On Christianzation and Grave-Finds

Abstract

There are hardly any written sources on Christianization in southwestern RGermay during early Medieval times. From its beginning in the nineteenth century, archaeological research was concerned, with the question of whether the interpretation of material culture is helpful in the study of Christianization. This article first deals With the history of research. It focuses on the question, of how the main archaeological sources of Merovingian times the Reihengrberfelderwere interpreted in terms of Christianization. Obviously several aspects were and still are the main fus of research: special objects with Christian symbols (brooches, bet buckles or the so-caled Goldblattkreuze) are often vaguely interpreted as syrnbols of early Christianity or in some cases as a sign for the buried person being Christian. This results in the process of Christianization being dated to the seventh century. These explanations are influenced by a direct social-historical interpretation of the Reihengraberfelder. They are strong...