The Archaeology of Byzantine Italy: A Synthesis of Recent Research

Abstract

The Justinianic conquest of Africa, Italy and Spain (AD 533 - 554) has often been regarded as a notable assertion of Byzantine rule over the former Western Roman provinces. Historical discussions have tended to exaggerate greatly the contributions of the Byzantines in the West, presuming extensive restorative activity and the instilling of new life through Eastern immigrants and improved East-West trade contacts. Recent historical studies have broken away from this rosy image and greatly played down the Byzantine role. Archaeological interest in the post-Roman centuries in Italy in particular and in the Mediterranean trade systems has produced a vital source of physical data with which to assess the period AD 400-1000 and thus the contributions of the Byzantines. The image now changes to one of progressive decay and of notable social transformation only partially conditioned by East Roman rule.