Romano-Frankish interaction in the Lower Rhine frontier zone from the late 3rd to the 5th century – Some key archaeological trends explored

Abstract

This paper presents a case study on the development of the Lower Rhine region from the late 3rd to the 5th century AD. The focus is on the province of Germania secunda and the adjacent areas east and north of the Rhine with a special attention for the Romano-Frankish interaction. Four interrelated themes are discussed: 1. the widespread depopulation of the countryside in the northern half of Germania secunda in the late 3rd century; 2. the question of the Limesfall in the same period; 3. the influx of new Frankish immigrant groups in the late 4th and early 5th century, and 4. the draining of Roman gold to the Lower Rhine frontier in the same phase. On the basis of these developments we gain a better picture of the rise and transformation of Frankish groups. These groups underwent a process of increasing hierarchisation and militarisation during the Late Roman period and this process was closely tied to intense interaction – both friendly and hostile – with the Roman Empire. From this perspective, the Franks can be regarded as a ‘product’ of the Late Roman frontier.