The general focus of this thesis is the international exchange during the early Medieval period, with an emphasis on the relation between the Near East (eastern Mediterranean, Egypt, Levant and...Show moreThe general focus of this thesis is the international exchange during the early Medieval period, with an emphasis on the relation between the Near East (eastern Mediterranean, Egypt, Levant and Mesopotamia) and the south-eastern Netherlands. Since historical sources are scare the study relies on archaeological material. The bead assemblages of twenty sites are examined to provide an insight in the actual numbers and percentages of Near Eastern beads in the research area. These beads are recognized based on their production technique and raw material, which can be traced back to workshops/geographical sources in the Near East. The distribution patterns of these beads reflect the availability of Near Eastern beads, and thus the changes and continuity in exchange networks in which these beads circulated. The Near Eastern beads are evident throughout the complete research area, though they occur not in every site and their numbers differ significantly. The results of this study show a higher occurrence of Near Eastern beads before the seventh century, followed by a decline during the seventh century. The distribution patterns display a higher number of Near Eastern beads at the cemeteries near major rivers, especially in the vicinity of Nijmegen and Maastricht. The mainly seventh century sites of Noord-Brabant contain less Near Eastern beads. These observations suggest a change in the exchange network around the end of the sixth century. The cause of this remains subject of discussion. The increasing control on the rural population by the church, rising powerful families and a change in ideology associated with burial practices, are possible factors that decreased the accessibility of the Merovingian population to Near Eastern beads on a local scale. On an international scale the regression of the Byzantine Empire, which hold a primary position in the exchange network between north-western Europe and the Near East, combined with the power struggles around the Mediterranean Basin could very well have influenced the exchange connections with Europe. At the end of the seventh century, the Near Eastern beads have disappeared from the Dutch Merovingian grave context.Show less