Note to the relationship of the history and archaeology

Contribution search for a solution of the relation between archaeology and history on the bases of selected paradigms from archaeology of the Great Moravia and Mikulčice

To the knowledge of the environment of Great Moravian plain strongholds

For a large group of the Great Moravian seats (9th century A. C.) in the southern Moravia and south-western Slovakia their location in the flood plain of great rivers is a characteristic feature. The development of this islands strongholds strongly influents natural conditions soil erosion, sources of raw materials, means of transport

Les "gombiky" du haut Moyen Âge de Mikulčice : contexte archéologique, fonction, occurrence, typologie, construction et caractérisation des matériaux et des processus de fabrication.

International audienceThis paper deals with the archaeological context, function, typology and technological study of a type of spherical hollow pendants termed gombiky (sg. gombik), which were worn by members of the Moravian elite in the 9th century AD. The gombiky were recovered in elite graves from Mikulčice - one of the major central places of Great Moravia. The archaeological context, occurrence in graves and function of these enigmatic objects are discussed. Their typology and construction based on their decorative technique are presented. In order to determine the metal composition, construction, and manufacturing processes of these types of ornaments, several specimens were investigated by stereomicroscopy (Olympus SZ60), X-ray radiography and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), supplemented by electron microanalysis (EDS). Replicas of each main type of gombik were manufactured by a professional goldsmith to understand the different stages of manufacture and soldering techniques. The results have evidenced the use of high purity gold alloys, silver alloys, gilded copper, different types of soldering techniques (diffusion bonding, hard solder), fire-gilding, specific tool marks and masterful chasing, filigree and granulation. The research provided a better understanding of the construction, manufacturing and soldering techniques and the stages of fabrication of this type of jewellery.Cet article traite du contexte archéologique, de la fonction, de la typologie et de l'étude technologique de pendentifs creux sphériques appelés gombiky (sg. gombik), qui étaient portés par les membres de l'élite morave au IXe siècle de notre ère. Les gombiky étudiés ont été retrouvés dans des tombes de l'élite à Mikulčice - l'une des principales places centrales de la Grande Moravie. Le contexte archéologique, la représentation en contexte funéraire, lafonction de ces objets énigmatiques, leur typologie et leur montage sont présentées.Afin de déterminer la composition, la construction et les processus de fabrication de ces types d'ornements, plusieurs spécimens ont été examinés par stéréomicroscopie (Olympus SZ60), radiographie à rayons X et microscopie électronique à balayage (MEB), complété par une microanalyse électronique (EDS). Des répliques de chaque type principal de gombik ont été fabriquées par une orfèvre professionnelle afin de comprendre les différentes étapes de fabrication et les techniques de soudure. Les résultats ont mis en évidence l'utilisation d'alliages d'or de grande pureté, d'alliages d'argent, de cuivre doré, de différents types de soudure, (soudure par diffusion, soudure dure), de dorure au feu, des marques d'outils spécifiques, des décors ciselés, de filigranes et de granulation d´une grande finesse. La recherche a permis de mieux comprendre les techniques de montage, de fabrication et de soudure, ainsi que des différentes étapes de fabrication de ce type de bijoux

Les "gombiky" du haut Moyen Âge de Mikulčice : contexte archéologique, fonction, occurrence, typologie, construction et caractérisation des matériaux et des processus de fabrication.

International audienceThis paper deals with the archaeological context, function, typology and technological study of a type of spherical hollow pendants termed gombiky (sg. gombik), which were worn by members of the Moravian elite in the 9th century AD. The gombiky were recovered in elite graves from Mikulčice - one of the major central places of Great Moravia. The archaeological context, occurrence in graves and function of these enigmatic objects are discussed. Their typology and construction based on their decorative technique are presented. In order to determine the metal composition, construction, and manufacturing processes of these types of ornaments, several specimens were investigated by stereomicroscopy (Olympus SZ60), X-ray radiography and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), supplemented by electron microanalysis (EDS). Replicas of each main type of gombik were manufactured by a professional goldsmith to understand the different stages of manufacture and soldering techniques. The results have evidenced the use of high purity gold alloys, silver alloys, gilded copper, different types of soldering techniques (diffusion bonding, hard solder), fire-gilding, specific tool marks and masterful chasing, filigree and granulation. The research provided a better understanding of the construction, manufacturing and soldering techniques and the stages of fabrication of this type of jewellery.Cet article traite du contexte archéologique, de la fonction, de la typologie et de l'étude technologique de pendentifs creux sphériques appelés gombiky (sg. gombik), qui étaient portés par les membres de l'élite morave au IXe siècle de notre ère. Les gombiky étudiés ont été retrouvés dans des tombes de l'élite à Mikulčice - l'une des principales places centrales de la Grande Moravie. Le contexte archéologique, la représentation en contexte funéraire, lafonction de ces objets énigmatiques, leur typologie et leur montage sont présentées.Afin de déterminer la composition, la construction et les processus de fabrication de ces types d'ornements, plusieurs spécimens ont été examinés par stéréomicroscopie (Olympus SZ60), radiographie à rayons X et microscopie électronique à balayage (MEB), complété par une microanalyse électronique (EDS). Des répliques de chaque type principal de gombik ont été fabriquées par une orfèvre professionnelle afin de comprendre les différentes étapes de fabrication et les techniques de soudure. Les résultats ont mis en évidence l'utilisation d'alliages d'or de grande pureté, d'alliages d'argent, de cuivre doré, de différents types de soudure, (soudure par diffusion, soudure dure), de dorure au feu, des marques d'outils spécifiques, des décors ciselés, de filigranes et de granulation d´une grande finesse. La recherche a permis de mieux comprendre les techniques de montage, de fabrication et de soudure, ainsi que des différentes étapes de fabrication de ce type de bijoux

Diet in transitory society: isotopic analysis of medieval population of Central Europe (ninth–eleventh century AD, Czech Republic)

International audienceDietary behavior in the context of the formation of state structure, Christianization, and significant urbanization was studied, using the Great Moravian Empire (9th–10th century AD, Czech Republic) as a representative example. We also analyzed the impact of the disruption of social structure at the beginning of the 10th century and subsequent recovery of society during the 11th century. Carbon and nitrogen isotopic values were measured in 189 adults (both sexes) and 74 animals representing different socio-economic contexts (power centers/hinterlands) and chronology (Great Moravian/Late Hillfort period).Statistically significant differences in animal protein consumption were observed between centers and hinterlands. For centers, significant relationship was found between nitrogen isotopic values and socio-economic status in males, but not for females. Diachronic diet changes were observed, with the 11th century diet characterized by higher millet consumption in both sexes and lower consumption of animal protein in males.These results confirm that Great Moravia represented a highly stratified society socio-economically. Social status appears to determine the consumption of animal protein much more in males than in females. The diet of females also proved to be more uniform in the diachronic frame. The diachronic change in dietary behavior suggests that through the apparent recovery in the 11th century, Moravian society did not reach its original level of welfare at least in terms of the quality of diet