Early Medieval and Viking Research Group
Mission
The early medieval period (AD 400-1100) was one of great dynamism in Ireland, of changing power structures, and of shifting and varied ideologies and identities. Culture and society were reshaped through diverse interactions with other areas of Europe, especially through the arrival of literacy and a new religion at the beginning of the period and the arrival of the Vikings some four centuries later. The potential for archaeologists to develop new understandings of the period has never been greater, not least because of the wealth of material being discovered in advance of infrastructural developments. The Early Medieval and Viking Research Group aims to play an important role in realizing that potential by conducting, encouraging and promoting archaeological and interdisciplinary research in the area, with a particular emphasis on the early Church and on the Viking impact on settlement patterns, material culture and society. A guiding principal of this research is that early medieval Ireland is best understood in its European context.
The Research Group
Staff and Affiliated Academics:
- John Sheehan (Director)
- Dr Tomás Ó Carragáin
- Michael A. Monk
- Dr Colin Rynne
- Dr Barra Ó Donnabháin
- Donnchadh Ó Corráin, Emeritus Professor of Medieval History
- Dr Patrick F. Wallace, Director, National Museum of Ireland and Adjunct Professor, Department of Archaeology, UCC
M.Phil/PhD Researchers:
- Gill Boazman
- Tracy Collins
- Kaaren Moffatt
- Johanna O’Sullivan
This research group comprises two main clusters:
Early Church Research Cluster (Leader: Dr Tomás Ó Carragáin)
The aim of this research cluster is to arrive at new understandings of the great variety of ecclesiastical sites that were established during the early medieval period, especially, though not exclusively, those in Ireland. Researchers within this cluster are exploring the role of these sites as centres of patronage and ritual, as settlements and craft centres and as components of landscapes characterised by a widening spectrum of other settlement forms and ritual foci.
Viking Research Cluster (Leader: John Sheehan)
This research cluster is primarily concerned with the question of rural Scandinavian settlement. The potential for archaeologists to develop new perspectives on this topic is considerable because of the advances that have been made in it, on an interdisciplinary basis, in recent decades. Related themes that arise, such as the Scandinavian impact on settlement patterns, material culture, economy and society, also form part of the EM&VRG’s research agenda. A guiding principal of the approach is that the Scandinavian phenomemon in Ireland is best understood in its Scandinavian and North Atlantic context.
