay we explore the work of Palladius and the fall of the Roman Empire (and its effect on knowledge about honeybees).
The Leader of the Hive Part 7 – For the Love of the King
Most often the Queen Bee was described as a ‘King’ in the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries. This was particularly true in Bartholomaeus Anglicus’ The Properties of Things.
More Roman Writers on Honeybees: Columella and Pliny the Elder
What did the Romans know about honeybees and beekeeping in the early Christian era?
Charles Butler Part 3: The Music of Honeybees
When Charles Butler wrote his manual on beekeeping he also demonstrated his interest in the sounds the bees made and connected these to his love of music.
What have the Romans ever done for us?: Roman insights into Honeybees
The Romans knew a lot about keeping bees. In this essay I explore what was told about beekeeping by Varro and Virgil.
Charles Butler Part 2 – Based on Observation!
In part 2 of 3 essays, we explore the contents of Charles Butler’s 1609, The Feminine Monarchie, including what he got right and what he got wrong!
The Honeybee Choose your own Adventure Game
In this little game you can make choices for a honeybee leading it through its youngest days to its eventual death. If you reach an end, you can simply refresh the browser page to restart!
