Wherever Jews settled in Central Europe, their first initiative was to plan a cemetery. New research deals with the archaeological and folkloric evedence of these evocative places.
Category: Medieval Research
Balkan was a Cosmopolitan Melting Pot in Late Antiquity
A recent study of the aDNA from 146 individuals buried in Serbia and Croatia demonstrates the cosmopolitan mixture of people in Late Antiquity
Light on the Medieval Green Revolution from an Ecosystem Perspective
Following the footsteps of the Arabs in the 7th century Mediterranean, a Green Revolution took place, introducing new crops, irrigation techniques, and an innovative agrarian system. A new research project aims to broaden the perspective and explore the agrarian consequences from a broader ecosystemic viewpoint.
Why were Medieval Jewish Wedding Rings Embellished with Miniature Architecture?
One of the exiting finds in the hidden Jewish treasure trove discovered in Erfurt in 1998 was a precious wedding ring featuring an elaborate piece of medieval architecture. What was the symbolic meaning of this?
What was the landscape like in Medieval Denmark?
New method overlaying old and modern maps reveals what the medieval landscape in Denmark might have looked like
Wildfires in Tenth-Century Spain
This summer, 2023, wildfires have once again laid waste large areas of Southern Europe. A tenth-century conflagration provides a fascinating comparison between medieval and present times.
Where did the Battle of Agincourt take place?
In a new article, Michael Livingston generously allows us to follow in his footsteps while he studies the layout of the battleground of Agincourt.
How were the names of Scandinavian Pilgrims recorded?
From ca. 1000, Scandinavian pilgrims travelled south to reach the large centres. Registered in the Confraternity Book from Reichenau, we know the names of more than 700 Scandinavian pilgrims from the 11th and 12th centuries. A new research project aims to determine what these people were called back home and abroad.
Bracteates as Part of Rituals
Bracteates were thin golden sheets stamped with North West Germanic motifs. A recent overview shows how they were included in various rituals in Northwestern Europe ca. 400-600.
The Oldest Odin Inscription in the World Discovered among the Vindelev Gold
In December 2020, an impressive hoard of gold bracteates, pendants and a scabbard mount was discovered. Dated to c. AD 335-540, the hoard is unique. Recently, the Runic inscription on one of the bracteates was deciphered, presenting us with the earliest Odin inscription.
New Research about Mikulčice in Greater Moravia
Mikulčice was a Slavic settlement from the 9th century. With the remains of fortifications, a palace, twelve churches, a huge acropolis and extensive suburbs, it continues to yield new insights into the early history of Moravia
How can we Hide from Climate Changes?
What Happens During Rapid Climate Changes? What can we learn from History?
Horses and dogs accompanied the Vikings on their raids to England in the 9th century.
Strontium analyses of cremated remains of a Viking and his hound and horse demonstrate he arrived from Norway or Sweden accompanied by his animals.
What to do with the Vikings?
A review of two major new Viking exhibitions in Stockholm and Copenhagen, raises the question of how to impart knowledge of the Viking Age to the interested public.
The Early Medieval State
Looking at Early Medieval States from a strategic-relational aspect reveals the inner workings of the politics of land, grants, charters and gift-giving, establishing hegemonies.
The Genetic Origin of Huns, Avars, and conquering Hungarians
Who were the Huns? The Avars? And the conquering Hungarians? New studies of aDNA tell the story of a series of nomadic peoples, who may have kept themselves apart when migrating across the Eurasian Steppe.