Friesland in balans

Samenvatting

Friesland in balance. This article presents an overview of balance finds from the Dutch terp region, dating from the Early Middle Ages. Balances of the so-called Roman unster-type were previously dated in the first century. Recent studies have revealed that many Roman finds from the terp region were re-used well into the Early Middle Ages – including unsters. Isosceles balances and unsters were most probably used in ordinary commerce, until the second half of the 7th century. It is, however, very well possible that the Frisians continued to use Roman and contemporary native-made balances until the 9th century. Future research will hopefully reveal more details.