Description
Book SynopsisThis illustrated book continues themes in Central European cultural history treated elsewhere with the intention of presenting an interdisciplinary study of early medieval socio-cultural developments. A continuation of the preceding books, this volume examines the archeological evidence of the groups who settled Central Europe. It aims to amplify the information recorded during the late Roman Empire about societies, social dynamics and ethnological contexts by examining their material culture. The language of significant objects complements the literature of significant texts. The three parts of the book inform of the historical and archeological evidence; elaborate the socio-cultural conclusions provided by archeology; examine the system of values as reflected in the forms of artistic expression. The study of objects helps clarify the contours of the Germanic populations of pre-Carolingian Central Europe.
Trade Review'Professor Schutz' work Tools, Weapons and Ornaments. Germanic Material Culture in Pre-Carolingian Central Europe, 400-750, is the logical extension and conclusion of the author's earlier studies on Late Roman/Early Medieval cultural history of Central Europe. This last volume of his tetralogy places the accent squarely on material objects and artefacts of early Germanic societies. It thereby counterbalances effectively the traditionally document-oriented approach of political historiography. With its convincing thesis and its richness in pictorial evidence, this work will be of great value to the teachers and students of interdisciplinary courses on early European cultural history.' Karl A. Zaenker, Associate Professor, University of British Columbia.
Table of ContentsList of Illustrations List of Maps Foreword Acknowledgments Introduction 1 Pt. A History and the Archeological Evidence 7 I Northern Central Europe 7 II Central Germary 23 III Western Central Europe 35 IV Southern Central Europe 54 V Eastern Central Europe 75 VI The archeological evidence 95 Pt. B Archeology and the Socio-Cultural Evidence 115 a The Thuringians 115 b Armaments 118 c The Bavarians 121 d Ornaments 124 e The Alemans 131 f Burial and the sense of property 137 g Christianity 148 h The Franks - princely burials 149 i The Lombards - representations of legitimacy 168 Pt. C Industry and the Portable Arts 171 a Pottery, glass and stone 173 b Personal ornaments 180 Conclusion 241 Selected Bibliography 245 Index 251
