60 CHAPTER 1
All of the aforementioned opinions amply demonstrate the unresolved
nature of a number of problems concerning the chronology of the Avar Age.
In what follows, the chronological position of certain weapons will be
determined by their burial context (other grave goods) and their horizontal
stratigraphic position in the cemetery. Unfortunately, in many cases there is
insufficient archaeological data available, since a number of artefacts are not
useful for dating, and where in the case of a number of sites horizontal strati-
graphic examination or cemetery plans are not available, as well as some cem-
eteries being unsuitable due to their being incompletely researched or having
a low number of graves. The tripartite division of the Avar Age will be applied
with chronological boundaries established around 650 (Early–Middle transi-
tion) and 700/710 (Middle–Late transition). In some cases even stages (sub-
phases) were distinguished, such as in the case of Early and Middle phases,
where two stages have been identified, while in the Late Avar period three
stages have been used in accordance with Éva Garam261 and Falko Daim.262
Finer chronological distinctions were not utilised, following the methodologi-
cal warnings of Heiko Steuer concerning those established on the basis of the
timespan between the date of manufacture, use and deposition.263
Chorology examines the spatial, geographical distribution of artefacts.
Distribution maps showing various artefact types became popular in archaeo-
logical research for identifying archaeological cultures with ethnic groups,
though it has long been evident that mapping of single finds or their combina-
tions is insufficient for such purposes. Distribution maps are thus mainly used
for examining the origin and workshops of particular artefacts or for detecting
regional phenomena (like burial rites, etc.).
The interpretation of these distribution maps has a number of difficulties:
spatial distribution of artefact types depends on depositional rules, whereby
their different nature can distort results. The various approaches taken in
research or presentation of different regions can result in significant differ-
ences, even in regions using the same burial rite.
The names of various regions of the Carpathian Basin are frequently used
in the present study, and therefore their presentation is important so that
the reader has a clear idea of what is meant by each of them (map 1). The
Carpathian or Pannonian Basin is a region enclosed by the Carpathians around
the middle reaches of the Danube river. Its hydrographics is dominated by two
261 Garam 1995, 390–423.
262 Daim 1987, 155.
263 Steuer 1998, 141.