Author Description

Most studies of Merovingian burials focus on the rich graves of men and women. This thesis, however, examines the evidence for child burials which, when combined with documentary sources, is used to reassess the role and status of children in Merovingian society. The study is based on the analysis of 28 cemeteries which have produced almost 1000 infant and juvenile burials, covering the late 5th to early 8th century. In particular, Birgitta Lohrke examines the type of gravegoods that were placed with children of both sexes at different ages, especially the presence or otherwise of weaponry and so-called `female objects'. Lohrke argues that all children would have been buried with something; if they were too young to have aquired personal posessions thety would have been buried with food. The study also draws conclusions about when childhood may have ended for the Merovingian young and Lohrke speculates that the increased stress that would have accompanied the transition to adulthood may have contributed to the high mortality. German text, French and English summaries.