150 CHAPTER 2
The classification of Early phase spearheads revealed some typological devel-
opments: A process of simplification can be observed in the case of type P.I.A
(reed-shaped blade with connecting chap): the disappearance of the connect-
ing chap and grooved imitation of grid-patterned rings. Conical spearheads
(P.II) only appear at the end of this phase.
The formal variability of the spearheads is a reflection of their broad cul-
tural connections. The spearheads of group P.I are known both from Inner
Asia289 and Eastern European steppes,290 although such spearheads were also
found in Byzantine contexts in the Northern Balkans291 and in areas under
strong Byzantine influence such as Lombard Italy and south Germany.292
289 Gavrilova 1965, 55; Khudiakov 1986, 106–107, 156–157. Their classification is difficult
because of their small number.
290 Caucasus region: Dyrso (Bálint 1989, Abb. 14/12–13); Donyfars (Kaminsky 1996, fig. 8/8)
Balticum: Kazakiavichius 1988, 41–42, Ris. 15.: the author’s type III is reed-shaped, the blade
is longer than the socket, (= I/4) the socket is facetted, and they are dated to the 6th–7th
centuries. During the 7th century in the territory of Ukraine there are no spearheads:
Komar – Sukhobokov 2000.
291 Sadovec: Uenze 1992, I. 445. II. Taf. 42/1–4. These spearheads are usually known from
settlements and not burials.
292 von Freeden 1991, 626–627; Schulze-Dörlamm 2006, 494–496.
DIAGRAM 3 Number of spearheads of major blade types by periods.