Chronology—continuity And Discontinuity 305
In conjunction with the decreasing number of male burials with belt-sets,
the number of weapon burials also diminished, though it disappeared only at
the end of the period. Most of the already known spearhead types continued
to be used during this period. The predominance of the reed-shaped spear-
head can be observed in its later subtypes (P.I.C–F, figs. 29–32). The volume of
conical spearheads (P.II, figs. 33–35) continued to rise further, however, most
of the known spearhead types were no longer deposited in burials.
Straight single-edged sword blades (E.II.A/2, figs. 68–70) were predominant
during the second half of the 8th century, while long seaxes with their tips at
the edge (E.IV.D, fig. 84) are known in great numbers from this phase. Sabres
with slightly curved blade (E.III.A, figs. 75–76) became rare. Only one double-
edged sword is known from this period,14 which is probably an import from
southeastern Europe (Bulgaria or Byzantium).15
7 General Types Characteristic of Longer Timespans
Whilst the general chronological trends of the main Avar-age polearms and
edged weapons have been outlined above, there are some types which can-
not be dated to a short or specific period, since their attributes are too general
or are characteristic of longer timespans (like centuries). Simple reed-shaped
spearheads with closed socket (P.I.B/3.e, fig. 27) and single-edged swords with-
out crossguard or scabbard decoration (P.II.A/2, fig. 67) remained in use for a
considerable time, beginning with the Early phase and lasting until the end of
the Late phase. The change in weapon types was clearly not even across the
different periods but their main tendencies do show the rhythm of changes in
respect of fighting methods.
14 Čierny Brod I. grave 2 (Čilinská – Točik 1978, 46; Točík 1992, 9–12. Obr. 7; Zábojník 1995,
No. 19).
15 Kiss 1987a, 204–205; Szőke 1992a, 95–96.