Archaeology of the Medieval World Seminar: foreign objects and new ideas

The medieval period is often imagined as an era dominated by localised developments and regionalism, in which, after the empires of Antiquity, societies became somewhat isolated from one another. This is despite well-known evidence of transformative innovations that spread widely during this time, demonstrating extensive global connections. Innovations such as Arabic numerals, paper, the magnetic compass, or the spinning wheel highlight the dynamic exchange of ideas, technologies, and practices across Europe, Africa, and Asia. The dissemination of these advancements was driven by various forms of mobility, including military conquests, trade networks, religious pilgrimages, and long- and short-distance interactions that created expansive webs of connection. In this seminar, we delve into case studies and examine archaeological evidence, alongside theoretical frameworks, to illuminate the mechanisms and impacts of movement and interconnectivity in the medieval world. Some of the case studies will be presented by guest speakers who are conducting archaeological research in different regions over the world .