EAA 2023: Abstract

The questions of the conversion of early medieval societies and the adoption of Christianity as the main religious system are among the major topics of historical sciences. In the current paper, I will focus on examples of material movable and immovable artefacts that are generally associated with the spread of the Christian faith, and attempt to outline alternative explanations for their occurrence and use. These include, for example, the occurrence of golden metal crosses, small lead crosses, and other objects found primarily in graves. Although these objects are primarily of religious significance, the circumstances of their use and deposition may have other significance. The next category of sources on which I will address identical questions are the earliest sacred buildings. Although churches are primarily intended for the celebration of worship, the circumstances of their foundation and construction may also - or primarily - have other reasons, such as representational ones. This dichotomy continues deep into the medieval and modern periods. However, contrary to the common interpretation that this is a survival of pre-Christian (or pagan) customs, it is much more likely to be a survival of primitive or simplistic Christianity.

Conversion, Christianity, Church Archaeology, Burial Archaeology, Middle Ages

Poster presentation

  Abstract (PDF)

Martin Cechura¹