This work focuses on one of the most striking archaeological phenomena of the Early Middle Ages in Europe, the so-called Reihengräberfelder (cemeteries with graves in rows). The author covers the development of their historical interpretation against the backdrop of an apparently fundamental contrast between the Germanic tribes and the Romans. However, his analysis demonstrates that these cemeteries cannot be seen as archaeological evidence of Germanic migration to the former boarder regions of the Roman Empire, but rather represent a cultural reaction to the break-up of Rome.

Autorentext

Hubert Fehr, Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg.