Introduction 53
blade making its original pattern visible. Unfortunately the width and quality
of intact iron core of ancient weapons cannot be estimated by the naked eye,
and it cannot be used on fully corroded iron artefacts, a particular disadvan-
tage of the method for achaeologists.220
3.3 Chronology and Distribution
The two main coordinates for archaeology are chronology and geographi-
cal location of artefacts: using these factors every artefact or context can be
located on a coordinate system making them suitable for answering further
questions. In what follows, the various chronological methods used in Avar
archaeology will be presented.
One of the basic relative chronological methods is typochronology: the
premise of this method is of a linear development between types leading from
simple to more complex forms in an evolutionary sense. Typology, mainly
its initial phase, and predicated on Darwinist principles, is the archaeologi-
cal application of this evolutionism.221 This method was used for establishing
chronologies based along evolutionary lines, although much data contradicts
a unilinear development, and as a result of which typochronology is best used
only in combination with other independent methods: the study of archaeo-
logical context, combination statistics or stratigraphy.
The examination of artefact combinations like seriation is a higher level of
relative chronology although its wider use came as a result of the application
of computers in archaeology. The method is based on a forced sequencing of
artefact combinations (such as burial assemblages). However, the start and
end point of the examination, together with the input data, is always deter-
mined by the researcher, a subjective factor in this method. It is important to
note that the result of seriation is only as trustworthy as the input data: the pri-
mary processing of artefacts (classification) is therefore of great importance.
Seriation is mainly useful for processing large numbers of assemblages
(mainly burials) furnished with several artefacts, thereby reducing the statisti-
cal margin of error. One excellent example for the application of this method
is the monograph on the Pleidelsheim cemetery in which Ursula Koch seriated
a large number of Merovingian burials creating a chronological scheme for
south Germany in the Merovingian period.222
220 Mäder 2000, 17–27; Mäder 2002, 277–285; Mäder 2004, 23–31.
221 The method of typology was mainly formed and applied by Oscar Montelius (1843–1921)
who wanted to create a chronological sequence for the Bronze Age in Scandinavia.
Detailed description and critique of the method: Eggert 2005, 181–191.
222 Koch 2001.