In 2004, an excavation of a tumulus in Rembeç, Albania, uncovered several small metal finds. The finds mainly consist of earrings, rings, buckles, beads and knives, which are generally dated...Show moreIn 2004, an excavation of a tumulus in Rembeç, Albania, uncovered several small metal finds. The finds mainly consist of earrings, rings, buckles, beads and knives, which are generally dated between the 7th and 9th century based on the ceramic goods from the same archaeological context. By comparing these metal items to other similar finds from the southern Balkan and Greece, I have determined that the finds likely hold a Slavic connection. The earrings are similar to earrings found in Croatia, Bulgaria and along the Pindus mountains, reaching into southern Albania and Greece. One ring type found at Rembeç is similar to a set of rings from a female grave from the Slavic cemetery in Argolis, Greece, but the ring type was also found in Central European female Slavic graves. What makes the locations of the items similar to Rembeç’s metal finds so interesting, is that they all in some manner relate to the movement of Slavic groups. The Slavs had close connections with the Avars who moved into Croatia, and the Bulgars. These connections may have led to the development of a similar jewellery style which the Slavs then spread during their migration into Albania and Greece. Specifically the finds along the Pinuds mountains and in Argolis illustrate how Slavic groups may have moved along the mountain range, reaching locations like Rembeç, Rehova and Përmet in Albania, but also Evrytania, Phtiotis and Argolis in Greece. Here, they may have either settled, or traded the Slavic earrings with local populations. My research concerns itself with the concept of “identity creation”, which can be illustrated by the spread of these finds. Slavic influence at Rembeç is highly likely, but this does not have to include a permanent Slavic presence. It can also illustrate how those who used these items placed a certain value on these items, using them to communicate their sense of “self” to those around them. These people buried at Rembeç used these “Slavic” items to construct their identity, and in doing so they became an intrinsic part of their outward presentation that they were included as grave goods after their deaths.Show less
In order to better grasp the influence of Roman infrastructure on adjacent urban areas, some 25 cities near the ancient Via Egnatia in Greece have been studied to compare their political, economic...Show moreIn order to better grasp the influence of Roman infrastructure on adjacent urban areas, some 25 cities near the ancient Via Egnatia in Greece have been studied to compare their political, economic and social status before and after the construction of this Roman highway. With this comparison, the impact a Roman road could have had on cities and their development can be mapped more precisely.Show less
The relationship between the Byzantine Empire and Scandinavia and the Varangian Guard is one that has been recounted in the historical record before, but that is rarely examined from a material...Show moreThe relationship between the Byzantine Empire and Scandinavia and the Varangian Guard is one that has been recounted in the historical record before, but that is rarely examined from a material culture point of view. As such, this research aims to take a closer look at the Viking Age sites of Lund and Sigtuna in modern-day Sweden. Both these sites are important for the regions in which they are located, which lead to Lund and Sigtuna being rigorously excavated. Among the finds uncovered was a large number of Byzantine artefacts, including both genuine and counterfeit Byzantine coins, jewelry, glass and ceramics. The Varangian Guard was an elite unit within the Byzantine army that was made up of foreign soldiers who were tasked with defending the palace at Constantinople and securing the empire’s borders from hostile threats. Although the Varangian Guard was initially made up of Rus’, it began to become increasingly Norse during the 11th century AD. Thanks to written Norse laws, sagas, and Byzantine chronicles, we can determine that it was during this period that the Varangian Guard was predominantly Norse. This corresponds well with the dates of the Byzantine artefacts that were found at Lund and Sigtuna. These artefacts appear to be personal belongings rather than items that were on a larger commercial trade network based on the types of artefacts found and the intentional modification of some of the pieces. Thus, the research can be used to determine that the Byzantine artefacts found at Sigtuna and Lund are likely to be personal belongings from Norse mercenaries or travelers into Byzantium. The artefacts’ dates are in line with times of conflict and stress within the Byzantine empire, during which high-ranking officials would hire mercenaries for added security. As such, it can be said that the demand for mercenary work in Byzantium was a factor that affected the flow of Byzantine goods into Lund and Sigtuna.Show less
This research tries to examine if, and how, the Byzantine and Sasanian culinary traditions and diet were influenced by one another. The Byzantine and Sasanian empires had a complicated relationship...Show moreThis research tries to examine if, and how, the Byzantine and Sasanian culinary traditions and diet were influenced by one another. The Byzantine and Sasanian empires had a complicated relationship, with continuing wars on one end, and dependence on trade on the other. The silk road was situated on Sasanian land, and Byzantium was forced to use the Sasanian empire as a middle man. The respective agricultures produced basic produce for the whole empires, but for exotic spices and herbs, the empires were dependent on the silk road. There is not much written on the Sasanian diet, but a few products are known to have been cultivated. Some sources give information on the extravagant diet of the nobility, which includes different vegetables, grains, fruits, spices, meats and sweets. In the last decades there has been more research on the Byzantine empire, which also included diet. Most information about the Byzantine diet comes from dietary handbooks and descriptions, most of which are written about Constantinople. It is possible that these sources are more about an ideal diet, than based on reality. The sources describe many different fruits, vegetables, spices, meats, fish and grains. This conveys the image of an extravagant and varied diet, but the results bone isotope analysis in Greece show dietary deficiencies. It seems that at least between the capitol and the province, there is a difference of availability of food. Comparing the two diets, there are some similarities, mostly when it comes to spices. Because there is not as much data on the Sasanian diet, there are more products that are known to have been present in Byzantium and not the Sasanian empire, than the other way around. When comparing both diets to the current Iranian diet, there seems to be a continuation of some of the Sasanian traditions. There also seem to be some similarities between the Byzantine diet and the current Iranian diet. To get a clear picture of the diet of the average citizen of the empires, not only the elite, more research is needed. For example, isotope analyses of different regions of the empire.Show less
Dit werkstuk gaat in op de vraag in hoeverre ‘Byzantijnse’ relieken een politiek-religieuze rol speelden in Parijs, Venetië en Oost-Engeland gedurende de hoge en late middeleeuwen. In het eerste...Show moreDit werkstuk gaat in op de vraag in hoeverre ‘Byzantijnse’ relieken een politiek-religieuze rol speelden in Parijs, Venetië en Oost-Engeland gedurende de hoge en late middeleeuwen. In het eerste hoofdstuk worden de relevante relieken die vanuit het Latijnse rijk zijn verkocht besproken. Vervolgens gaan het tweede en derde hoofdstuk dieper in op drie locaties in Europa die bekendheid verwierven vanwege hun prestigieuze, uit Byzantium geïmporteerde objecten; de Sainte-Chapelle te Parijs, de Basiliek van San Marco in Venetië en de Bromholm priorij in Oost-Engeland.Show less
