Moravia Magna

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Only fragments remain of what was once the Great Moravian Empire, but they speak of a culture that flourished long ago. In a land bounded by four rivers – the Danube, the Morava, the Elbe, and the Tisza – that covers part of present-day Czechoslovakia, Moravia existed between the time of the great Slavic migration (A.D. 450-550) and the annexation of the territory by the Bohemian Empire in A.D. 973. Although nothing but foundations are left of its architecture and mere pieces of its wall paintings survive, numerous examples of its handicrafts have stood the test of time. These show a remarkable maturity and technical expertise.In the past, before these artifacts were found, it was thought the early Moravians were very primitive. But important discoveries at Holiare, Želovce, Žitavská Tôň, Štúrovo, Mikulčice, and a number of other sites have disproved this theory. It is now certain that the Moravians were a highly developed people who were aware of and responsive to several widely varying influences, ranging from the Greco-Roman to the Persian, from the Christian to the Byzantine. The handicrafts unearthed at these locations reflect the long-lost glory of an empire and the artistic sensibilities of a nation on the crossroads of change.This opulent book presents a stunning array of Great Moravian artifacts, including gold and silver jewelry, cast bronze belt ornaments, and hand-molded pottery. A thorough introductory essay by the noted scholar Ján Dekan places the items within their historical and cultural contexts and explores various theories about their meanings and origins. Detailed maps show the evolution of Moravia over the centuries, while a lengthy chronological survey highlights major events.Includes 178 full-color plates, eight black-and-white photographs of archaeological sites, and numerous black-and-white illustrations.