DIE BEZIEHUNGEN DER LUTIZEN IM OSTSEERAUM (10.–12. JAHRHUNDERT)

Abstract

The contacts in the Baltic, mainly to Scandinavia, were vitally important for the economy and social affairs of the northern Slavs since the 8th century. In the territory of the Lutician tribal league (late 10th–12th century) we observe outstanding material witnesses of the contacts with the north, with relevance above all for the habitus of the warlike élites of these last independent tribal areas. The successful activity of the Lutician league based on an economic blossom, stimulated significantly by flourishing Baltic Sea trade zone, but was also affected by northern impulses and strong contacts between warrior societies at both shores of the Baltic Sea. There were peaceful as well as warlike contacts, and the expansion of the Danish Empire in the 12th century contributed, finally, to Lutician doom. Here are discussed the northern connections of the Luticians with an archaeological focus, beneath else concerning archaeological single findings, élite and boat graves.

Keywords

• Liuticians
• Baltic trade
• early Middle Ages
• burial customs
• cultural contacts of the élites