West Lithuania as a Golden Bridge between the Sea and the Baltic Hinterland in Northeast Poland during the Roman and Migration Periods

Abstract

The authors discuss archaeological data regarding cultural interactions between west Lithuanian areas and the regions of Ma-suria and Suwałki during the Roman and Migration Periods. Several categories of finds in west Lithuania can be seen as direct imports or the import of ideas from the West Balt area in Masuria. This communication worked in both directions. Influences from coastal Lithuania may also be detected in the style of jewellery or riding gear. Undoubtedly, the warrior elite played an important role in keeping these connections alive. The west Lithuanian area, like Samland, was a trading centre, working as an intermediary in the dissemination of interregional novelties. Key words: West Lithuania, Masuria, Suwałki, West Balts, Roman and Migration Periods, interregional contacts.