Continuity and Discontinuity of the Settlement in the Transitional Period from Late Antiquity until the Early Middle Ages

Abstract

The author deals vvith the period of the migration of the nations from late antiquity until the settlement of the Slavs in the eastern Alps; the period has not been studied thoroughly enough, and is, therefore, called »dark ages« by archaeologists. The author states, on the basis of phenomina already dealt vvith, and considering late Roman tradition, the existence of three forms as vvell as three territories where antiquity tradition had been preserved unto the Middle Ages. This continuity between antiquity and the Middle Ages, vvith the forms of the Roman self-administration can be scen best in coastal towns; the territory west of claustra Alpium luliarum had preserved the military service system of the Langobard tribe until the 9th century; whereas in the eastern part of Slovenia the least of traditions are found that outlasted antiquity. The continuous degree of the Romanized Illyrian and Celtic settlers' culture can be seen in the physical culture of the whole territory.