4th Century AD Research Articles

The Religious Attitude of the Druze Towards Violence: A Study Based on Oral Sources

Since its rise in the 11th century AD, the Druze community has distinguished itself from its surroundings by its unique religious identity. This religious identity has given rise to social and political behaviors that have, over time, formed the collective character of the Druze. The Druze who upheld their religious identity were known as the ʿuqqāl, while others were called juhhāl. Historically, the ʿuqqāl have played vital social and political roles within their community, the most prominent of which has been preserving the Druze identity and the social and political behaviors arising from it. On the other hand, Druze history in the Levant—particularly in Lebanon—is marked by wars and armed uprisings, which have imparted a warlike character on the Druze that often overshadowed their other collective traits, despite their commitment to nonviolent principles. For these reasons, understanding the ʿuqqāl's religious stance on the use of violence and their conduct in conflicts is of clear historical importance. This study investigates oral narratives about notable Druze ʿuqqāl in Lebanon during the past century, employing a rigorous methodology to reveal a consistent, comprehensive behavioral pattern grounded in fundamental religious principles. This behavior is characterized by a rejection of violence and aggression, an effort to prevent such acts, a condemnation of those who engage in them, and retribution where necessary. From a broader perspective, the ethical stance of religious adherents on violence is a contentious issue today and is receiving intense attention from research institutions and both governmental and non-governmental organizations, particularly given the global impact of religiously motivated violence. Consequently, this research carries significance beyond the Druze demographic presence in the Levant, as it offers principles and behavioral patterns that may contribute to fostering peaceful religious leadership on an international level.

Bridging the Past and Present by Skill: Exploring Medieval Bell Casting by Experiment

This paper presents key results from experimental work on traditional bronze casting, focusing on early to high medieval bells, roughly between the 8th and 12th century AD. It demonstrates that combining craft, historical sources, and modern science can effectively revive lost technologies. The reconstruction is based on Theophilus Presbyter’s Schedula Diversarum Artium, dated to the early 12th century, whose precise instructions were critical, though several field-scale experiments were required to refine the process.These experiments are part of broader research into medieval large-scale casting methods in central Europe. The paper argues that more than experimental archaeology or traditional craft is needed to understand and recreate lost technologies. Researchers must invest significant time mastering materials, tools, and techniques to grasp craft processes fully. Brief experimental engagements fail to capture the depth of these traditions. This approach bridges archaeology and hands-on practice, challenging conventions in both traditional craft and mainstream academia.

PERAN SULTAN ISKANDAR MUDA DALAM PENGEMBANGAN PENDIDIKAN ISLAM DI NUSANTARA MASA KESULTANAN ACEH DARUSSALAM TAHUN 1607 – 1636

Abstract : The progress of Islamic development and civilization in the archipelago was marked by the establishment of Islamic sultanates, one of which was Aceh Darussalam. This sultanate reached the peak of its glory and also became the center for the development of Islam in various regions of the archipelago in the 17th century AD during the time of Sultan Iskandar Muda. The aim of this research is to explore the role and political policies implemented during the reign of Sultan Iskandar Muda in the process of developing and expanding Islamic da'wah. This research uses library study methods from various sources such as books, journals, magazines and other documents. The results of this research are that the Sultanate of Aceh Darussalam since its founding until it experienced the peak of progress, especially during the time of Sultan Iskandar Muda, who paid great attention to the development of Islam, has influenced the process of developing and spreading Islamic da'wah in the archipelago, one very important factor is the enactment of qanun meukata alam as State law and Islam received support and legitimacy from the authorities in Haramayn (Mecca and Medina), Islamic teaching centers were developed through institutions that gave birth to Muslim educational scholars who had an influence on that period by producing intellectual works that are still used as references today. This research is important to be used as a reference and additional insight for the development of historical science, especially in exploring insights between the role of Islamic sultanates in the development of Islam in the archipelago. Keywords : Aceh Darussalam, Iskandar Muda, Nusantara, Islamic Development, Ulama

THE ROMAN EASTERN FRONTIER AND THE PERSIAN WARS IN LATE ANTIQUITY: CONFRONTATION AND COEXISTENCE IN GREEK AND SYRIAN ECCLESIASTICAL SOURCES (410-428 AD)

The history of relations between the Eastern Roman and Sassanid Persian Empires was marked by armed conflicts at different times between the two powers during Late Antiquity. This theme has been studied by historiography, with particular emphasis on the conflicting moments recorded by the Greek sources that have come down to us. Considering the context of the search for affirmation of different Christian denominations in the Mesopotamian region between the two empires in the first half of the 5th century AD, the objective of this article is to demonstrate that, in addition to the conflicting episodes that resulted in armed confrontations, there was a need, at times, for negotiations and coexistence between the rulers of both empires in the face of the claims of the Christian elites that emerged on both sides of the border in search of political and administrative autonomy. For this analysis, the “Ecclesiastical Histories” by Socrates of Constantinople and Theodoret of Cyrus, written in Greek, and the “Acts of the Persian Martyrs under King Yazdgird I” and the “Synodicon Orientale” (Records of the Nestorian Synods), written in the Syriac language, will be used.

Notes on a Glass Assemblage and Associated Wick-Holders from Machkhomeri (Khobi Municipality – Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti, Western Georgia)

Abstract The 2018–2019 excavation of the basilica church at Machkhomeri yielded a rich assemblage of glass vessels, most of which are believed to belong to 6th century AD lamps. These were dumped into an annexed funerary chapel when the church was restructured to become a single-hall building. Glass lamps are well-known occurrences in late antique contexts across the Mediterranean and the Black Sea. However, the finds from the southwest Caucasus have often been neglected. The scope of this contribution is to present the glass finds from Machkhomeri. A collection of wick-holders for glass lamps retrieved in close stratigraphic proximity to the glass assemblage will also be described.

Kiai Nur Iman’s Heritage: Reading the Sunny Muthalib on The Soul Purification

Kyai Nur Iman was one of the great scholars who was influential in the spread of Islam in Java in the 18th-19th century AD. As the son of King Amangkurat IV, Kyai Nur Iman prefers to dedicate his life to teaching the Islamic religion and teaching the concepts of soul purification to society. One of his works examines the purification of the soul entitled the book al-Sunni al-Muthalib. This book is still in the form of a manuscript stored in Pesantren Salimiyah Mlangi in Yogyakarta. This manuscript needs to be scholarly examined because it was written by a 19th century AD scholar who tried to combine two sciences, namely the science of Arabic (nahwu); arabic grammar, and the science of tasawwuf; moral sciene. This study aims to reveal the concept of soul purification explained by Kyai Nur Iman in the manuscriptal-Sunni al-Muttalib. This research method is qualitative research using literature review with historical analysis to explain the concept of soul purification according to Kyai Nur Iman then explains the biography of Kyai Nur Iman. The results of this research explain that the concept of tazkiyah nafs according to Kyai Nur Iman in the book Asna al-mathalib starts with knowing Allah, knowing Rasulullah SAW, and getting to know things that can purify the soul such us repentance, inabah, asceticism, tawakkal, tafwidl, happy and sincere and defile it such us namimah, ghibah, greed, riya', sum'ah, arrogant, ujub, wicked, exposing others' shame, immorality, blasphemy, and wishful thinking.

Fenland Fields: Evolving Settlement and Agriculture on the Roddon at Viking Link Substation, Bicker Fen, Lincolnshire

Archaeological mitigation undertaken by Headland Archaeology (UK) Ltd at Bicker Fen, Lincolnshire, uncovered the remains of two distinctly different enclosure systems situated on a raised roddon (the dried raised bed of a watercourse). The earliest of these systems was characterised by a series of inter-linked enclosures that formed part of a larger complex farmstead developing around the mid-2nd century AD. The enclosure system subsequently evolved through phases of maintenance and expansion, potentially following changes in agricultural practice or as a result of environmental influences. Features in the northern part of the excavation provide some evidence for industrial activity, including iron smithing and bone working, within the settlement. Zooarchaeological evidence, however, suggests that the main economic focus of this rural community was beef production. It seems that the farmstead remained occupied until at least the 4th century AD, with radiocarbon dates suggesting continued activity of some kind into the 5th century. The Saxon field system was situated to the east of the Roman settlement and is geographically independent. The system is less substantial in nature than the Roman enclosures, characterised by curvilinear boundaries and irregular enclosure sizes. Radiocarbon dating suggests that activity took place between the 6th and 10th centuries AD. During this phase, the focus appears to have been pastoralism. This, together with the transient nature of the system and many maintenance phases, suggests seasonal or otherwise ad hoc land use away from the core of any settlement.

Environmental changes and historical occupation at Oued Laksar (Ksar Seghir), Morocco

Laksar is a small river near the village of Ksar Seghir, located between Tangier and Ceuta (Morocco), strategic points to control the Strait of Gibraltar over centuries. The river outlets at the western part of a sandy beach that can block the fluvial discharge in years of low precipitation/river flow.The area is densely occupied since the 5th century BC, during the roman period and Early Middle Age in the archaeological site of Dhar d’Aseqfane, located around 1 km from the mouth of the river. The coastal town of Ksar Seghir was founded on the eastern margin and was used as a shipyard for Moroccan dynasties after the 12th century. During the 15th and 16th centuries, Portugal occupied Ksar Seghir to control the Strait and to increase its power in North Africa. After the Portuguese left the site remained abandoned. The present-day Moroccan village developed in the 20th century, first expanding on the western river slope and gradually encompassing the archaeological site.This work aims to i) characterize the environmental evolution of the Laksar River; ii) identify potential records of extreme events such as floods or tsunamis; and iii) explore the relationship between the landscape dynamics and human occupation.To achieve these goals, a ∼5.4 m long sediment core - KS1 - was studied applying high-resolution multiproxy analyses (X-Ray, magnetic susceptibility, sedimentology, organic chemistry and micropalaeontology) together with 14C dating to establish a chronological model.The sedimentary sequence corresponds to intercalations of fine sand and mud. Results point to deposition in subtidal conditions between the core base (ca. 2500 cal BP) and the 15th century AD (388 cm below surface). The dominance of marine foraminifera assemblages with high number of juveniles and high diversity index suggests an environment under open marine conditions during this period. Conversely, the low δ13C values, coupled with the presence of charophytes and Cretaceous, Paleogene and Neogene reworked calcareous nannofossils reflect the contribution of fluvial processes. The sedimentary record underscores fluctuations in fluvial discharge, beach morphology and marine influence. The accumulation of magnetic (heavy) minerals at the core base is the likely result of at least one high-energy event.Following the onset of Portuguese occupation of Ksar Seghir (15th century), the sedimentation rate increases, silting-up the channel margins. Deposition occurs under low subtidal to intertidal conditions. Foraminifera assemblages point to a low salinity environment; coarse materials are mostly constituted by minerogenic particles transported by the fluvial network. Changes in the sedimentary succession (heavy-minerals accumulation, higher marine influence and rip-up clasts) were detected between 219 cm and 140 cm depth below surface that, according to the age-model, overlap temporally with the Lisbon 1755 AD tsunami event (Great Lisbon earthquake).

A Roman bath with broken windows in Asine, Argolis. The result of repeated earthquakes?

A substantial assemblage of Roman window glass—consisting primarily of “cast”, matt/glossy examples, but also including cylinderblown, double-glossy window glass—was discovered during the 1926 excavations of a Late Roman bath in Asine, Argolis, the Peloponnese, Greece. It is clear that this material emanates from damage done to the building, and the question of whether this had human or natural causes is discussed in this paper: was it the “barbarian” invasion of the Visigoth king Alaric in the late 4th century AD that led to the windows being broken? Or, was the damage caused by the earthquakes known to have hit the Eastern Mediterranean area in Late Antiquity? Traces of destruction typical of earthquakes were found in the bath building, and the destruction occurred in a period known for its high seismic activity: the so-called Early Byzantine Tectonic Paroxysm, which led to the conclusion that the bath was hit by at least one, possibly several, earthquakes, causing the windows to shatter and fall out of their frames. Some of the glass sherds were in all probability hidden under dust and debris and were never recovered despite the fact that glass was extensively recycled at the time.

Monasteries in the vicinity of Armenian capitals (7th–13th centuries ad): Archaeology of architectural and urban context

The article analyzes the spread of monasteries in the immediate vicinity or on distant approaches to two cities of Armenia of the late classical and medieval periods, considering information in the sources, the results of archaeological excavations and on-site inspections of the sites. The author reconstructs the sequence of the topography of churches and monasteries near the capitals of the country – Vagharshapat and Ani, identifying the similarities and differences between them. It is noted that the development of the system of shrines in the vicinity of Vagharshapat was determined by the very history of the establishment of Christianity. The main patrons of the church construction from the 4th to the 7th centuries AD were Catholicoses. In the vicinity of Ani, where a surge in the construction of monasteries occurred in the first half of the 11th century AD, there was no given programme, and the originators included the Bagratuni kings and influential princes. While the development of churches near Vagharshapat started under the Arsacid dynasty, continued after the abolition of their royal power, and reached its peak in the first half of the 7th century AD, the monasteries in the vicinity of Ani, founded under the Bagratids, were subsequently developed less actively. In addition, the paper also reveals the specific location of monastic complexes in the vicinity of Ani in connection with the terrain crossed strongly by gorges and the traditional concentration of towns and monasteries along the right, and less often the left, banks of the Akhuryan River. Both on the Ararat Plain and on the Shirak Plateau, the churches and complexes accompanying the capital cities transformed the landscape, so ecclesiastic architectural images marked the visual boundaries of a special, elite culture.

Bone and antler products from the Toretskoye urban settlement of the 15th century ad

Products made of bone and antler complement the characteristics of the material culture of the Toretskoye urban settlement, a major centre of crafts and international trade in the Kazan Khanate. In accordance with the general dating of the single-layer site, all items made of bone and antler have a reliable period of existence within the 15th century AD. Based on frequent numismatic material and other related context, the products receive the status of a chronological and, in some cases, ethnocultural reference point, and in terms of inventory and manufacturing techniques they represent products of urban production. No specialized bone-carving workshops have been found at the site; however, the presence of blanks and faulty products in the coppersmith and blacksmith workshops makes it possible to conclude that bone and antler processing was a related craft of complex production.

New group of glazed Anatolian Pottery from the Ottoman fortress of Azak

The article introduces a new group of glazed pottery of Anatolian production from the archaeological studies of different years (1962, 2004, 2020) on the territory of the former Ottoman fortress of Azak in the North-Eastern Azov Region. Among the finds, there are 20 fragments of open shaped vessels (bowls, plates) and one fragment of the lid which originate from redeposited cultural layer of the site dated back to the late Middle Ages – Modern period. Close analogies can be found on the Crimean peninsula in the materials from the excavations in Sudak, Aluston, Cembalo, Mangup, Partenit, Biyuk-Lambat (Maly Mayak), and Chufut-Kale where they are generally dated by the last quarter of 15th–17th century AD, as well as in South-Western Georgia (Gonio fortress in Adjara) and on the Taman Peninsula (the Taman fortified settlement) in the cultural layer of the 16th–17th centuries AD. Production centre for this group of Ottoman pottery has not yet been established. The group got its conventional name ‘thick-walled bichrome bowls’ due to the dominant archaeological remains of thick-walled bowls with the characteristic decor style in the Crimea.

Tenth-century Hoard from the village of Korobkino in Kursk Province

In 1915, near the village of Korobkino, Kursk Province, a hoard of seven silver bracelets and a solid dating from 923–924 was found. The article determines its place in the historical and cultural context of both the region and Eastern Europe as a whole. It has been established that these decorations are not characteristic of the Romny antiquities. It is evident from the design of bracelets with tied ends and the use of thick wire, polyhedral in section. Gold coins were found mainly on the territory of Rus. The solid from Korobkino is the only find in the vast area of the Romny archaeological culture, which fact emphasizes the peculiarity of the complex. The author suggests dating the hoard within the second–third quarters of the 10th century AD. In general, its composition demonstrates the synthesis of northern (Scandinavia) and southern (Byzantium) contacts of the population of the emerging Rus culture. The owner of the hoard was related to the druzhina (prince’s retinue) layer of society. No other traces of such a distinct “Russian presence” concentrated in one complex have been found in the Severian land so far.

Window Glass of a Medieval Church at the Village of Veseloye Near Adler

Frequent finds from the excavations of a Christian church of the late 9th–11th century AD at the village of Veseloye (Greater Sochi) include fragments of unpainted and coloured window glass made by blowing in the disks shape, mostly, of 18 cm diameter. By the design of their edges, discs are divided into two types – one with a loop-shaped edge and one with a slightly thickened straight or slightly raised edge, and by the type of surface – smooth ones and those decorated with relief “optical” decor. A review of finds of medieval window glass over a wide area shows that finds from the Veseloye church fit into this array typologically and chronologically, which can be explained by the common technology of manufacturing this highly demanded glass product. In further research, it will be necessary to find out where window glass was produced for the churches of medieval Abkhazia and the Greater Sochi region.

Sources of Silver in North-Eastern Rus in the 10th–13th centuries ad according to lead isotope analysis

The article discusses the results of lead isotope analysis of 54 silver objects from the 9th–13th centuries AD from rural sites of Suzdal Opolye and villages around Murom. As a result of comparing the obtained data with the available databases for Pb-Pb isotopic values of archaeological objects from various collections and ore samples, it was established that in the second half of the 10th – early 11th century AD, Samanid dirhams were used in Opolye as a raw material for jewellery making. In the 11th century, silver from European sources began to flow into the region via the Baltic, becoming dominant by the end of the century. In Opolye and Murom of the 12th century, adornments were made from European raw materials.

Slaves as Gifts to Accompany Letters: A Critical Study of the Bo’ Abdul Kadim

This study discusses the tradition of letters in the kingdom of Bima, especially concerning giving enslaved people as gifts to accompany letters. The data for this study were taken from the manuscript bundle of bo’ (official royal records) during the reign of Sultan Abdul Kadim Muhammad Shah (1751–1773). Now, the manuscript is part of the collection of the Samparaja Cultural Museum, Bima, West Nusa Tenggara and is coded C.011 Bo. Within the manuscript bundle, we found 117 (out of a total of 548) letters discussing slaves and slavery in the Bima kingdom. We first used philological research methods, then these texts were analysed with historical records to obtain a complete understanding of slaves and slavery in the 18th century AD societal traditions. The results showed that slaves giving as a gift accompanying the letter was a symbol of respect for the recipient of the letter, which was following the Malay correspondence tradition. For local rulers, slaves were the most valuable treasure. Slaves were also a determinant of social status among the nobility in the past. This practice applies not only in Bima but throughout the Malay land and even Southeast Asia.

Pakaian Diraja Melayu: Kain Tenggarung dari Sudut Sosio Budaya Melayu.

Tenggarung cloth is a type of traditional Malay woven textile woven by Malay weavers. Around the 19th century AD, Tenggarung cloth was worn by the Royal family and Malay nobility during official government and state ceremonies. This Tenggarung fabric is used as the Malay Royal clothing, especially in the states of Pahang, Terengganu, and Kedah. It is used especially by Malay Royal relatives who have a title. Now Tenggarung cloth has become less and less known and even less produced by Malay textile weavers due to the lack of demand from the local market in addition to the dumping of textiles from outside such as brocade cloth from India and Pakistan. This research is to study Tenggarung cloth as Malay Royal clothing from a Malay socio-cultural point of view. This research uses qualitative methods in the process of collecting research data through two methods, namely primary and secondary. Analytical research is conducted through observation on the visual collection of Tenggarung cloth as well as its historical records. Meanwhile, the purpose of this study is also to provide more information to the community about Tenggarung cloth as a traditional Malay textile from the aspects of culture, history, heritage and the value of the beauty of the Royal Malay clothing.

Food and Environment During the Late Roman Age at the Site of Alba Fucens (Abruzzi, Italy)

Archaeobotanical analyses in Italy are uneven in terms of geographical and chronological distribution. Amongst the different regions, Abruzzi is poorly represented, with only one study covering the Roman Age. In this framework, the analyses carried out on carpological remains collected from the Late Roman (late 5th–early 6th century AD) filling of a well in the Sanctuary of Hercules in Alba Fucens represents an important addition to the state of the art. The plant assemblage consists of over 1500 remains attributed to 68 different taxa. These are partly represented by gathered fruit plants, such as Corylus avellana, Juglans regia and Sambucus nigra, while cereals and pulses are missing. An interesting aspect is represented by evergreen plants (Pinus pinea and Cupressus sempervirens) that are likely to have been used for ritual purposes rather than for human consumption. Finally, the impressive amount of ruderal and spontaneous plants represents a unicum for this type of study, allowing us to describe the past environment surrounding Alba Fucens, characterized by substantial water availability, Apennine grasslands and influenced by human presence.

Surgical Ethics in the Safavid Era, 16th Century AD.

Medicine-and specifically surgery and surgical ethics-have long been part of the history of science. Surgical ethics play a pivotal role in ensuring successful outcomes and maintaining the highest standards of patient care. It includes the ethics of surgeons, the responsibility of surgeons, surgical errors, and the competence of a surgeon. Many works have been written about surgery, including during Iran's Safavid period (1501 to 1736)-a period in which a surgeon needed to have a set of moral principles in addition to practical surgical skills. One of the most valuable is Dhakhīrıh Kāmılıh, written by military surgeon Hakim Mohammad in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries. In this work, Ḥakim Muhāmmad dedicates a chapter specifically to the topic of surgical ethics, aiming to provide moral and legal recommendations for surgeons in addition to explaining surgical techniques and methods. Some of these recommendations include improving surgical skills through observation and practical training, paying attention to hygiene to prevent the spread of infection, and giving patients hope for recovery. Dhakhīrıh Kāmılıh is a landmark text in the history of surgical ethics.

The Path of African Millets (Pennisetum glaucum and Sorghum bicolor) to Iberia

Pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum) is the most widely cultivated millet in Africa and India but has not yet been identified in Europe, while the earliest remains of sorghum (Sorghum bicolor) are attested in Italy in the fifth century AD. This paper presents evidence that pearl millet was introduced to Iberia during the 11th–12th centuries AD. This is the first documented evidence for this African crop in Europe. Sorghum, on the other hand, appears as a later introduction (14th century AD) in Iberia. We present archaeobotanical data from eight Andalusi sites in Valencia and Andalucía (southern Iberia) where both crops have been found. We have also examined medieval textual data where references to pearl millet appeared to be absent, and we conclude that the word “dacsa”, currently used to refer to sorghum, should be understood as a reference to pearl millet. From the 16th century onwards, this term was given to maize, when the American cereal replaced the African millets.