Material culture patterning as the source of the Avar power network, 8th century AD

Abstract

Determined by group identities, the variables which indicate social hierarchies seem to materialize in case of the Avar period Carpathian Basin mostly in the field of objects of daily use and costume accessories. The analysis of the distribution of these objects – both spatial and chronological – reveals basic structures of the late Avar period (8th century AD) network which had operated the Khaganate as a complex system. The paper investigates the discussed elements from a methodological point of view