Cultural transfers on the Adriatic from the 5th to the late 8th century in their political context and the question of „Adriobizantysm“
Miljenko Jurković
Between late Antiquity and the early middle Ages borders often changed on Adriatic. In 6th century Adriatic belonged to a Mediterranean koine known as golden age of Justinian, or early-byzantine. This was last attempt reunify an already lost empire under ruler with great ambitions. Therefore many new investments occurred in those parts that were regained after gothic – byzantine wars, especially Istria province Dalmatia. We witness raising dynamism commerce between eastern coast, proved by archaeological findings pottery, metal work, shipwrecks other findings. Most important, cultural transfers evident. Ships carrying architectural sculpture, whole sets columns, capitals, marble slabs, liturgical furnishings sailing from Constantinople towns, thus creating world shining churches. Those ships protected line castra built time Justinian shores well islands. Gradually things changed. There is practically no evidence, scarce ones, trading Slavic incursions at beginning 7th century. The political situation first half 8th still not clear enough, one stagnating. But, second protagonists appeared scene Rome through Ravenna, Lombard kingdom soon afterwards Carolingians. Diplomatic activities both sides crucial for future transfers. Step step we can follow diplomatic analysing artistic production Dalmatia, now turned towards west, showing either importation works art northern Italy, sculptors arriving Italy.