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Medieval archaeology studies human culture from the fall of the Roman Empire to the rise of the Renaissance, including artifacts, settlements, records, and technology. The period was marked by warring tribes, the rise of Christianity, and exploration. Archaeologists study artifacts and manuscripts to understand daily life, burial rituals, and legal codes. The importance of medieval archaeology lies in its ability to provide information on the development of modern human culture and potentially unlock new concepts.
Medieval archeology is the study of human culture from the fall of the Roman Empire in the 5th century AD, to the rise of the Renaissance in the late 15th century. The study of this period is a broad field, including examining medieval artifacts and settlements, developing a cohesive history through ancient records, and understanding how commerce and technology progressed during this era. Medieval archeology often refers to cultural development throughout Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East, although studies of Asian and early American culture may also be included.
After the fall of the Roman Empire, the entire European subcontinent was thrown from a period of relative chunk into a chaotic struggle. Warring tribes throughout the region conquered and reconquered each other, leading to the amalgamation of previously distinct cultures and the destruction of many earlier societies. Simultaneously, the rise of Christianity across Europe led to vast changes in cultural practice, the advent of the Crusades, and major changes in governmental relations with the church. As strong nations united, mighty kings and queens began a heady period of exploration, leading to new discoveries, cultural adaptations, and the quest for the New World. The incredible chaos of this period makes up the bulk of medieval archaeology, as archaeologists attempt to create some kind of accurate timeline for a highly fragmented millennium.
Some medieval archaeologists are done through the excavation and analysis of artifacts. Commonly found medieval items include metalwork, such as coins, jewelry, and trinkets. Some excavations also focus on excavating the bones of medieval villages, such as the 7th century village of Sutton Hoo in England. These excavations provide archaeologists with important clues about the past, including what technology, how burial rituals have changed over time, and how citizens lived their daily lives.
Medieval archeology also takes place through the study of ancient books and manuscripts. Although literacy was extremely low for the general population during the medieval era, monks, court officials, and scholars often devoted their lives to creating stories and legends as well as religious texts and official documents. By sifting through these precious relics, archaeologists can help create a chronology of events during the period, as well as learn about the era’s legal codes and contracts.
The importance of medieval archeology lies in its ability to provide information on the development of modern human culture. The discoveries, conquests and culture of the medieval period gave rise to the great age of exploration, the cultural revolution of the Renaissance, the development of democracy and the creation of the modern economy. Continuing the search for understanding the medieval period can potentially unlock new concepts or explain old mysteries, even hundreds of years after the event. Medieval archaeologists serve as investigators of the ancient world, the discovery of which has the potential to change the future of humanity.
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