In Search of an Acceptable Past: History, Archaeology, and ‘Looted’ Graves in the Construction of the Frankish Early Middle Ages
Astrid Noterman|Alison Klevnäs
Abstract The Early Middle Ages have provided material for imagining selves and groups in a wide range of contexts since the earliest beginnings historical archaeological disciplines. Considerable recent research has shown how modern political conflicts regional-national identities crystallized this period particular. This essay traces ways which early medieval remains, mainly from richly furnished cemeteries, been brought into play developing scholarly popular accounts history France. During second half nineteenth century, recovery considerable numbers finely worked grave goods large rural cemeteries studying reevaluating Merovingian-period societies, previously only glimpsed written sources largely out-competed as national ancestors by appeal Gaulish warriors. Yet paradoxically, another form discovery same burial grounds seemed to place them back Dark Ages: many graves were found ransacked robbed soon after burial, making communities time appear lawless barbarous. Archaeological attitudes towards excavated graves, particular thousands already reopened antiquity, not highlight key aspects development discipline, but also reveal remains dead may be integral processes identity construction.
Bioarchaeology and social theory