TRACING EARLY MEDIEVAL LONG-DISTANCE TRADE: ‘ORIENTAL’ GLASS BEADS IN EUROPE, C. AD800–1000
Channel: European Association of Archaeologists
Date: 2021-01-11

Archaeology has great potential for investigating long-distance trade/exchange networks, mainly by studying production centres and/or the geographical distribution of their products. Analysis works especially well for material groups where scientific methods can aid in identifying provenance in some form, as in the case of glass, pottery, and stone artefacts. In addition, for the early Middle Ages, investigations of these material groups usually offer insights on aspects of economy that are not covered by written sources. This paper considers archaeologies of early medieval long-distance trade/exchange networks in Europe, including ties to the wider Mediterranean world, as well as connections to more local European economies. Special attention will be given to glass – especially glass beads – that have huge potential to signpost long-distance trade and communication networks in this period. The macroscopic features (shape, colour) and chemical composition of glass beads provide an opportunity for tracing their provenance and distribution routes. Therefore, they are an ideal group of finds for developing an improved understanding of long-distance communication networks and interconnectedness. Specific ‘oriental’ bead types of this period include millefiori/mosaic eye beads and segmented beads. These beads are thought to have reached north-western Europe on two main routes, via the Adriatic and central Europe, and via the rivers north of the Black Sea.


Author(s): Herold, Hajnalka (University of Exeter)