Basterna

A Basterna ( gr βαστάζω; ger also mule litter ) is a litter -like transport that was used in antiquity and the early Middle Ages. Primarily with a Basterna traveled women.

The construction consists of a round closed cabin, which is bonded via two transverse bars on two flanking mules.

Gregory of Tours is the use of the Basterna still in the early Middle Ages. He reported that the Roman aristocrat Deoteria killed mid-6th century, out of jealousy her own daughter by letting put the girl in a Basterna that had been tied instead of mules on two wild bulls. The animals tore the litter in the Meuse and the girl drowned.

Swell

• Gregory of Tours, Historiae III, 26