Archaeological signs of social groups in prnssian society of early order time
The results achieved in identifying archaeological signs of social groups in the Prussian society of the Early Orden time according to the Alt-Wehlau / Prudovka burial ground are as follows: 1. The bulk of the Prussian community members were distinguished by the presence of spears (less often - darts) - the most popular and the least expensive weapon in the manufacture of weapons among the ancient and medieval Balts. 2. Wandering merchants among the Prussians could have swords to protect their goods in the process of moving trade caravans. In addition, swords could be social markers of heavily armed Prussian warriors, as shown in the capitals from the Marienburg / Malbork castle. 3. Vitings and their descendants had the right to wear «military belts» imitating knightly regalia. Perhaps the inventory also included luxurious horseshoe-shaped brooches made of woven silver rods. 4. Representatives of the pinnacle of the social structure of Prussian society in the post-Viking times and in the pre-Order period were distinguished by highly artistic jewelry of large sizes, made of silver. 5. By the XV century. material evidence of the social belonging of members of the Prussian society from their burials disappears under the pressure of the Christian traditions of the funeral business spreading in the Western Baltic environment.