Strategic Centre

Mainz was located in the centre of the East Frankish Empire. The economic power, extensive landed property and fertile land ensured the king and his court could be provided for during stays on the stately journeys. Mainz and its surroundings served as strategic starting points for war preparations and Christian missions, for example of the Saxons in the north. According to contemporary understanding, Christian faith and violence are not mutually exclusive. On the contrary: Political and religious goals were closely linked.

Different weapons and elaborately decorated spurs and stirrups indicate wealthy and high-ranking riders. Perhaps they were in the service of Charlemagne. The black-toned jug was an exclusive long-distance commodity. It was used as a drinking jug on the tables of both secular and ecclesiastical grandees.