Session: #105

Content:

European towns in the High Middle Ages are a somewhat little-studied topic from an archaeological point of view, which seems strange if we consider the great contribution that archaeology could make to their knowledge.
Generally, it is considered plausible that the main features of medieval towns, as we know and can still today often see them, are the results of a complex, progressive and long-lasting process of formation and development, which took a particular turn between the late Early Middle Ages and the 13th Century CE. In fact, urban spaces in the area of the Western Empire, already affected by deep transformations of the original Roman structure between Late Antiquity and part of the Early Middle Ages, persisted even afterwards in undergoing new radical changes (concerning the general configuration of urban fabric, the articulation of defensive systems, the topography and the architectural aspect of ecclesiastical buildings and seats of religious and civil power, the funerary areas, the typology of dwellings, the petrification of townscapes, the craft areas, the material forms of social stratification, the strengthening role as marketplaces).
This session aims to analyze Western European towns between the 9th and 13th centuries CE. By adopting a long-term perspective, it will be possible to identify the dynamics of urban contexts that led to more permanent and, a priori, more coherent towns. The discussion will examine and compare towns of Roman foundation with towns founded or refounded in the Middle Ages (for example wics and emporia, monastic and castral towns). A varied approach is welcome: contributions could be focused on urban organization, power and Christian topography and archaeology; significant urban excavations; archaeology and stratigraphic analysis of urban buildings and dwellings; manufacts as evidence of social changes; etc.

Session: #105

Theme & Session Format

Title & Content

Organisers