THINGS THAT TRAVELED
Michael McCormick
S tudying people on the move in early medieval Mediterranean has suggested certain patterns and even quantities of movement. In western Europe, communications seem to have been stirring a new after long contraction that had culminated aftermath Justinianic plagues. That those movements concern 669 individuals can be followed across source materials which are more or less independent strengthens cumulative power their testimony. But method is novel, results may appear surprising. The movement things will add further, layers evidence people. A few relatively small number objects survive from Middle Ages already studied for light they shed and, it thought, trade. most justifiably celebrated transition papyrus parchment Merovingian royal writing office (Ch. 3.1). Like some others, this one rewards further scrutiny 24.2), particularly if we go beyond observing presence absence question shifting cultural meaning exotic objects, as well transport system delivered it. Others still pretty much neglected. Such survivors shipwreck time testify series long-distance era reputed so poor material. circumstances preservation, moreover, testimony owes nothing
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