IMC 2017: Sessions
Session 1041: Sharp Thinking: New Research on Early Medieval Swords
Wednesday 5 July 2017, 09.00-10.30
| Sponsor: | Rijksmuseum van Oudheden, Leiden |
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| Organiser: | Annemarieke Willemsen, Rijksmuseum van Oudheden, Leiden |
| Moderator/Chair: | Nelleke IJssennagger, Faculteit der Letteren, Rijksuniversiteit Groningen / Archaeological & Medieval Collections, Frisian Museum, Leeuwarden |
| Paper 1041-a | Lost on Purpose?: Carolingian Swords from European Rivers (Language: English) Index terms: Archaeology - Artefacts, Archaeology - General, Art History - Decorative Arts, Military History |
| Paper 1041-b | A Hack-Sword?: The Golden Hilt in the Bedale Hoard (Language: English) Index terms: Archaeology - Artefacts, Archaeology - General, Art History - Decorative Arts, Military History |
| Paper 1041-c | Mixed Emotions: The Swords from Carolingian Dorestad (Language: English) Index terms: Archaeology - Artefacts, Art History - Decorative Arts, Daily Life, Military History |
| Paper 1041-d | Symbols Losing Meaning?: On the Decline of the Pattern-Welded Sword (Language: English) Index terms: Archaeology - Artefacts, Archaeology - General, Art History - Decorative Arts, Military History |
| Abstract | Broadswords, with their often lavishly decorated hilts, are among the best known and most admired objects of the Early medieval period (500-1000 AD). Perceived as warrior attributes and known mostly as princely grave goods, they have become strong symbols of martiality and kingship. New finds like the many demolished sword parts in the Staffordshire Hoard, together with fresh assessment of the many sword finds from settlements and river contexts, are changing our views of this highly individual weapon and its various and often complex meanings in the Early Middle Ages. |