This drawing was made 700 years ago by a 7-years-old boy named Onfim who lived in Novogrod.

In the 1950s, archaeologists working near the historic city of Novgorod, Russia, uncovered an extraordinary treasure trove: hundreds of birch bark fragments inscribed with handwritten texts, dating from the 11th to the 15th century. These 915 birch bark manuscripts (known as beresty) provide an unparalleled window into the daily lives, communications, and even the school experiences of medieval Russians.

A Medieval Mailbox: Letters, Notes, and Even a Marriage Proposal

Most of the discovered birch bark items consist of letters, notes, and business receipts, revealing the everyday hustle and bustle of medieval Novgorod. Imagine these scraps as the equivalent of today’s handwritten mail and personal notes. Among them, one piece stands out for its heartfelt sentiment: a marriage proposal from a man named Mikita to his beloved Anna. The note reads:

“Marry me — I want you and you want me, and the witness to that is Ignat Moiseev.” (Item 377)

This tender message offers a surprisingly intimate glimpse into relationships and social customs nearly a millennium ago.

The Most Enchanting Finds: Medieval Schoolboy Scribbles

Yet, the most captivating and unusual manuscripts are those linked to a 13th-century classroom. These birch bark fragments were once used by young students learning to write and read. The boys practiced alphabets, copied short texts, and gradually filled the bark with their scribbles and doodles — a testament to the universal experience of childhood boredom and creativity.

Bark: The Perfect Medieval Blackboard

Birch bark proved to be an excellent writing surface for the era. It was abundant, easy to cut into manageable pieces, and perfect for short-term writing exercises. Unlike expensive parchment or vellum, birch bark could be readily used and discarded, making it ideal for school exercises and casual notes.

Onfim and His Epic Doodles

Among the most famous scribblers was a boy named Onfim, whose drawings survive vividly on these bark pieces. His doodles include rough but expressive sketches: a figure brandishing a sword triumphing over a monstrous beast, individuals with exaggeratedly large hands, and other playful images.

Onfim even signed his name next to the victorious warrior figure, immortalizing himself as a young hero of medieval Novgorod. These drawings offer a rare, heartwarming peek into the life of a 13th-century child, capturing moments of joy, imagination, and the universal urge to create art even during tedious lessons.

What These Manuscripts Reveal About Medieval Society

Beyond their charm, these birch bark manuscripts serve as a critical historical record. They reveal:

• Literacy in everyday life: The texts show that literacy was not confined to monks or nobles but was spreading among merchants, officials, and even children.

• Social interactions: Personal letters and business notes provide details on trade, family life, and social norms.

• Education practices: The schoolboy writings reveal teaching methods, curricula, and children’s experiences in medieval Russian schools.

• Artistic expression: The drawings prove that creativity was an essential part of childhood even 800 years ago.

Visit Novgorod’s Museum to See These Unique Artifacts

Today, many of these birch bark manuscripts are housed in museums in Novgorod and Moscow, offering historians, educators, and curious visitors a tangible connection to medieval life. They are among the most important archaeological discoveries for understanding the culture and everyday experiences of Eastern Europe’s medieval past.