1 00:00:02,000 --> 00:00:07,000 Downloaded from YTS.MX 2 00:00:03,879 --> 00:00:07,240 Silver, Speik, and Sumpters 3 00:00:08,000 --> 00:00:13,000 Official YIFY movies site: YTS.MX 4 00:00:08,720 --> 00:00:12,080 The late Middle Ages in the Murtal region. 5 00:00:13,359 --> 00:00:15,560 The 14th century. 6 00:00:28,800 --> 00:00:32,079 When someone explores the Alps in the Middle Ages 7 00:00:32,159 --> 00:00:35,399 one enters a world of rare minerals, 8 00:00:35,479 --> 00:00:40,320 of fragrant Alpine herbs and ancient legends. 9 00:00:47,799 --> 00:00:51,719 In the 13th century, the 'Berggschroa', mountain's call, breaks out 10 00:00:51,840 --> 00:00:54,759 in the side valleys of the Triebener Tauern. 11 00:00:56,039 --> 00:01:00,560 The search for rare ores attracts people from far and wide to the region. 12 00:01:01,280 --> 00:01:09,280 Miners, traders, charcoal burners, and vagabonds receive the news. 13 00:01:16,480 --> 00:01:20,840 For in the hearts of the mountains lies the silver 14 00:01:22,040 --> 00:01:24,519 the greatest treasure of Styria. 15 00:01:25,920 --> 00:01:28,760 Alongside the pumpkin seed oil, of course. 16 00:01:41,239 --> 00:01:46,560 Silver was the most widespread form of currency in the 13th and 14th centuries. 17 00:01:47,159 --> 00:01:50,280 And mining attracted job seekers from all over. 18 00:01:55,920 --> 00:02:01,120 Greetings, lad! I've heard that anyone could get a job in your silver mine. 19 00:02:01,480 --> 00:02:03,519 Here we go with another vagabond. 20 00:02:03,719 --> 00:02:05,319 Pardon me? 21 00:02:05,680 --> 00:02:08,680 Good Day! Have you ever worked in a mine before? 22 00:02:08,879 --> 00:02:12,680 No, but I've done plenty of things already! 23 00:02:12,800 --> 00:02:15,800 Good - because down there, you need to do "plenty". 24 00:02:16,639 --> 00:02:19,080 But you can apprentice with me. 25 00:02:19,240 --> 00:02:21,159 What, you work down there too? 26 00:02:21,400 --> 00:02:23,719 Of course, my whole family works for the mine. 27 00:02:23,800 --> 00:02:25,919 And now I bring them food and other things. 28 00:02:26,759 --> 00:02:28,840 Then can you take me with you? 29 00:02:28,919 --> 00:02:35,039 Vagabonds, tramps, and itinerant workers — also called 'Sandler' 30 00:02:35,240 --> 00:02:41,159 could become part of this mining community alongside the local families. 31 00:02:41,639 --> 00:02:43,960 I can recommend you to the mine master 32 00:02:44,080 --> 00:02:46,199 if you promise not to cause any trouble. 33 00:02:46,319 --> 00:02:48,360 Deal! 34 00:02:48,639 --> 00:02:52,759 Start packing the food then. But woe betide if anything is missing. 35 00:02:53,280 --> 00:02:54,960 There, you'll need these. 36 00:02:55,080 --> 00:02:55,960 Thanks! 37 00:02:56,080 --> 00:03:00,400 Among other tasks, children were used for errands in the mine. 38 00:03:00,560 --> 00:03:04,280 In doing so, they learned the trade. 39 00:03:05,080 --> 00:03:07,599 He's done plenty already, he says 40 00:03:07,800 --> 00:03:10,120 So, come on now, let's go! 41 00:03:21,919 --> 00:03:26,560 As can be seen at the borders of present-day Austria, 42 00:03:26,639 --> 00:03:30,319 the Murtal lies at the eastern foothills of the Alps. 43 00:03:30,599 --> 00:03:34,159 The villages connected by valley routes, were already important 44 00:03:34,240 --> 00:03:37,680 transshipment and trading posts in the Middle Ages 45 00:03:37,960 --> 00:03:44,520 through which the silver flowed into the Habsburg lands as Zeiringer Pfennig. 46 00:03:48,680 --> 00:03:52,039 In the tunnels, strict order prevailed 47 00:03:52,120 --> 00:03:54,879 overseen by a so-called 'Hutmann' (hat man). 48 00:03:55,400 --> 00:03:58,879 Even though he probably didn't wear that Hat all day. 49 00:04:00,439 --> 00:04:01,439 God protect you! 50 00:04:01,520 --> 00:04:02,520 God protect you! 51 00:04:02,599 --> 00:04:05,039 I would like to help you with the silver mining in the mine. 52 00:04:05,120 --> 00:04:05,919 Are you the master? 53 00:04:06,039 --> 00:04:10,039 I am Big Stefan. And we can find use for you indeed! 54 00:04:11,759 --> 00:04:14,800 You are here in the mine of the Admont Abbey. 55 00:04:14,919 --> 00:04:17,160 And I am your Custos Fodine. 56 00:04:17,560 --> 00:04:21,079 I control the shares in mining there. 57 00:04:21,279 --> 00:04:23,680 And from today, these are your mates. 58 00:04:23,920 --> 00:04:25,439 Greetings! 59 00:04:27,439 --> 00:04:29,160 Cheers! 60 00:04:30,079 --> 00:04:34,560 Every second resident of Oberzeiring works in the mine. 61 00:04:35,040 --> 00:04:40,959 In the 13th century, Oberzeiring possessed all the rights of a mining town 62 00:04:41,240 --> 00:04:45,519 At its peak, it was the largest silver mine in Styria. 63 00:04:45,680 --> 00:04:49,800 Especially in the mountains, mining was 64 00:04:49,959 --> 00:04:53,399 considered one of the most lucrative trades. 65 00:04:53,959 --> 00:04:57,800 You're on your way down to your uncle, aren't you? 66 00:04:57,920 --> 00:05:02,439 Then you can take him with you and introduce him in their work group, 67 00:05:02,560 --> 00:05:06,560 So they can teach him the craft. Grab a backpack and don't bump your head! 68 00:05:07,399 --> 00:05:10,680 And at the end of the shift, we'll see how you've performed. 69 00:05:10,920 --> 00:05:12,920 And, um, what about payment? 70 00:05:14,399 --> 00:05:15,680 We're not serfs here. 71 00:05:16,879 --> 00:05:18,519 You'll get paid. 72 00:05:20,879 --> 00:05:25,199 The special thing about the payment that awaited 73 00:05:25,360 --> 00:05:29,399 at the end of the shift was that real money was involved. 74 00:05:29,519 --> 00:05:31,920 Other tasks in agriculture and forestry 75 00:05:32,079 --> 00:05:34,480 were carried out as bonded labor by serfs. 76 00:05:35,240 --> 00:05:38,680 But the miners were not serfs of the nobility, 77 00:05:38,959 --> 00:05:46,079 the heads of families were paid in silver according to the work done. 78 00:05:49,399 --> 00:05:52,120 But only after the work was done. 79 00:05:52,519 --> 00:05:55,160 As long as you're not a member of the guild, 80 00:05:55,240 --> 00:05:57,879 you'll get your daily wage only after your service in the mine. 81 00:05:57,959 --> 00:05:59,720 And where do I live and sleep? 82 00:06:01,279 --> 00:06:03,279 Well, down below, of course! 83 00:06:03,800 --> 00:06:08,120 But just bundle up warmly, because down there the cold is constant. 84 00:06:10,879 --> 00:06:13,160 Cozy is something else 85 00:06:13,319 --> 00:06:17,560 it was 8 degrees Celsius underground in the mine all year round. 86 00:06:25,319 --> 00:06:29,040 The bucket of ore now belongs to the landlord. 87 00:06:29,480 --> 00:06:32,480 Are you joining the bowling today? The entire Societas 88 00:06:32,560 --> 00:06:35,560 is coming together - you should definitely be there again! 89 00:06:35,839 --> 00:06:40,199 The Societas was the union of free and equal partners, 90 00:06:40,600 --> 00:06:43,439 the community of miners. 91 00:06:57,560 --> 00:07:01,120 Since Roman times, efforts have been made to 92 00:07:01,240 --> 00:07:04,480 find ways to transport goods across the Alps. 93 00:07:04,759 --> 00:07:06,160 The 15th century. 94 00:07:07,800 --> 00:07:12,680 With the help of donkeys, mules, and horses, known as sumpters 95 00:07:12,800 --> 00:07:18,279 or pack animals, the mountain paths could be conquered. 96 00:07:22,040 --> 00:07:26,160 With the decline of the Roman roads and the necessity 97 00:07:26,279 --> 00:07:30,040 for goods to be transported in a way suitable for pack animals 98 00:07:30,279 --> 00:07:32,959 we enter the time of the Middle Ages. 99 00:07:37,720 --> 00:07:41,600 And see that the heyday of the pack animal 100 00:07:41,800 --> 00:07:45,680 transport system was in the 12th to 16th centuries. 101 00:07:50,360 --> 00:07:54,040 A "Saum", derived from the Latin "Soma" 102 00:07:54,160 --> 00:07:58,399 expressed the maximum weight a pack animal could carry. 103 00:07:58,680 --> 00:08:03,439 Depending on the animal, this was typically 120 to 160 kilograms. 104 00:08:03,519 --> 00:08:08,519 The goods were transported in columns. 105 00:08:10,560 --> 00:08:13,639 300 to 400 animals a day, 106 00:08:13,759 --> 00:08:16,480 and they always trampled the path firmly, 107 00:08:16,639 --> 00:08:19,160 which made for a solid trail even in winter. 108 00:08:19,519 --> 00:08:22,519 Yet the routes remained perilous, 109 00:08:22,600 --> 00:08:25,480 often requiring 15 hours of travel per day 110 00:08:25,600 --> 00:08:29,959 and involving ascent of up to 1300 meters in altitude. 111 00:08:33,000 --> 00:08:35,960 Between each mountain lodge, there might have been 112 00:08:36,080 --> 00:08:39,480 overhanging rocks or something of the sort, 113 00:08:39,559 --> 00:08:44,519 where one could take shelter, but certainly no safe havens. 114 00:08:45,639 --> 00:08:50,120 Avalanches, freezing, falling, 115 00:08:50,200 --> 00:08:55,120 these were constant dangers for people back then. 116 00:08:58,000 --> 00:09:02,840 Today, from records, we mainly know of three goods 117 00:09:02,919 --> 00:09:07,799 that were transported: Salt, grain, and wine. 118 00:09:16,440 --> 00:09:19,960 These routes were most heavily trafficked 119 00:09:20,120 --> 00:09:22,919 after the snowdrifts cleared in February and March. 120 00:09:23,120 --> 00:09:26,159 After the thaw in May and June, 121 00:09:26,279 --> 00:09:29,159 as well as after the grape harvest in October. 122 00:09:37,000 --> 00:09:40,080 In the Middle Ages, when crossing the Tauern Pass, 123 00:09:40,159 --> 00:09:41,159 one sought refuge 124 00:09:41,279 --> 00:09:44,559 and found it at the Inn at the Elbow, 125 00:09:44,639 --> 00:09:47,679 presumably named after the serpentine road. 126 00:09:48,080 --> 00:09:51,678 Over time, the village of Hohentauern 127 00:09:51,720 --> 00:09:54,480 developed around this inn. 128 00:09:56,759 --> 00:09:59,679 Despite the fact that the annual income of the 129 00:09:59,759 --> 00:10:02,399 muleteer handler barely equaled the value of one of their animals, 130 00:10:02,480 --> 00:10:05,720 Many drunken stories revolve around the merrymaking 131 00:10:05,799 --> 00:10:08,399 of the muleteers after their daily stages. 132 00:10:12,039 --> 00:10:16,158 In the center of Hohentauern, alongside the inn, 133 00:10:16,200 --> 00:10:19,000 a church stood from the 14th century, 134 00:10:19,080 --> 00:10:21,078 which is why people referred to it as 135 00:10:21,120 --> 00:10:23,120 a small church hamlet for a long time. 136 00:10:27,600 --> 00:10:30,159 It can be assumed that not everyone 137 00:10:30,240 --> 00:10:32,399 appreciated the company of the muleteers. 138 00:10:32,480 --> 00:10:36,480 However, it was the duty of the innkeepers to provide them with shelter. 139 00:10:37,799 --> 00:10:41,639 I know you have to provide accommodation for the muleteers, 140 00:10:41,720 --> 00:10:45,000 but it's quite a task you have on your hands now! 141 00:10:47,039 --> 00:10:48,720 Don't wobble so much... 142 00:10:49,159 --> 00:10:51,159 A tavern license is still a tavern license... 143 00:10:52,279 --> 00:10:54,080 That's better already. 144 00:10:54,200 --> 00:10:56,120 I can do better than that. 145 00:10:57,919 --> 00:11:01,840 I thought that maintaining the roads was already enough work for you, 146 00:11:02,360 --> 00:11:05,639 but nearby there's already another serpentine road to fix. 147 00:11:06,320 --> 00:11:09,200 The condition for the tavern license was to 148 00:11:09,279 --> 00:11:11,919 provide accommodation for the muleteers. 149 00:11:12,240 --> 00:11:15,320 Additionally, it's the innkeeper's duty to keep 150 00:11:15,399 --> 00:11:18,039 the roads in a passable condition. 151 00:11:18,200 --> 00:11:21,399 Go on, innkeeper! Another round! 152 00:11:22,840 --> 00:11:24,519 You've had enough to drink already! 153 00:11:24,600 --> 00:11:26,360 Enough? - You can have something to eat. 154 00:11:26,440 --> 00:11:28,759 We don't even know when we've had enough ourselves! 155 00:11:28,879 --> 00:11:30,799 Especially not you! So, what now?? 156 00:11:30,919 --> 00:11:32,600 I'll get you some food. 157 00:11:34,159 --> 00:11:35,200 Get us water at least! 158 00:11:35,360 --> 00:11:37,840 At least bring us a jug of water, huh? 159 00:11:37,960 --> 00:11:39,759 Water you can have, yes. 160 00:11:43,080 --> 00:11:47,679 Responsible alcohol consumption was important to the muleteers, 161 00:11:47,799 --> 00:11:51,799 as they wanted to deliver their goods intact and on time. 162 00:12:00,720 --> 00:12:02,720 Make the barrel a little lighter. 163 00:12:11,759 --> 00:12:13,759 The load has become a bit lighter. 164 00:12:17,039 --> 00:12:21,039 Pass the jug here! Do we need to refill, huh?! 165 00:12:26,440 --> 00:12:30,559 The term "Lagel" derives from the Latin "Lagena" - bottle 166 00:12:30,639 --> 00:12:33,278 and is one of the two oval barrels 167 00:12:33,320 --> 00:12:37,200 used for transporting wine on the backs of pack animals. 168 00:12:37,279 --> 00:12:40,080 It is a standardized unit of approximately 60 liters. 169 00:12:40,159 --> 00:12:41,519 You moron! 170 00:12:42,840 --> 00:12:44,200 Those slackers! 171 00:12:44,960 --> 00:12:46,320 Well, do you like that?! 172 00:12:46,759 --> 00:12:49,438 The muleteers were naturally very careful 173 00:12:49,480 --> 00:12:51,559 to maintain the weight measurement 174 00:12:51,639 --> 00:12:56,320 and compensate for any wine losses with water. 175 00:13:02,080 --> 00:13:04,637 In the name of the Lord! That's why the sacramental 176 00:13:04,679 --> 00:13:06,837 wine from the lower Styria is so diluted. 177 00:13:06,879 --> 00:13:11,240 No wonder then, if every little village from here to Salzburg has its own brewery. 178 00:13:11,480 --> 00:13:14,799 Even in Salzburg, they now have this... "Stiegenbräu"! 179 00:13:15,440 --> 00:13:17,440 He deserves it... 180 00:13:17,759 --> 00:13:21,639 Even though nothing can compare to Judenburg's Citizen Brewery. 181 00:13:24,759 --> 00:13:26,759 What kind of beer is that? 182 00:13:29,039 --> 00:13:30,717 Judenburg's Citizen Brewery... 183 00:13:30,759 --> 00:13:32,440 since 1462! 184 00:13:38,519 --> 00:13:40,720 Amen! The priest is right. 185 00:13:41,240 --> 00:13:43,240 Let's have a beer then! 186 00:13:45,840 --> 00:13:48,960 Yes, but a certain amount of wine is also due to us muleteers! 187 00:13:49,159 --> 00:13:52,240 In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. 188 00:13:52,440 --> 00:13:56,840 Indeed, the muleteers could insist on a certain share of their wine cargo, 189 00:13:56,919 --> 00:13:59,840 which was granted to them for their work. 190 00:14:00,120 --> 00:14:04,799 The problem was that they often arrived drunk at the recipient's. 191 00:14:06,440 --> 00:14:12,840 Well, if we're entitled to wine, then let's forget about that bloody beer! 192 00:14:13,759 --> 00:14:16,759 Hey! Don't you insult my bloody beer! 193 00:14:16,879 --> 00:14:19,159 Then what is it?! 194 00:14:20,000 --> 00:14:27,879 According to stories, few muleteers boasted of good manners and general piety. 195 00:14:33,080 --> 00:14:35,080 I'm going to bed now. 196 00:14:35,840 --> 00:14:39,159 I certainly hope we'll see each other in church on Sunday, right?! 197 00:14:39,320 --> 00:14:42,120 Yes, of course, I'll come to church, absolutely! 198 00:14:47,799 --> 00:14:49,559 An official document states 199 00:14:49,679 --> 00:14:54,080 that the muleteers preferred to indulge in their drunkenness 200 00:14:54,159 --> 00:14:57,200 at the inn rather than attending mass. 201 00:14:57,759 --> 00:15:02,840 There was a complaint sent from Gurk to Admont. 202 00:15:09,440 --> 00:15:11,720 And then, if the weather permits, we'll use the pickaxe 203 00:15:11,799 --> 00:15:14,039 to create a new ventilation shaft in the tunnel, 204 00:15:14,159 --> 00:15:17,080 so that not everything has to be drawn out through the main entrance. 205 00:15:17,159 --> 00:15:19,360 That's called a ventilation chimney. 206 00:15:19,639 --> 00:15:21,639 I only understand mining jargon... 207 00:15:26,399 --> 00:15:28,399 By the way, each tunnel has a name. 208 00:15:28,480 --> 00:15:29,840 And what's that one called? 209 00:15:29,919 --> 00:15:31,519 That's the Beer Pit! 210 00:15:31,720 --> 00:15:33,759 I like it, then that's mine. 211 00:15:35,440 --> 00:15:39,279 The mines were given their own names for orientation purposes. 212 00:15:39,559 --> 00:15:43,117 Whether beer was brewed or just enjoyed there, 213 00:15:43,159 --> 00:15:46,639 that's a matter of speculation for science. 214 00:15:46,919 --> 00:15:53,399 But perhaps for safety reasons, they already had non-alcoholic beer. 215 00:15:54,240 --> 00:15:57,440 That one sure is pretty huge! There must be a lot of silver inside. 216 00:15:57,639 --> 00:16:01,200 No, it's that big because it's been mined empty for a long time. 217 00:16:01,279 --> 00:16:04,799 I always thought that only little dwarves worked in a mine. 218 00:16:05,000 --> 00:16:07,320 But in there, it seems like everyone has space! 219 00:16:07,519 --> 00:16:09,519 Don't be fooled! 220 00:16:10,039 --> 00:16:14,240 The other day, I met a man from Italy. He looked like a little dwarf. 221 00:16:14,360 --> 00:16:17,080 He must have been looking for a copper violet. 222 00:16:20,519 --> 00:16:25,279 Wherever you found copper violets, you also found copper in the ground. 223 00:16:25,480 --> 00:16:30,639 And the Venetian ‘Mandln’ (manlets), small and mysterious, searched for them. 224 00:16:30,840 --> 00:16:33,958 Their foreign language and secret knowledge 225 00:16:34,000 --> 00:16:36,799 made them the subject of many legends. 226 00:16:37,080 --> 00:16:41,200 Their goal was to find colorful minerals like malachite, 227 00:16:41,279 --> 00:16:46,399 and the rare zeiringite, which they sold for glass coloring in Venice. 228 00:16:46,720 --> 00:16:50,600 With dowsing routes and taste tests, they also found 229 00:16:50,679 --> 00:16:53,559 silver veins - which often occurred together with copper. 230 00:16:55,120 --> 00:16:58,000 We ́ll look for silver veins here 231 00:16:58,279 --> 00:17:01,159 and here we'll see if we find anything. 232 00:17:01,840 --> 00:17:05,440 Oh, there's little Stefan! 233 00:17:05,680 --> 00:17:08,720 That's little Stefan, my mining dog. 234 00:17:08,839 --> 00:17:11,400 Then the uncle must be somewhere around too. 235 00:17:19,599 --> 00:17:22,480 The mining activities were organized into work 236 00:17:22,559 --> 00:17:25,240 groups or family units, always led by an experienced member. 237 00:17:25,319 --> 00:17:28,759 This foreman was responsible for the orderliness and training of new miners. 238 00:17:28,839 --> 00:17:34,200 He supervised the progress of the tunnels and was an important decision-maker. 239 00:17:34,400 --> 00:17:39,000 To avoid constantly hitting their fingers, the miners needed light. 240 00:17:41,599 --> 00:17:46,200 Pine splinters from resinous coniferous trees 241 00:17:46,319 --> 00:17:52,920 had been cheap lamps here since the Stone Age. 242 00:17:55,599 --> 00:18:01,640 The team's task was to recognize ore veins in the rock by their discoloration 243 00:18:01,720 --> 00:18:04,480 and to follow them with hammer and chisel. 244 00:18:04,559 --> 00:18:09,359 Each blow required skill and understanding of the mountain. 245 00:18:10,880 --> 00:18:14,519 Again, again, again! Yes! 246 00:18:15,079 --> 00:18:18,319 - That ́s how you do it! - The energy of the people and the tools 247 00:18:18,400 --> 00:18:20,599 that had to measure themselves against the 248 00:18:20,680 --> 00:18:23,559 hard rock of the Tauern were limited resources. 249 00:18:23,839 --> 00:18:27,279 To successfully mine, one had to be strong 250 00:18:27,480 --> 00:18:31,279 and closely acquainted with the blacksmith. 251 00:18:33,240 --> 00:18:35,598 Because the tunnel could only be deepened by 252 00:18:35,640 --> 00:18:38,000 about one to two centimeters per day, 253 00:18:38,200 --> 00:18:43,519 it was necessary to carefully consider where to place hope for silver. 254 00:18:46,559 --> 00:18:51,119 Perfectly suited for the crawling tunnel were in addition to small built men, 255 00:18:51,200 --> 00:18:54,119 of course, children from the age of ten. 256 00:18:55,559 --> 00:18:58,240 Separating the ore from the barren rock 257 00:18:58,319 --> 00:19:01,599 and carrying out the penetrating water 258 00:19:01,720 --> 00:19:05,279 were among their most amusing tasks. 259 00:19:14,680 --> 00:19:18,519 Because the light of the exit was always distant, 260 00:19:18,599 --> 00:19:22,119 one had to rely on the simplest lighting tools. 261 00:19:22,400 --> 00:19:24,920 Down there in the mine, this splinter is the 262 00:19:25,000 --> 00:19:27,559 last thing shielding you from the darkness. 263 00:19:27,640 --> 00:19:29,638 Make sure you always have one with you - there! 264 00:19:29,680 --> 00:19:30,878 Thank you! 265 00:19:30,920 --> 00:19:35,799 And tuck a bundle into your belt or hang it around your neck. 266 00:19:36,839 --> 00:19:42,240 Be careful - we always dip the tip into pitch. 267 00:19:42,680 --> 00:19:46,598 If you run out of that down there, you can only 268 00:19:46,640 --> 00:19:50,160 call for help or find your way to the fire on your own. 269 00:19:50,279 --> 00:19:53,079 Yes, and you don't have torches or oil lamps down there? 270 00:19:53,319 --> 00:19:55,319 No, we don't have anything like that down there. 271 00:19:57,920 --> 00:20:00,717 When hollowing out the mountain, 272 00:20:00,759 --> 00:20:03,359 one also encountered natural caverns. 273 00:20:03,960 --> 00:20:07,757 Starting from these, digging slowly continued 274 00:20:07,799 --> 00:20:11,158 while precisely following the found silver ore veins, 275 00:20:11,200 --> 00:20:18,279 as progress with hammer and pick was extremely arduous. 276 00:20:42,640 --> 00:20:45,759 Damn it, you stupid thing, light up! 277 00:20:51,240 --> 00:20:52,759 Damn it! 278 00:20:53,200 --> 00:20:55,160 Damn it! 279 00:20:55,240 --> 00:20:57,240 Light up, you stupid thing! 280 00:21:06,799 --> 00:21:09,799 Hey, there, come here! 281 00:21:21,160 --> 00:21:22,440 Ah! 282 00:21:22,640 --> 00:21:24,960 Has it gotten dark? 283 00:21:32,640 --> 00:21:36,160 The stay in the mine lasted up to 5 days. 284 00:21:36,440 --> 00:21:43,000 Despite the unpleasant environment, people also ate and slept down there. 285 00:21:45,880 --> 00:21:51,359 For this, they gathered in groups that corresponded to the work shifts. 286 00:21:51,559 --> 00:21:58,440 These lasted between 7 and 12 hours. Work was done for 260 days a year. 287 00:22:12,559 --> 00:22:15,519 Welcome to a new edition of: 288 00:22:15,599 --> 00:22:17,960 "Baking like back then" 289 00:22:18,359 --> 00:22:22,440 Today, our cooks have come up with something special, 290 00:22:22,640 --> 00:22:26,960 this time there's no light cuisine. 291 00:22:27,039 --> 00:22:30,559 Because a fresh Alpine mountain range is on the menu! 292 00:22:30,759 --> 00:22:35,240 Finest marble and slate from Styria. 293 00:22:35,440 --> 00:22:37,799 Many substances form such a mountain range. 294 00:22:37,920 --> 00:22:40,279 Marble is mainly made of calcite. 295 00:22:40,400 --> 00:22:43,480 Mica schist from muscovite and biotite. 296 00:22:43,559 --> 00:22:47,640 But many other elements form the rock layers. 297 00:22:47,720 --> 00:22:51,680 And they all occur mixed together in the earth. 298 00:22:52,000 --> 00:22:54,119 Where they were pressed together 100 million years ago, 299 00:22:54,200 --> 00:22:56,759 like into a dough 300 00:22:56,960 --> 00:22:59,920 by unimaginable forces. 301 00:23:00,000 --> 00:23:03,839 Oh, and heat was released during that process, phew. 302 00:23:04,160 --> 00:23:07,880 But beware: There's more in the dough! 303 00:23:08,200 --> 00:23:11,200 The galena or lead glance, 304 00:23:11,279 --> 00:23:13,279 consists not only of sulfides, 305 00:23:13,599 --> 00:23:16,680 in it we find the silver. 306 00:23:16,759 --> 00:23:18,880 Of course, only in small quantities. 307 00:23:18,960 --> 00:23:21,599 In very small parts. 308 00:23:21,680 --> 00:23:26,359 But it's what makes the rock of the Alps so special. 309 00:23:26,640 --> 00:23:29,680 And so the mountain range consists mostly of marble, 310 00:23:29,880 --> 00:23:33,519 a tiny portion of galena, with its silver, 311 00:23:33,599 --> 00:23:37,279 and mostly of mica schist. 312 00:23:37,359 --> 00:23:42,319 Hidden beneath many more dense layers of rock. 313 00:23:44,039 --> 00:23:48,799 And forms an enticing mountain range. 314 00:23:49,599 --> 00:23:53,160 That makes one very curious 315 00:23:53,359 --> 00:23:59,240 about its sweet, silvery filling! 316 00:24:02,960 --> 00:24:08,680 When the late medieval muleteers followed the Mur past Knittelfeld, 317 00:24:08,880 --> 00:24:14,000 they soon heard hammer blows coming from the direction of Wasserleith. 318 00:24:24,839 --> 00:24:29,480 What was special about the forge in Wasserleith at that time: 319 00:24:29,599 --> 00:24:34,559 It was the only scythe forge in the whole region. 320 00:24:35,039 --> 00:24:40,440 A tradition for which the iron-rich Styria later became famous. 321 00:24:42,240 --> 00:24:50,240 Along their trails, the muleteers could supply numerous farmers with these scythes. 322 00:24:59,000 --> 00:25:01,799 The rarity of scythes traded before is 323 00:25:01,920 --> 00:25:04,920 evidenced by the toll records from that time. 324 00:25:05,079 --> 00:25:08,519 Their production was reserved only for 325 00:25:08,640 --> 00:25:10,720 the most competent metalworker specialists. 326 00:25:11,240 --> 00:25:11,920 Ah! 327 00:25:16,039 --> 00:25:19,079 The muleteers who crossed the Triebener Tauern 328 00:25:19,160 --> 00:25:21,960 also liked to come to Oberzeiring, 329 00:25:22,039 --> 00:25:24,839 as there was a very active mining industry. 330 00:25:25,079 --> 00:25:27,678 And they brought goods from the south, 331 00:25:27,720 --> 00:25:30,279 fabrics, lighting materials. And from Oberzeiring 332 00:25:30,480 --> 00:25:34,557 they took silver and speik and 333 00:25:34,599 --> 00:25:37,559 transported it further across the Triebener Tauern. 334 00:25:39,839 --> 00:25:44,960 If muleteers and hikers didn't reach a shelter before nightfall, 335 00:25:45,079 --> 00:25:50,279 they had to find a place to sleep in caves and under overhangs. 336 00:25:57,000 --> 00:26:03,799 Oh, thank you! But unfortunately, I only have wine to trade. 337 00:26:04,440 --> 00:26:06,960 No, I don't drink wine. 338 00:26:07,559 --> 00:26:11,559 But I heard that you often visit the inns in the Pölstal area. 339 00:26:11,640 --> 00:26:13,599 Can you tell us a story from the area right away? 340 00:26:13,680 --> 00:26:16,039 Yes, of course, I'll tell you a story! 341 00:26:16,519 --> 00:26:23,519 Look up there on the hill! Until recently, wine flowed there every day! 342 00:26:27,440 --> 00:26:34,240 Be very quiet and look deep into the fire. 343 00:26:34,480 --> 00:26:38,440 Then it's as if the robber knight himself is telling you the story! 344 00:26:40,400 --> 00:26:44,319 Many stories are already circulating in the Murtal about how it happened. 345 00:26:44,440 --> 00:26:48,799 And not every one describes him as a God-fearing man... 346 00:26:49,799 --> 00:26:54,319 I think I was not always the most excellent of my class. 347 00:26:54,400 --> 00:27:00,039 For as the last lord of Offenburg Castle, I was indeed a notorious robber knight. 348 00:27:00,400 --> 00:27:04,000 Plundering and killing was our pleasure. 349 00:27:04,200 --> 00:27:09,000 So that soon a watchtower could be seen on Offenberg. 350 00:27:09,440 --> 00:27:13,759 High enough that no one wandering in the Pölstal 351 00:27:13,839 --> 00:27:17,039 could escape our sharp gaze. 352 00:27:17,519 --> 00:27:23,960 My neighboring rascals from Reifenstein and Sauerbrunn were just the same, 353 00:27:25,160 --> 00:27:28,519 with whom we took them on. 354 00:27:35,559 --> 00:27:39,759 Why did they always have to stroll with their 355 00:27:39,839 --> 00:27:43,839 expensive goods when we were on the lookout. 356 00:27:50,880 --> 00:27:56,640 All too easy prey, these wealthy merchants! 357 00:28:01,519 --> 00:28:06,319 How wonderfully cunning it was for us to communicate with 358 00:28:06,400 --> 00:28:10,960 the most modern signals to our blood brother. 359 00:28:11,680 --> 00:28:17,119 The view from tower to tower reached across the entire Pölstal. 360 00:28:18,119 --> 00:28:22,920 So my fellow murderers quickly sprung into action when 361 00:28:23,000 --> 00:28:26,640 I brandished my weapons to seize rich booty. 362 00:28:28,359 --> 00:28:33,640 One fine evening, I invited the man from Sauerbrunn to join me. 363 00:28:34,039 --> 00:28:38,200 And there we feasted on the rich plundered food, 364 00:28:38,400 --> 00:28:42,559 noble and mannerly, as was our custom. 365 00:28:43,119 --> 00:28:46,519 And with hearty swigs from the free beer barrel, 366 00:28:48,200 --> 00:28:51,599 we boasted ample sportsmanship and team spirit. 367 00:28:56,200 --> 00:29:03,000 And did not shy away from any sin or pleasure. 368 00:29:08,000 --> 00:29:14,240 Finally, we indulged in courtly dances and games. 369 00:29:17,720 --> 00:29:20,920 But as long as God did not take me 370 00:29:21,119 --> 00:29:24,160 we became even more unrestrained. 371 00:29:27,599 --> 00:29:31,200 It was just midnight when three powerful 372 00:29:31,359 --> 00:29:33,920 knocks echoed at the outer castle gate. 373 00:29:36,319 --> 00:29:38,839 But that can't be the holy Feme, can it? 374 00:29:39,640 --> 00:29:44,400 Silence fell over the entire hall, even the most boisterous ones paled. 375 00:29:44,680 --> 00:29:47,680 I am afraid to announce the arrival of 376 00:29:47,759 --> 00:29:51,279 a foreign knight, in black armor, on a dark horse! 377 00:29:51,519 --> 00:29:56,200 He summons, the knight of Offenburg, out to the square. 378 00:29:56,640 --> 00:30:01,640 Thus, the knocks were widely known: The sign of the Holy Feme, 379 00:30:01,839 --> 00:30:05,720 that even the wildest of fellows dreaded. 380 00:30:05,880 --> 00:30:09,119 No lord of Offenburg could I call myself, 381 00:30:09,240 --> 00:30:12,160 if I had lost my composure there. 382 00:30:15,119 --> 00:30:19,519 Each one listened to the hoof beats 383 00:30:23,640 --> 00:30:29,640 and beheld with horror how the punishment in person, 384 00:30:29,759 --> 00:30:36,240 on hellish steed, circled me - Offenburg's hero - and the full moon 385 00:30:36,359 --> 00:30:40,240 illuminated the night's darkness all around. 386 00:30:45,519 --> 00:30:49,599 Then one heard fierce clashing of swords. 387 00:30:50,000 --> 00:30:53,359 With my sharp sword, I wanted to cleave her! 388 00:30:55,759 --> 00:31:00,720 But through the hall windows, they saw how the Feme 389 00:31:00,839 --> 00:31:06,759 tore me from my feet, dragged me down the steep slope of the castle hill, 390 00:31:07,559 --> 00:31:12,200 and disappeared into a fiery chasm at the edge of the forest. 391 00:31:12,599 --> 00:31:16,119 So that the castle hill trembled, the guests fled, 392 00:31:16,240 --> 00:31:19,759 and the stately castle crumbled into a thousand pieces. 393 00:31:23,839 --> 00:31:28,400 The robber knight legend may perhaps trace back to Dietrich von Füllenstein, 394 00:31:28,480 --> 00:31:30,960 lord of the castle in the 13th century, 395 00:31:31,079 --> 00:31:36,480 who repeatedly carried out attacks on the nearby Seckau Abbey. 396 00:31:36,680 --> 00:31:40,880 Apart from the keep, not much is left of Offenburg Castle today. 397 00:31:41,000 --> 00:31:44,480 Even though it was already heavily dilapidated 398 00:31:44,559 --> 00:31:47,960 in the late Middle Ages, it finally burned down in 1590. 399 00:31:48,599 --> 00:31:52,960 Opposite it, in plain view, on the southern side 400 00:31:53,039 --> 00:31:57,200 of the Pölstal, lies the ruin of Reifenstein Castle. 401 00:31:57,279 --> 00:32:00,519 Together, the two castles jointly controlled 402 00:32:00,599 --> 00:32:03,160 the old trade route through the Pölstal. 403 00:32:03,640 --> 00:32:08,079 Together with Sauerbrunn Castle, the castles form 404 00:32:08,160 --> 00:32:11,640 a Murtal Bermuda Triangle in many versions of the legend, 405 00:32:11,799 --> 00:32:16,079 where many trading caravans disappeared. 406 00:32:17,759 --> 00:32:20,920 Although Sauerbrunn Castle in its current form 407 00:32:21,000 --> 00:32:25,119 was actually built on a spring after the Middle Ages. 408 00:32:31,839 --> 00:32:35,640 Hewed climbing trees made of weather-resistant 409 00:32:35,720 --> 00:32:39,519 oak wood were much better than ladders and ropes. 410 00:32:40,079 --> 00:32:45,240 But even these were consistently damp and dangerous. 411 00:32:46,640 --> 00:32:52,079 And be careful, okay? The steps on the climbing tree are really slippery. 412 00:32:57,599 --> 00:33:01,599 And you know the saying: Rumpeldipumpel... 413 00:33:01,680 --> 00:33:03,680 Ah! 414 00:33:06,400 --> 00:33:09,079 And gone is the miner. 415 00:33:14,880 --> 00:33:20,880 At locations with richer ore deposits, the mines were expanded into tall shafts. 416 00:33:21,440 --> 00:33:25,039 These connecting tunnels were spacious 417 00:33:25,160 --> 00:33:29,240 while crawl tunnels were often only one meter high. 418 00:33:34,240 --> 00:33:37,039 Well, and why is there straw lying around here anyway? 419 00:33:37,759 --> 00:33:39,759 You stuff that into your hat or your hood. 420 00:33:39,880 --> 00:33:41,319 It's not that cold, after all. 421 00:33:41,400 --> 00:33:44,720 - Watch out, there's the cave fright! - What, where, who? Ah! 422 00:33:44,839 --> 00:33:46,838 Damned Ouch! 423 00:33:46,880 --> 00:33:48,878 Now you know. 424 00:33:48,920 --> 00:33:50,920 It's there, so you don't bash your skull. 425 00:33:55,279 --> 00:33:57,720 What even is a cave fright? 426 00:33:59,480 --> 00:34:05,039 Quietly and unassuming, the pale-patterned Rhaphidophoridae, 427 00:34:05,119 --> 00:34:09,079 called ‘Höhlenschreck’ (cave fright), creeps through abandoned tunnels. 428 00:34:09,159 --> 00:34:13,079 Despite their intimidating appearance, they are harmless. 429 00:34:13,159 --> 00:34:17,280 These five-centimeter insects cannot fly, 430 00:34:17,360 --> 00:34:22,000 But with their legs, they can both dig and hop through the depths. 431 00:34:23,760 --> 00:34:27,880 Many endangered bat species seek refuge in the mines. 432 00:34:28,480 --> 00:34:33,559 That's why one should never disturb their beauty sleep. 433 00:34:39,639 --> 00:34:45,280 With the active mining operations, mine dogs also entered Zeiring's depths. 434 00:34:45,400 --> 00:34:49,800 They likely took on transport services in the low tunnels. 435 00:34:50,039 --> 00:34:55,920 Wear and tear on skeletal remains indicate the strain on the dogs' backs. 436 00:35:00,199 --> 00:35:04,719 It wasn't until later, in the 16th century, that four-wheeled carts, 437 00:35:04,800 --> 00:35:09,039 known as mine hounds, became established and are still known today. 438 00:35:09,119 --> 00:35:13,599 Perhaps the name developed from the animal mining tradition. 439 00:35:13,679 --> 00:35:15,599 Hop! Yes! Yes! 440 00:35:25,039 --> 00:35:29,079 That humans and dogs shared their snack in the tunnel 441 00:35:29,199 --> 00:35:34,280 has been documented since the late Bronze Age, based on bite marks on pig bones. 442 00:35:36,280 --> 00:35:40,840 It's said that the dogs never saw daylight in their entire lives. 443 00:35:46,480 --> 00:35:49,320 Rest in peace, little Stefan. 444 00:35:49,400 --> 00:35:53,800 Your whole life, you were in the mine and never saw the light of day. 445 00:35:54,079 --> 00:35:57,280 But one time too many, you stole our snack. 446 00:36:11,679 --> 00:36:15,920 Carefully arranged, the remains of several 447 00:36:16,079 --> 00:36:20,400 mine dogs were found in a grave in the mine. 448 00:36:20,519 --> 00:36:24,480 Their loss was mourned. 449 00:36:28,199 --> 00:36:29,840 Stefan! Come here! 450 00:36:32,000 --> 00:36:35,199 But the time of little Stefan had not yet come. 451 00:36:35,280 --> 00:36:37,079 Hey you rascal, stop! 452 00:36:40,039 --> 00:36:43,679 According to old maps, the network of tunnels 453 00:36:43,760 --> 00:36:48,719 extends extensively beneath the town of Oberzeiring. 454 00:36:50,559 --> 00:36:55,360 An effective way to expand the tunnels was by using fire-setting. 455 00:36:55,440 --> 00:37:00,559 For this, a dense ventilation shaft made of wood, 456 00:37:00,639 --> 00:37:05,159 moss, and clay, called a ‘Bewetterung’, had to be installed. 457 00:37:07,119 --> 00:37:13,079 The rock wall was first heated by a leaning stack of wood 458 00:37:13,239 --> 00:37:17,360 and after several hours, it was shock-cooled 459 00:37:17,440 --> 00:37:21,559 with ice water to break the hard rock. 460 00:37:26,639 --> 00:37:28,639 Well, until then! Goodbye! 461 00:37:39,159 --> 00:37:42,599 Tragically, despite all safety measures, 462 00:37:42,679 --> 00:37:45,440 the mine was a dangerous place. 463 00:37:53,840 --> 00:37:55,840 Ouch... 464 00:38:01,360 --> 00:38:03,360 There you are... 465 00:38:08,000 --> 00:38:11,119 I'll get help, hang on! I'll get help! 466 00:38:31,280 --> 00:38:35,398 The loss of a family member could have 467 00:38:35,440 --> 00:38:38,880 catastrophic financial consequences for the survivors. 468 00:38:39,119 --> 00:38:41,920 And what happens now to him and his family? 469 00:38:42,079 --> 00:38:45,039 The community will take care of them. 470 00:38:46,159 --> 00:38:49,559 Accidents of this kind were not uncommon 471 00:38:49,639 --> 00:38:54,199 and the mining community had to find ways to collectively deal with them. 472 00:38:59,280 --> 00:39:02,997 The miners' spiritual care is still provided 473 00:39:03,039 --> 00:39:06,079 for today in their own miners' chapel. 474 00:39:06,719 --> 00:39:09,597 This is indeed a special treasure, 475 00:39:09,639 --> 00:39:13,719 as this church houses an entire cycle of frescoes 476 00:39:13,800 --> 00:39:17,840 from the heyday of Zeiring mining. 477 00:39:19,519 --> 00:39:24,037 In the mid-14th century, the Church of St. Elizabeth 478 00:39:24,079 --> 00:39:27,840 was adorned with frescoes from an Obermurtal workshop. 479 00:39:34,920 --> 00:39:39,400 One of the frescoes depicts Saint Mary Magdalene 480 00:39:39,480 --> 00:39:43,119 as a penitent, covered only by her own hair. 481 00:39:52,039 --> 00:39:57,199 Others depict a youth possessed by the devil, 482 00:39:57,840 --> 00:40:00,639 and three crosses of the apostles. 483 00:40:06,960 --> 00:40:14,239 Held by two angels the sweat cloth of Saint Veronica with the head of Christ. 484 00:40:19,840 --> 00:40:26,159 Christ flanked by apostles and the crucifixion. 485 00:40:28,840 --> 00:40:31,677 All frescoes form a unity, 486 00:40:31,719 --> 00:40:34,119 which illustrates the religiously dominated thinking 487 00:40:34,199 --> 00:40:36,960 and life of medieval people. 488 00:40:39,599 --> 00:40:45,079 Francis of Assisi, King Ludwig, Anthony of Padua, 489 00:40:45,199 --> 00:40:50,599 tools, as well as a sleeping couple, which could indicate 490 00:40:50,760 --> 00:40:56,480 that on Sundays and holidays, one should not stay in bed but go to church. 491 00:40:59,440 --> 00:41:03,477 For hundreds of years, the miners' church has 492 00:41:03,519 --> 00:41:08,039 been part of the mining tradition and is still used as such today. 493 00:41:18,840 --> 00:41:23,280 Since the time of the Holy Roman Empire, 494 00:41:23,360 --> 00:41:26,719 Hanfelden Castle has also stood in the Pölstal. 495 00:41:26,880 --> 00:41:34,880 As early as 1493, Hans Han was granted a barren farm in lower Zeyring. 496 00:41:35,440 --> 00:41:39,920 By Maximilian the First - Roman German King. 497 00:41:40,440 --> 00:41:46,079 King? Hans, we'll send the count as planned. 498 00:41:46,159 --> 00:41:50,960 And we ask for their support and help 499 00:41:51,079 --> 00:41:54,119 for the pilgrimage to Rome 500 00:41:54,199 --> 00:41:57,519 and for the coronation as emperor. 501 00:41:58,800 --> 00:42:06,119 In 1506, Maximilian is said to have personally stayed in the Pölstal. 502 00:42:06,199 --> 00:42:10,278 Possibly even in present-day Hanfelden, at least that's 503 00:42:10,320 --> 00:42:14,719 what is said in the inscription in one of the rooms. 504 00:42:14,800 --> 00:42:17,360 Austerity, austerity. 505 00:42:27,679 --> 00:42:30,960 Maximilian was active in the Pölstal. 506 00:42:31,079 --> 00:42:36,360 Deliveries were documented and many messages were sent. 507 00:42:36,440 --> 00:42:42,559 For example, the delivery of 24 bushels and three-quarters of oats 508 00:42:42,639 --> 00:42:46,159 for feeding the horses on October 13, 1506 509 00:42:46,239 --> 00:42:49,519 during the king's stay, is specifically recorded. 510 00:42:49,599 --> 00:42:57,400 Good, I was afraid the last delivery might have strained our finances. 511 00:42:57,480 --> 00:43:03,599 Especially since pumping out the mine tunnels hasn't led to anything. 512 00:43:03,760 --> 00:43:06,639 Oh, it's always just about silver. 513 00:43:07,079 --> 00:43:11,400 But soon, very soon, we'll be emperor. 514 00:43:11,480 --> 00:43:15,480 Then there'll be no obstacle to further expenses. 515 00:43:15,679 --> 00:43:19,719 But until then, tell Fugger, we need... 516 00:43:19,880 --> 00:43:22,679 Further loans! 517 00:43:26,400 --> 00:43:30,480 But even his creditors were not bottomless pits, and 518 00:43:30,559 --> 00:43:33,599 Maximilian's mountain of debt grew increasingly, 519 00:43:33,800 --> 00:43:36,760 so he had to look for other sources of money, 520 00:43:36,840 --> 00:43:39,360 such as through marriage. 521 00:43:39,440 --> 00:43:41,199 What, what's this? 522 00:43:41,280 --> 00:43:42,639 We'll sell this one! 523 00:43:42,760 --> 00:43:44,159 He's a scoundrel! 524 00:43:45,119 --> 00:43:49,719 Or by granting further fiefs and noble titles to 525 00:43:49,800 --> 00:43:53,119 the Augsburg banking family, the Fuggers. 526 00:43:53,239 --> 00:43:59,320 He can go to hell! Tell Fugger he can go Fugger himself! 527 00:43:59,559 --> 00:44:01,039 Can he really do that? 528 00:44:01,119 --> 00:44:02,800 No, better not tell him. 529 00:44:02,880 --> 00:44:07,400 Better not tell him. We'll wait until we're emperor. 530 00:44:07,519 --> 00:44:14,840 And until then, we want to live - we must live, like a monk! 531 00:44:15,159 --> 00:44:19,360 Through the salaries of mercenaries in his numerous wars, 532 00:44:19,440 --> 00:44:23,559 his lavish lifestyle including jousting tournaments, 533 00:44:23,639 --> 00:44:28,119 and 30 illegitimate children, the so-called 534 00:44:28,199 --> 00:44:33,199 last knight drove state expenses to unimaginable heights. 535 00:44:42,760 --> 00:44:49,719 So that's him. He's magnificent! A beast! 536 00:44:52,039 --> 00:44:56,920 Certainly not exactly cheap even individually, 537 00:44:57,039 --> 00:45:01,119 but as a hunting dog, a true king! No! 538 00:45:01,239 --> 00:45:05,760 We meant emperor, of course - emperor! 539 00:45:05,840 --> 00:45:09,880 Emperor, good, good. 540 00:45:10,159 --> 00:45:12,519 Maximilian also loved hunting trips. 541 00:45:16,119 --> 00:45:19,880 Alright then, order me a full 542 00:45:20,159 --> 00:45:24,239 hundred such beasts... a hundred! 543 00:45:25,639 --> 00:45:29,880 And the mountain of debt would not exactly get any smaller. 544 00:45:50,000 --> 00:45:54,599 We've been working on Schloss Hanfelden for 545 00:45:54,719 --> 00:45:59,400 about 7 years now, trying to bring the castle into a state 546 00:45:59,519 --> 00:46:01,480 where it doesn't further deteriorate. 547 00:46:01,679 --> 00:46:05,519 Since the castle was inhabited until 1970, 548 00:46:05,639 --> 00:46:08,360 most recently by refugee families 549 00:46:08,599 --> 00:46:12,320 from Serbia, it has been maintained almost until today. 550 00:46:12,400 --> 00:46:16,679 Schloss Hanfelden has attracted attention, 551 00:46:16,760 --> 00:46:20,840 also in terms of tourism, early on in the 19th century 552 00:46:20,920 --> 00:46:23,679 because a room is furnished with the so-called 553 00:46:23,760 --> 00:46:26,039 Maximilian's inscription. 554 00:46:26,119 --> 00:46:29,960 This inscription states that Maximilian resided here 555 00:46:30,039 --> 00:46:33,480 while he dealt with the flooded mine. 556 00:46:33,559 --> 00:46:37,639 Since the inscription was created over a hundred years after his stay, 557 00:46:37,719 --> 00:46:41,920 it remains uncertain, whether he held court exactly here. 558 00:46:42,039 --> 00:46:45,840 Schloss Hanfelden has uniquely remained 559 00:46:46,000 --> 00:46:50,360 essentially unchanged for about 250-300 years. 560 00:46:50,559 --> 00:46:55,960 There have been signs of decay, but nothing significant has been rebuilt. 561 00:46:56,480 --> 00:47:01,278 Moreover, there are also medieval routes here, 562 00:47:01,320 --> 00:47:08,519 which have favored the construction of such remarkable castle complexes. 563 00:47:09,239 --> 00:47:13,719 We know of a toll that was collected exactly at this location, 564 00:47:13,840 --> 00:47:17,320 so the connection between the silver mine and 565 00:47:17,440 --> 00:47:20,679 Schloss Hanfelden is actually obvious. 566 00:47:21,199 --> 00:47:25,440 In the Middle Ages, tolls were demanded at numerous locations. 567 00:47:25,920 --> 00:47:29,599 In the Reformatio Sigismundi of 1476, 568 00:47:29,800 --> 00:47:33,360 the duties of the toll stations were defined, 569 00:47:33,599 --> 00:47:38,280 but there was still great arbitrariness in this work. 570 00:47:38,400 --> 00:47:42,159 The maintenance of the roads was one of the 571 00:47:42,320 --> 00:47:46,239 less strictly enforced duties of the toll lords. 572 00:47:46,360 --> 00:47:51,880 Travel with God, pilgrim. You don't have to pay a transit toll here. 573 00:47:52,039 --> 00:47:54,119 May God reward you. 574 00:48:01,119 --> 00:48:04,199 Good day! Name and reason for travel! 575 00:48:04,400 --> 00:48:07,159 Good morning! I just wanted to point out 576 00:48:07,400 --> 00:48:09,800 that the roads are not exactly well maintained. 577 00:48:10,000 --> 00:48:14,320 And at the last station, you dug quite a lot out of my purse. 578 00:48:15,719 --> 00:48:17,639 Do you see anything? 579 00:48:19,760 --> 00:48:22,360 Oh, today they seem to take especially long, 580 00:48:22,440 --> 00:48:25,119 I don't even have anything to declare. 581 00:48:25,199 --> 00:48:29,760 Forgive me, young lady, 4 denarii and a pound have been 582 00:48:29,840 --> 00:48:34,000 the standard rate of the small toll for hundreds of years 583 00:48:34,119 --> 00:48:38,320 and only deviates for expensive goods, as you know. 584 00:48:38,519 --> 00:48:45,199 And obviously not every road can be kept wagon-ready constantly in this weather. 585 00:48:45,360 --> 00:48:48,000 What do you have in your luggage? 586 00:48:48,079 --> 00:48:53,559 In principle, a distinction was made between large tolls and small tolls. 587 00:48:53,639 --> 00:48:56,800 The large toll - "muta magna" - was assessed depending 588 00:48:56,920 --> 00:48:59,960 on the value and weight of the goods, 589 00:49:00,079 --> 00:49:04,800 while the small toll, "lusezoll" or "leiszoll," was more like 590 00:49:04,880 --> 00:49:09,000 a usage fee depending on the means of transportation. 591 00:49:09,119 --> 00:49:11,599 I have nothing of note with me. 592 00:49:11,719 --> 00:49:14,000 And anyway, only small amounts for personal use. 593 00:49:14,079 --> 00:49:17,920 Personal use is generally exempt, as you know. 594 00:49:18,000 --> 00:49:23,199 So you won't mind a cautious look. 595 00:49:32,119 --> 00:49:36,280 The beautiful gold of the Alps! In large quantities! 596 00:49:36,440 --> 00:49:40,440 For that, muta magna is required! 597 00:49:40,559 --> 00:49:46,159 Hey, those are dandelion roots for my rabbits! Or does it look like speik to you? 598 00:49:46,360 --> 00:49:50,159 Perhaps it's not genuine speik, but the Italian nobility 599 00:49:50,320 --> 00:49:53,559 loves the imitation just as much! 600 00:49:53,679 --> 00:49:56,199 We'll measure it with gold. 601 00:49:56,400 --> 00:50:01,480 Excuse me, what? This is robbery, not a toll - as everyone always says! 602 00:50:02,280 --> 00:50:08,480 Individual social groups were favored or even exempted from the toll. 603 00:50:08,559 --> 00:50:11,639 But those who were asked to pay 604 00:50:11,719 --> 00:50:15,199 often had to transport their goods on specific routes 605 00:50:15,280 --> 00:50:18,840 and were hardly allowed to deviate. 606 00:50:18,960 --> 00:50:23,280 The controlling authorities could be very unpleasant at times. 607 00:50:24,440 --> 00:50:29,039 I'm used to it already, but today they're particularly annoying! 608 00:50:31,039 --> 00:50:32,480 Look at them! 609 00:50:33,320 --> 00:50:38,559 The strictly controlled toll stations were not easy to bypass. 610 00:50:40,559 --> 00:50:48,079 Personal favors and bribes to officials were certainly not uncommon. 611 00:50:53,519 --> 00:50:58,079 Pilgrims were usually not required to pay tolls, 612 00:50:58,199 --> 00:51:03,280 but they were not safe from the arbitrariness of the officials either. 613 00:51:09,880 --> 00:51:14,320 Today they even tax pilgrims as if they were Jews! 614 00:51:14,400 --> 00:51:17,199 What? Twice as much as usual? 615 00:51:17,280 --> 00:51:20,679 Specially tariffs applied to Jews, which were usually 616 00:51:20,760 --> 00:51:23,599 twice as high as the generally customary ones. 617 00:51:23,679 --> 00:51:27,519 Moreover, they had to pay body toll, which was 618 00:51:27,599 --> 00:51:31,079 levied even when transporting a dead Jew. 619 00:51:40,679 --> 00:51:44,280 Avoidance of toll stations by circumventing the control 620 00:51:44,440 --> 00:51:50,400 or using secret routes was punished as smuggling. 621 00:52:02,119 --> 00:52:06,199 At least you couldn't get caught. 622 00:52:19,119 --> 00:52:22,400 Smuggler! Stop! Hold him! 623 00:52:22,639 --> 00:52:27,320 When smuggling, the aim was to bypass the toll stations, 624 00:52:27,440 --> 00:52:32,639 and this was of course punished more severely than theft. 625 00:52:32,719 --> 00:52:38,880 Because it wasn't just about the smuggled goods, but also about the unpaid toll. 626 00:52:49,800 --> 00:52:51,800 Get lost! 627 00:52:53,039 --> 00:52:59,559 Mica schist is the basic component of the mountain, along with white marble. 628 00:52:59,639 --> 00:53:02,960 Between these layers lies the coveted galena, 629 00:53:03,039 --> 00:53:07,840 mainly with silver and other metal inclusions. 630 00:53:08,000 --> 00:53:11,239 Other stones are also found in the mountain, 631 00:53:11,400 --> 00:53:17,920 such as white barite or the rare Zeiringite, 632 00:53:18,119 --> 00:53:22,000 named after Oberzeiring. 633 00:53:31,840 --> 00:53:35,639 To extract the silver from the galena, 634 00:53:35,760 --> 00:53:39,360 a clay furnace called ‘Rennofen’ had to be built first. 635 00:53:42,480 --> 00:53:50,480 The furnace's shape was slowly built up by hand in layers of stacked rings. 636 00:53:52,760 --> 00:53:57,000 Once the furnace was completely dry and fired, 637 00:53:57,079 --> 00:54:01,119 it could be heated through a central opening. 638 00:54:01,239 --> 00:54:06,519 Galena was alternately stacked with coal in the bloomery. 639 00:54:06,599 --> 00:54:09,519 The furnace had to reach about a thousand 640 00:54:09,599 --> 00:54:12,119 degrees Celsius for the silver to melt. 641 00:54:12,679 --> 00:54:18,199 After several hours, it was carefully cracked open at the bottom. 642 00:54:19,719 --> 00:54:24,320 The silver was collected and passed on for coin processing. 643 00:54:26,360 --> 00:54:30,840 In the mint, the tool issue was meticulously 644 00:54:30,920 --> 00:54:34,960 controlled by the ironworker. 645 00:54:35,760 --> 00:54:37,119 At the end of the shift, 646 00:54:37,199 --> 00:54:40,440 none of the inventory items could to be missing. 647 00:54:44,159 --> 00:54:49,119 This foreman checked the silver alloy for its copper content. 648 00:54:49,199 --> 00:54:52,039 The coinage standard. 649 00:54:54,360 --> 00:55:00,199 On behalf of the sovereign, the mintmaster purchased silver at his own risk. 650 00:55:04,880 --> 00:55:09,280 His goal was to achieve a quality level that was 651 00:55:09,519 --> 00:55:13,639 just high enough to put it into circulation. 652 00:55:16,440 --> 00:55:20,559 The caster poured the silver onto hard metal plates. 653 00:55:22,079 --> 00:55:28,039 The dyesmiths hammered the rough cast into sheets - called 'Zaine'. 654 00:55:28,559 --> 00:55:33,039 The well-coordinated team hammered in the same rhythm. 655 00:55:33,159 --> 00:55:36,880 It was exhausting work, but the prospect 656 00:55:36,960 --> 00:55:41,000 of a drink during lunch break lifted the morale. 657 00:55:41,119 --> 00:55:45,119 Slowly, Zaine, as thick as paper, formed from them. 658 00:55:45,199 --> 00:55:49,440 The mintmaster always checked the quality during this process. 659 00:55:49,519 --> 00:55:53,880 Between all work steps in which rejects are produced, 660 00:55:53,960 --> 00:55:57,159 The mintmaster always checked the quality during this process. 661 00:55:57,840 --> 00:56:01,679 If, for example, the scrap master returns with the blanks, 662 00:56:01,800 --> 00:56:05,318 not only are they weighed, but also 663 00:56:05,360 --> 00:56:10,037 the offcuts, what is left all around is weighed. 664 00:56:10,079 --> 00:56:17,679 To control that so silver went missing and no one could have pocketed anything. 665 00:56:27,239 --> 00:56:34,199 Above all, the mintmaster earned with the annually inferior, 666 00:56:34,280 --> 00:56:38,079 thinner pennies, which led to inflation. 667 00:56:44,079 --> 00:56:47,639 After the dyesmiths were allowed to rest their hammers, 668 00:56:47,719 --> 00:56:52,840 the scrap master took over cutting the silver into 669 00:56:52,920 --> 00:56:55,679 ‘Schrötlinge’ meaning coin blanks. 670 00:57:00,480 --> 00:57:03,519 Gradually, with a lot of imagination, 671 00:57:03,599 --> 00:57:08,480 a circle could be recognized in the shape of the coins. 672 00:57:10,599 --> 00:57:16,119 These skilled craftsmen belonged to the civic elite. 673 00:57:18,239 --> 00:57:26,159 The specialists had uniquely trained ears to determine the quality of the blanks. 674 00:57:26,519 --> 00:57:32,239 The timbre determined whether the budding penny was sent back 675 00:57:32,320 --> 00:57:35,199 for melting or further for stamping. 676 00:57:38,119 --> 00:57:43,119 Coins that sounded too high or low were ruthlessly sorted out. 677 00:57:46,000 --> 00:57:50,679 Weight was the main factor in determining the value of the coin 678 00:57:50,760 --> 00:57:54,480 and more important than the shape or minting quality. 679 00:57:55,159 --> 00:57:59,480 As everyday currency, the coins were only engraved on one side, 680 00:57:59,559 --> 00:58:03,440 called 'bracteates' in technical terms. 681 00:58:03,519 --> 00:58:09,559 The minting was done with a single precise and powerful blow. 682 00:58:09,880 --> 00:58:13,199 And the coin was ready. 683 00:58:13,920 --> 00:58:18,440 There are finds of the 'Zeiring Penny' 684 00:58:18,519 --> 00:58:23,280 which means the execution site already exists for a long time 685 00:58:23,880 --> 00:58:31,157 Mining goes further back historically than the late Middle Ages. 686 00:58:31,199 --> 00:58:35,800 We're talking the about the Roman times. 687 00:58:36,320 --> 00:58:40,119 There are also coin finds from the execution site. 688 00:58:47,760 --> 00:58:53,000 Imagine it like a festival. Miners, farmers, 689 00:58:53,079 --> 00:58:57,840 children came to witness and watch this execution. 690 00:58:58,800 --> 00:59:03,758 Court proceedings and executions took place outdoors. 691 00:59:03,800 --> 00:59:05,519 When will you finally start!? Get on with it! 692 00:59:06,599 --> 00:59:09,480 A distinction was made between serious felonies 693 00:59:09,599 --> 00:59:11,840 robbery, murder, and manslaughter - 694 00:59:11,920 --> 00:59:14,159 and lesser offenses. 695 00:59:14,239 --> 00:59:17,519 Such as theft, insult, brawls, and adultery, 696 00:59:17,599 --> 00:59:20,599 which led to illegitimate children. 697 00:59:20,679 --> 00:59:21,960 Keep your foul mouth shut! 698 00:59:22,199 --> 00:59:28,639 People! We are gathered here to exercise high jurisdiction. 699 00:59:28,719 --> 00:59:33,239 This is as a court by God and Emperor's grace, 700 00:59:33,320 --> 00:59:38,079 charged with the announcement of penalties 701 00:59:38,159 --> 00:59:44,800 on skin and hair as well as with the execution of judgments of neck and hand. 702 00:59:47,159 --> 00:59:52,880 Unlike turnips, apples, and onions, lemons were rare in the Middle Ages, 703 00:59:52,960 --> 00:59:56,559 and only recently introduced by Crusaders from the Orient. 704 00:59:57,800 --> 01:00:00,197 Punishments on skin and hair could include 705 01:00:00,239 --> 01:00:03,000 head shaving for adultery and fornication, 706 01:00:03,199 --> 01:00:08,199 the whipping punishment for disobedient serfs, 707 01:00:08,280 --> 01:00:13,480 and the chopping off of the head for noble felons. 708 01:00:18,679 --> 01:00:20,679 Your first time? 709 01:00:24,760 --> 01:00:30,039 Already known in the Middle Ages was broccoli, then fell into oblivion 710 01:00:30,119 --> 01:00:35,400 and has been - more or less - popular since the 1970s again. 711 01:00:37,039 --> 01:00:40,480 However, there is no evidence that a banana 712 01:00:40,559 --> 01:00:44,239 would have made it's way to Europe at that time. 713 01:00:44,360 --> 01:00:45,960 Where is he?! 714 01:00:46,039 --> 01:00:47,480 Did we forget something? 715 01:00:47,559 --> 01:00:53,280 Vigilantism was not a legal option for the common people. 716 01:00:53,360 --> 01:00:57,039 Don't do that, that won't hold, that's a specialist's work. 717 01:00:57,480 --> 01:01:00,920 They're getting quite restless, ah, where the heck is he? 718 01:01:02,280 --> 01:01:05,119 What do you mean, they couldn't afford you? 719 01:01:05,920 --> 01:01:10,239 Couldn't or wouldn't, it's all the same to me. 720 01:01:10,320 --> 01:01:14,639 As long as they don't pay, the head stays on the neck! 721 01:01:21,599 --> 01:01:27,559 Such an execution was very expensive. A hangman had to come from Graz. 722 01:01:27,719 --> 01:01:31,920 He had to come specially, spend the night. 723 01:01:32,239 --> 01:01:34,480 So, where is the hangman? 724 01:01:34,559 --> 01:01:38,480 Execution without a hangman proved difficult. 725 01:01:38,559 --> 01:01:41,760 Couldn't they afford the hangman? Then what are we even here for? 726 01:01:41,840 --> 01:01:43,119 Just acquit him! 727 01:01:43,199 --> 01:01:45,880 What? Acquit him? No, not again! 728 01:01:46,000 --> 01:01:50,880 Your Honor! You must admonish the rabble, we have no executioner. 729 01:01:50,960 --> 01:01:55,400 Not again. Oh, yes, exactly, we'll do that. 730 01:01:55,800 --> 01:01:57,920 Fine, we'll do that. 731 01:01:59,559 --> 01:02:04,559 So they have behaved themselves nicely, 732 01:02:04,639 --> 01:02:09,119 they have behaved well in the cell, they were decent the last 3 days, 733 01:02:09,199 --> 01:02:17,199 they only ate a little, didn't throw any excrement at the wall or at the guards. 734 01:02:17,519 --> 01:02:21,480 They behaved well, we can say they had good conduct. 735 01:02:21,559 --> 01:02:27,920 And so I sentence them to depart with a warning. 736 01:02:28,440 --> 01:02:33,039 And in the future, behave! 737 01:02:33,400 --> 01:02:39,519 Medieval jurisprudence still suffered from great arbitrariness. 738 01:02:40,760 --> 01:02:43,039 Does that apply to me too? 739 01:02:43,159 --> 01:02:46,320 Just don't say anything, it doesn't matter anyway. 740 01:02:49,880 --> 01:02:53,318 Even today, remnants of a gallows can be found 741 01:02:53,360 --> 01:02:58,880 between Unterzeiring and Katzling. Before this there stood a wooden gallows, 742 01:02:58,960 --> 01:03:03,559 where in the Middle Ages the high court was held in the Birkachwald, 743 01:03:03,639 --> 01:03:06,079 punishments were carried out, 744 01:03:06,159 --> 01:03:10,280 and delinquents had to be buried outside the cemetery. 745 01:03:13,119 --> 01:03:18,880 Macabre, as I always say - the mountain miners didn't get very old then, 746 01:03:18,960 --> 01:03:22,679 and back then one probably died from the poor air quality, 747 01:03:22,760 --> 01:03:27,559 especially in the mine. Because setting fires created 748 01:03:27,639 --> 01:03:33,119 a lot of smoke, and the strong draft and moisture on top of it. 749 01:03:41,039 --> 01:03:45,159 Well, woodcutter, did your old lady let you out again?! 750 01:03:47,119 --> 01:03:50,360 How ruined do you look for God's sake? 751 01:03:50,440 --> 01:03:53,840 That's what you look like when you're rich! 752 01:03:57,440 --> 01:03:59,960 You won't have your silver for long anyway, 753 01:04:00,039 --> 01:04:03,480 soon as the devil always takes you mountain miners. 754 01:04:03,559 --> 01:04:06,440 We wouldn't want to get as old as you anyway! 755 01:04:10,760 --> 01:04:13,039 I'm only 12! 756 01:04:16,760 --> 01:04:19,039 Yeah, that's how it is. 757 01:04:19,119 --> 01:04:22,039 Alright, now we're going bowling. Bye! See you later, woodcutter! 758 01:04:22,840 --> 01:04:28,800 The fact miners rarely lived past 35 due to the lack of oxygen, 759 01:04:28,880 --> 01:04:33,159 they they with a healthy dose of black humor. 760 01:04:36,400 --> 01:04:43,239 Ironically, a lung sanatorium today offers patients recovery in dust-free, 761 01:04:43,320 --> 01:04:46,320 radon-rich air at the same location. 762 01:04:55,360 --> 01:05:00,800 At least minor air circulation was provided by shafts 763 01:05:00,880 --> 01:05:04,239 for the removal of debris and water. 764 01:05:04,320 --> 01:05:09,239 The spool with the rope was greased with tallow at both ends. 765 01:05:10,880 --> 01:05:14,119 Next to ascending the climbing trees, 766 01:05:14,199 --> 01:05:19,079 such cranks or reels, were an additional means of transportation 767 01:05:19,159 --> 01:05:23,199 while wearing backpacks, also known as "rope riding." 768 01:05:24,719 --> 01:05:28,800 Go on, fill it up and lift it! 769 01:05:44,639 --> 01:05:46,880 Good job boy! 770 01:05:46,960 --> 01:05:49,480 You did a good job too! 771 01:06:00,719 --> 01:06:04,400 Abseiling in the hauling buckets was only 772 01:06:04,480 --> 01:06:08,159 possible in a few places in Oberzeiring. 773 01:06:24,599 --> 01:06:28,760 The massive raw material demand of the mine ensured that 774 01:06:28,840 --> 01:06:32,639 the mountains in the surrounding area 775 01:06:32,719 --> 01:06:36,400 were already deforested in the Middle Ages. 776 01:06:52,920 --> 01:06:54,840 Timber! 777 01:07:03,239 --> 01:07:06,157 Not only for building timber and pine splinters, 778 01:07:06,199 --> 01:07:11,159 vast amounts of spruce wood were also consumed by charcoal burners. 779 01:07:29,000 --> 01:07:36,280 Older and injured miners found employment in quieter activities on the surface. 780 01:07:36,599 --> 01:07:39,039 For example, with the charcoal burners. 781 01:07:39,119 --> 01:07:40,639 So, how are you doing? 782 01:07:41,159 --> 01:07:42,639 Uh... yeah. 783 01:07:46,119 --> 01:07:50,519 Smelting was only possible in forested areas. 784 01:07:50,920 --> 01:07:54,679 The charcoal burners, who lived secluded in the forest, 785 01:07:54,800 --> 01:07:58,280 represented an important profession for the industry. 786 01:08:03,840 --> 01:08:08,679 The guild of the miners resembled a modern insurance company. 787 01:08:08,760 --> 01:08:15,760 They stepped in for the family of the disabled person and found him a suitable job. 788 01:08:19,520 --> 01:08:22,239 Due to the toxic gases emitted, 789 01:08:22,439 --> 01:08:28,079 the charcoal kilns were always located outside the villages. 790 01:08:36,079 --> 01:08:41,000 The insurance of the profession was not limited. 791 01:08:41,159 --> 01:08:44,600 As a result, recovery sometimes took a bit longer. 792 01:08:53,760 --> 01:08:58,520 Speik, "Valeriana Celtica," had been a coveted medicinal 793 01:08:58,600 --> 01:09:03,000 and cosmetic plant from the Eastern Alps since antiquity. 794 01:09:04,720 --> 01:09:12,039 Root diggers or speik harvesters were landless members of rural lower classes. 795 01:09:12,319 --> 01:09:18,159 These were mainly woodcutters, former miners, and charcoal burners, 796 01:09:18,239 --> 01:09:22,920 later also specially employed women. 797 01:09:28,800 --> 01:09:36,640 For harvesting, a sophisticated, specialized tool, the speik hoe, was used. 798 01:09:38,880 --> 01:09:45,319 The work was extremely laborious and left no leisure time. 799 01:09:49,039 --> 01:09:55,119 Boiled in milk or wine, speik became a popular medicine. 800 01:10:11,199 --> 01:10:16,199 Thus, Styria was very significant for the extraction of genuine speik. 801 01:10:16,279 --> 01:10:22,680 Particularly notable is Judenburg, which was a center of speik processing. 802 01:10:24,479 --> 01:10:28,920 The harvesting season for speik was from mid-August to mid-September, 803 01:10:29,000 --> 01:10:34,439 when the leaves turned yellow and it developed the most fragrance. 804 01:10:40,560 --> 01:10:44,960 Where the habitat is suitable, where there are 805 01:10:45,039 --> 01:10:49,039 alpine meadows, that's where speik really grows frequently. 806 01:10:49,119 --> 01:10:55,560 So there's one plant, and next to it, another and another and another. 807 01:11:00,720 --> 01:11:05,920 In addition to their main transport goods grain, wine, and salt, 808 01:11:06,000 --> 01:11:10,880 muleteers were also available for transporting small quantities. 809 01:11:11,800 --> 01:11:18,439 Muleteers formed into columns or pack trains. 810 01:11:18,520 --> 01:11:22,920 They would travel with up to 30 animals. 811 01:11:23,960 --> 01:11:30,359 And sumpter - or pack animal transport was actually practiced everywhere. 812 01:11:32,399 --> 01:11:39,520 Long before the horse was used as a riding animal, it served as a pack animal. 813 01:11:46,039 --> 01:11:50,319 To avoid congestion at narrow passages in the mountains, 814 01:11:50,399 --> 01:11:54,479 muleteers announced themselves from afar with bells. 815 01:11:56,119 --> 01:12:00,000 From this time comes the German expression 816 01:12:00,079 --> 01:12:03,600 'keine Zeit versäumen' 817 01:12:05,159 --> 01:12:10,720 Speik is most widespread in the eastern Styrian Alps. 818 01:12:13,199 --> 01:12:19,560 Judenburg had an imperial trade monopoly and through Genoa and Venice, 819 01:12:19,640 --> 01:12:25,880 several tons were exported annually to the Orient, especially Egypt. 820 01:12:29,880 --> 01:12:36,279 However, the journey of the muleteers should not end at the borders of Austria. 821 01:12:36,560 --> 01:12:41,760 It led them in lands where the people knew how to appreciate good smells 822 01:12:41,840 --> 01:12:47,399 and the refined life of the slowly emerging early Renaissance. 823 01:12:48,039 --> 01:12:49,880 Italy 824 01:12:50,960 --> 01:12:55,920 Venice was the final destination for the Alpine herbs. 825 01:12:56,000 --> 01:12:59,640 Where something, perhaps the scent of the canal, 826 01:12:59,720 --> 01:13:05,600 made aristocrats particularly appreciate the soothing scents of Alpine herbs. 827 01:13:08,199 --> 01:13:14,159 However, the journey of the muleteers here was fraught with risk: 828 01:13:14,239 --> 01:13:18,279 They were not allowed to travel further south 829 01:13:18,359 --> 01:13:21,880 than this point, and there were strict customs. 830 01:13:22,159 --> 01:13:26,920 At the Fondaco dei Tedeschi on the Grand Canal, 831 01:13:27,000 --> 01:13:31,399 all journeys of the Germans, Flemish, Hungarians, 832 01:13:31,600 --> 01:13:37,840 and Austrians came to an end; only the Venetians went further south. 833 01:13:38,000 --> 01:13:42,880 And so, they could only conduct their business 834 01:13:42,960 --> 01:13:47,199 under official supervision. The goods were strictly controlled. 835 01:13:47,359 --> 01:13:48,720 Buongiorno 836 01:13:49,000 --> 01:13:53,119 The speik had to be checked for authenticity. 837 01:13:53,199 --> 01:13:57,478 The noses of the Venetians were discerning, 838 01:13:57,520 --> 01:14:00,640 so muleteers with counterfeit speik made the journey in vain. 839 01:14:08,079 --> 01:14:13,159 All the happier were the traders when they could claim success. 840 01:14:16,479 --> 01:14:24,479 For the weight of the speik was weighed in gold - it is said. 841 01:14:31,960 --> 01:14:38,239 Fortunately, the Styrians were already known as a lovable people back then. 842 01:14:38,319 --> 01:14:43,159 And people gladly did business with them. 843 01:14:48,680 --> 01:14:54,920 And because extraction of perfume had been invented as early 844 01:14:55,000 --> 01:15:00,319 as the 13th century the substances could be preserved in alcohol. 845 01:15:01,800 --> 01:15:05,920 An invaluable treasure. 846 01:15:15,159 --> 01:15:18,159 The scent of the Alps. 847 01:15:31,680 --> 01:15:35,359 We muleteers are like Murtal crumbled cheese. 848 01:15:35,479 --> 01:15:39,079 With age, we only get stronger and sharper. 849 01:15:48,680 --> 01:15:53,079 In my time, we used to play with only a piece of wood. 850 01:15:53,159 --> 01:15:55,159 Or went bowling. 851 01:15:55,560 --> 01:16:00,600 Or don't you know that here, in the old days, they used to bowl with silver balls? 852 01:16:00,880 --> 01:16:03,079 And do we remember! 853 01:16:04,159 --> 01:16:07,199 In Zeiring, in the marketplace near the Green Woodpecker, 854 01:16:07,279 --> 01:16:09,117 people merrily bowl, laugh, and carouse. 855 01:16:10,439 --> 01:16:13,640 Laugh, scold, carouse, and curse, 856 01:16:13,720 --> 01:16:17,199 not even the devil himself could do any worse. 857 01:16:17,279 --> 01:16:20,800 Drunken brawlers and quarreling dogs, 858 01:16:20,880 --> 01:16:25,880 and dancers and harlots mix and mingle. 859 01:16:26,880 --> 01:16:30,039 And deep in the corner, clinking and tapping, 860 01:16:30,119 --> 01:16:33,520 the dulcimer player kept the beat. 861 01:16:34,039 --> 01:16:37,359 Wine drips from table and bench, 862 01:16:37,439 --> 01:16:40,960 coins roll on the ground. 863 01:16:41,279 --> 01:16:44,239 And the innkeeper smiles cheerfully, 864 01:16:44,319 --> 01:16:47,880 as if he heard the angels fiddle. 865 01:16:49,159 --> 01:16:52,479 And do you know who today, at the Green Woodpecker, 866 01:16:52,560 --> 01:16:55,760 bowls, makes noise, and carouses so cheerfully, 867 01:16:55,920 --> 01:16:59,279 it's the miners of Zeiring. 868 01:16:59,359 --> 01:17:03,079 The pockets full of silver, the silver in the mine, 869 01:17:03,159 --> 01:17:06,800 has made everyone's heads spin. 870 01:17:06,880 --> 01:17:10,319 They fancy themselves free of lords and kings, 871 01:17:10,399 --> 01:17:15,079 and would've even dethroned God Father himself. 872 01:17:16,239 --> 01:17:19,800 "Hey, scoundrel," shouts now the foreman loudly, 873 01:17:19,880 --> 01:17:23,039 "come forth, whoever dares to bowl with me. 874 01:17:23,520 --> 01:17:26,880 I'll boldly wager this jar of coins here, 875 01:17:26,960 --> 01:17:30,079 that I'll swiftly knock down all nine." 876 01:17:31,319 --> 01:17:34,119 "Good luck, comrades! So be it, so be it!" 877 01:17:34,640 --> 01:17:37,640 The gang cheers wildly, with chaotic cries. 878 01:17:38,000 --> 01:17:41,319 "Good luck, good luck, let's empty the cups, 879 01:17:41,399 --> 01:17:45,079 so the devil may grant us luck!" 880 01:17:46,039 --> 01:17:49,439 Then steps in, a delicate child by the hand, 881 01:17:49,520 --> 01:17:52,479 wrapped in a poor, gray garment, 882 01:17:52,560 --> 01:17:55,479 an elderly woman from the street, 883 01:17:55,560 --> 01:17:58,239 to see what all the jubilation is about. 884 01:17:58,760 --> 01:18:01,359 The joyful child is greatly amused, 885 01:18:01,439 --> 01:18:04,880 It hops and peers back and forth. 886 01:18:05,439 --> 01:18:08,157 And as outside, the pins fall, 887 01:18:09,359 --> 01:18:12,359 so it laughs with a bright sound. 888 01:18:12,439 --> 01:18:14,840 "Do you like it out there, you monkey face," 889 01:18:14,920 --> 01:18:18,159 shouts one at it: "Don't stare your eyes out then!" 890 01:18:18,239 --> 01:18:20,920 Another sneers: "That's funny, isn't it? 891 01:18:21,000 --> 01:18:23,037 I'll show you something even better up close!" 892 01:18:24,039 --> 01:18:26,880 Then he decapitates the child and cruelly rolls 893 01:18:26,960 --> 01:18:30,159 the bloody head out into the pins, 894 01:18:30,239 --> 01:18:32,600 so swiftly, as if with eerie strength, 895 01:18:32,680 --> 01:18:35,840 it knocks them all down to the ground. 896 01:18:35,920 --> 01:18:38,479 Then the wild, ugly crowd 897 01:18:38,560 --> 01:18:41,760 erupts in mad and neighing laughter. 898 01:18:41,840 --> 01:18:44,880 But the old woman is silent and stares, 899 01:18:44,960 --> 01:18:48,159 ghastly into the scene, trembling and nodding. 900 01:18:48,239 --> 01:18:51,359 And she bends down and throws gravel and earth, 901 01:18:51,439 --> 01:18:54,520 in a circle around with strange gestures, 902 01:18:54,600 --> 01:18:57,600 and murmurs a terrible incantation, 903 01:18:57,680 --> 01:19:01,079 wherein every word is a tenfold curse. 904 01:19:01,159 --> 01:19:04,319 There stood horrified, hair bristling, 905 01:19:04,399 --> 01:19:07,800 the pale crowd, still with laughing faces. 906 01:19:08,079 --> 01:19:11,920 But the old woman in the gray garment, 907 01:19:12,000 --> 01:19:17,199 like storm clouds against the mountain, disappeared. 908 01:19:21,359 --> 01:19:25,159 And when in the mine on the next workday 909 01:19:25,239 --> 01:19:29,439 the first hammer strikes resound, 910 01:19:30,439 --> 01:19:36,039 the ground trembles and with thunderous roar 911 01:19:36,520 --> 01:19:44,520 shaft and miner plunge into darkness and horror. 912 01:20:47,760 --> 01:20:52,560 Many legends are told of the supposed flooding. 913 01:20:52,640 --> 01:20:57,159 One chilling tale recounts the demise of the mine, 914 01:20:57,239 --> 01:21:03,479 where 1400 women of Oberzeiring are said to have become widows. 915 01:21:03,560 --> 01:21:07,640 In actual fact, large parts of the tunnels 916 01:21:07,720 --> 01:21:11,399 below Oberzeiring are still flooded to this day. 917 01:21:12,199 --> 01:21:18,199 The depletion of the ore deposit and the increasing effort to pump out groundwater 918 01:21:18,279 --> 01:21:22,079 led, at the end of the Middle Ages, 919 01:21:22,159 --> 01:21:27,720 to the inhabitants of Zeiring largely abandoning mining. 920 01:21:39,279 --> 01:21:43,199 Zeiring without a mine, huh? Hard to imagine. 921 01:21:43,960 --> 01:21:45,760 Guess we'll have to come up with something else. 922 01:21:45,840 --> 01:21:47,800 Like what? 923 01:21:47,880 --> 01:21:50,039 You've already done so many different things. 924 01:21:50,159 --> 01:21:52,880 What was the next best thing after being a miner? 925 01:21:54,800 --> 01:21:58,159 Peddler! That's it. 926 01:21:58,279 --> 01:22:00,720 That's the profession of the future, mark my words. 927 01:22:00,800 --> 01:22:02,520 Another peddler, great. 928 01:22:02,600 --> 01:22:04,039 What? 929 01:22:04,119 --> 01:22:06,800 It's fine, I'll explain to you how it works. 930 01:22:06,880 --> 01:22:08,880 First, we need an investor. 931 01:22:08,960 --> 01:22:11,199 And little Stefan, 932 01:22:12,239 --> 01:22:15,239 he needs to learn how to use an abacus. 933 01:22:15,680 --> 01:22:19,560 Hmm, could it be that the smart gentleman doesn't know 934 01:22:19,640 --> 01:22:23,279 quite as much about this topic as he does about mining? 935 01:22:24,439 --> 01:22:27,279 I have an uncle who will show us how it's done. 936 01:22:27,359 --> 01:22:29,520 Here - Stefan! 937 01:22:32,039 --> 01:22:33,880 Come here! 938 01:22:33,960 --> 01:22:35,319 Good boy! 939 01:22:36,640 --> 01:22:40,640 Well, look at that, they're not doing too badly for their first time outside, huh? 940 01:22:40,720 --> 01:22:43,039 Wouldn't it be nice if they could bring us a rabbit? 941 01:22:43,119 --> 01:22:44,399 That would be something. 942 01:22:44,479 --> 01:22:45,840 That's true. 943 01:22:45,920 --> 01:22:48,560 Well, maybe they'll figure it out. Let's see. 944 01:22:48,840 --> 01:22:51,159 Somehow we'll make it work. 945 01:22:51,239 --> 01:22:53,640 It's going to be exciting, just the two of us. 946 01:22:54,159 --> 01:22:56,359 While we still have to feed those two as well. 947 01:22:57,479 --> 01:23:01,239 The side valleys of the Triebener Tauern 948 01:23:01,319 --> 01:23:04,760 are still marked by their legends and history. 949 01:23:04,840 --> 01:23:08,479 Even today travelers hike along old muleteers paths 950 01:23:08,560 --> 01:23:11,359 and visit the enchanted ruins 951 01:23:11,439 --> 01:23:14,720 ...and the impressive mine. 952 01:23:16,119 --> 01:23:18,119 Ah goddammit!