NEW INSIGHTS ON THE CHANGES OF TOWNSCAPE IN 14TH-CENTURY TARTU

Abstract

In this article I will discuss some of the changes in the townscape of Tartu in the 14th century and analyze how these changes could have been related to the re-planning of the town area. The topics examined in this article cover the medieval waste management, the erection of stone buildings, the existence and purpose of the defences in the riverside part of the town, and the workers behind all the construction activities in Tartu. The present research suggests that the disposal of waste was regulated by the town laws which were valid only within the limits of the town area, enclosed by town wall, and therefore did not apply to the suburbs. In earlier studies, the introduction of brick buildings to Tartu has been dated from the end of the 14th century to the 15th century. Based on new information, the