Famine and poverty in the army during the reign of the House of Vasa in the light of reports and diaries

Abstract

The aim of the article is to present the phenomenon of famine in the army of the Crown and the Grand Duchy of Lithuania during the reign of the House of Vasa. Shortages of food were not present in the army constantly. Nevertheless, they were a frequent phenomenon during wars. It was not always possible to buy or steal something due to destructions in the area where the army was staying. In situations of no possibility to purchase
food products, people tried to look for things that could fill their stomachs in the nearest surrounding. They would pick rhizomes, tree leaves, vegetables and herbs. Carrion as well as ill and injured animals were eaten. A symbol of famine was eating horse meat. The last resort was cannibalism