Loricati milites - Status, equipment and importance of the Francian military forces in the Early Medieval Period
During the Carolingian period, war represented an important and integral part of the exercise of power, rule and everyday life. Numerous written sources provide an idea of the equipment, composition and supply of the Carolingian army, the campaigns and the opponents of the Frankish empire. However, as is often the case, there is a lack of detailed insights into the specific contexts: equipment details, weapon technologies, strategies or even organizational questions of military logistics. Approaches to these subjects are only possible with the inclusion of archaeological and iconographic sources, as well as intensive experimental archaeological research.
Within the framework of the planned symposium, an international and interdisciplinary team of specialists will discuss current research questions on the above topics and expand upon them through demonstrations and experimental archaeology at Lauresham, the open-air laboratory. The ideal outcome would be to have a plan for the (re)construction of the complete equipment of a Carolingian mounted and armoured warrior for Lauresham. The event also aims to stimulate professional dialogue between scientists, archaeologists, artisans and members of the reenactment community.
Areas of interest for possible papers and demonstrations (demonstrations may take the form of ongoing experimental archaeological experiments, craft displays, warfare techniques etc.):
- Wars in the Early Medieval Period
- Weapons
- Animals in warfare
- Wardrobe and armour of the mounted warrior
- Logistics and strategy
- Clergy and early medieval warfare
Kindly submit the abstracts (150 words | 15 min presentation) in a pdf format to Claus Kropp (c.kropp@kloster-lorsch.de.). Please include presenter's name, affiliation and contact information. The selection of papers will take into consideration how the combination of contributions might best stimulate conversations and debates, and expand perspectives on the topic.
Accepted applicants will be notified by October 1st 2017.
Conference Venue: UNESCO-Welterbe Kloster Lorsch, Nibelungenstraße 32, 64653 Lorsch
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Contact:
Claus Kropp M.A.
Leiter des Freilichtlabors Lauresham