First Name:
Eric
Last Name:
Spivey
Major Department:
History
Thesis Director:
Mary A. Valante
Date of Thesis:
May 2012
This thesis examines the role of the iron sword in Ireland in the early medieval period (c. 400-600 AD). The sword as material culture indicates interaction and trade between Ireland and other societies, specifically Roman Britain. The Irish iron sword, in resembling the Roman sword despite its Celtic predecessors, signifies more participation with the Roman Empire than previously assumed. Primary sources explain the perception and role of the sword, elaborating more on blacksmiths and warriors than the sword itself, revealing a cultural mindfulness that does not reciprocate the political and social symbolism tied to the sword in later medieval times throughout Europe. Thus the iron sword serves as a contextual reference point for assessing aspects of Irish society during the early medieval period.