In the summer of 2022, 6 metal artifacts were recovered from the sites of Kastri and Feges during the “Hinterland of Medieval Chalcis” project, which is directed by Prof. J.A.C. Vroom. 5 of these...Show moreIn the summer of 2022, 6 metal artifacts were recovered from the sites of Kastri and Feges during the “Hinterland of Medieval Chalcis” project, which is directed by Prof. J.A.C. Vroom. 5 of these metal artifacts are being discussed in this bachelor thesis. These 5 items consist of a piece of scale metal, a key or belt loop, a crucifix, a belt loop, and several pieces of metal belonging to a box. The artifacts made it possible to identify the activity and roles of Kastri and Feges. The piece of scale metal was used by soldiers as a source of protection during war. It could have been part of an aventail, barding, or another part of scale armor. Secondly, belt loops could be used to carry weapons around your waist, or as an accessory to secure clothing. New types of belt loops were introduced by Crusaders who traveled and traded with other regions. The walls that are still present at the site were defensive walls. These artifacts and structures imply that there was military activity at the site of Kastri. The box that was found was probably used for the storage and transport of goods, indicating that Kastri might have been part of a trade network. The crucifix at Feges tells us that this site was involved with and visited by Christians. The cross is the sign of faith and belief of the Christians. The Crusaders often brought crosses with them on their travels. In correlation with the marble block that was found at this site, it could resemble a religious place with a possible church structure or graveyard. To form well-founded conclusions, additional research is necessary. The sites of Kastri and Feges need to be further examined. The metal artifacts that were found need to be cleaned and excessive oxidation needs to be removed. After the cleaning process, the artifacts can be studied in detail to look for characteristics that might help identify the objects.Show less
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
Inspiration drawn from the Middle Ages can be found in many forms of modern pop culture. In fact, so-called ‘neomedievalism’ has emerged onto the global scene, and has become almost as widespread...Show moreInspiration drawn from the Middle Ages can be found in many forms of modern pop culture. In fact, so-called ‘neomedievalism’ has emerged onto the global scene, and has become almost as widespread and as often referenced as when the Roman and Greek cultures were rediscovered during the Italian Renaissance. Neomedievalism is described as the postmodern ‘use’ of medieval cultures which often deliberately denies historical accuracy and is usually a nostalgic or romanticized version - or a crude representation - of medieval culture. This way of appropriating medieval themes and stories is possible because it is still “productive in the contemporary imagination”. This claim is substantiated by the popularity of countless medieval-inspired TV-series, films, medieval-styled ‘role playing games’, books such as J. R. R. Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings, George R. R. Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire book and TV series - and of course music containing neomedievalist themes. This thesis will explore the role of neomedievalism in Viking Metal, Anglo-Saxon Metal and Neofolk, to find out how neomedievalism fits in with the counter-culture of these music subgenres.Show less
