Isolated and backward Westerwolde (Groningen, The Netherlands)?:A confrontation of archaeological and historical data from the Middle Ages in a wider geographical context

The aim of this paper is to question the supposed isolated and backward position of the region of Westerwolde, in the northeastern part of the Netherlands. Westerwolde’s geographically rather isolated condition has traditionally been brought forward to explain its backward image. Progressive peat growth ever since the Bronze Age occupation had transformed Westerwolde into an island. It was abandoned in the Late Iron Age, only to be recolonized in the early Middle Ages. During the 19th century, romantics were still admiring Westerwolde’s arcadian scenery and cultural traditions. In contrast, fr... Mehr ...