Does material matter?

The planned study will focus on specific types of earrings, buckles and belt ornaments in Early and Middle Byzantine times (6th to 12th centuries) including the particular relevant period of transition, the so-called Dark Ages between the 7th and the 9th centuries. The geographical distribution is limited to Byzantine territories, primarily concentrating on well documented sites with a great spectrum of comparable material. The goal is to work out similarities and differences within these jewellery types made of different metals from different regions in the Byzantine Empire. Subsequently the popular opinion of an interregional, central Byzantine style in object types has to be taken into consideration and possibly be juxtaposed with a regional concept: looking at the material the question arises as to whether regional influences not only in the peripheral regions but also in the heartlands of the Byzantine Empire do not play a much greater role than previously assumed in research. Distribution of the artefact groups and types will illuminate the relationship between the finds and help to establish regional characteristics within the Byzantine Empire. In this context especially the diachronic component has to be taken into account. For such an investigation an interdisciplinary approach will be pursued using the following categories: typo-chronology, decoration analysis, manufacturing technology and material analysis. The results obtained from this study will make an important contribution and can be of vital importance in regard to the social, economic and technological history of the Byzantine society. The study of changes and receptions of the material as well as of forms and motifs are essential, not only for chronological classifications but also for questions of dissemination, contacts and trade. Likewise a synopsis of the applied metals, manufacturing and decoration techniques of different jewellery types will be achieved based on comparative examples within the regions of interest and the given chronological framework. Based on the use of different materials as well as regional differences of Byzantine metal artefacts in connection with the gained knowledge of their distinct technical traditions and their chemical compositions we might receive new insights on different levels within the Byzantine society.