A new perspective: the “WINDOWGLASSMED” project

Résumé 0

Despite an apparent contraction of long-distant trade suggested by Pirenne,1 recent analytical studies suggest that glass was still traded to Europe from Egypt and the Levant where it was originally produced during the Early Medieval period.2 The overall picture that emerges from these data though is far from clear. In addition, there is no doubt that Early Medieval glass chemical composition has been heavily influenced by recycling and mixing recycling practices over the years,3 but at the same time, “contemporary” produced compositions (such as Levantine – Apollonia type, Foy 2, or plant ash) were also circulating at the time together with this highly recycled glass.4 There is no doubt therefore that our understanding of glass production is still partial to this day and that more works needs to be done, especially that e a broader range. The idea for the WINDOGLASSMED project stems from these premises. By analysing glass samples from different part of Western Europe for LA-ICP-MS and isotopic analysis (Sr and Nd), this project will be the first detailed multidisciplinary study focused on well-dated 7th–10th century to create a detailed, chronologically-resolved map of Early Medieval glass in Western Europe, reflecting both trade patterns and practices such as recycling.