Constantin Pion

Constantin Pion serves as a Lecturer at the Research Centre in Archaeology and Heritage (CReA-PATRIMOINE) within the Free University of Brussels, focusing on Merovingian period material culture in Belgium. His research integrates field excavations across Wallonia with analysis of international trade networks, particularly examining glass bead circulation between the Indian subcontinent and Merovingian graves.

Pion's primary research interests span Merovingian archaeology, glass bead trade networks, funerary practices, and object reuse symbolism. His interdisciplinary approach combines excavation data with material science techniques to reconstruct 5th-8th century cultural practices, as demonstrated in publications ranging from Fluxys pipeline excavation reports to his 2020 Oxford Handbook chapter on transcontinental trade connections. Recent work increasingly engages Mediterranean and Indian Ocean archaeological networks while maintaining regional Walloon focus.

Analysis of Pion's 26 publications (2010-2020) reveals consistent scholarly output peaking during active fieldwork phases (2010-2011), with recent work showing expanded international scope. His research spans peer-reviewed articles (33%), excavation reports (19%), book chapters (15%), and conference proceedings, demonstrating both practical archaeological application and theoretical engagement with Merovingian material culture.

Pion has secured sustained funding through preventive archaeology contracts with the Walloon Public Service and Fluxys SA for pipeline corridor excavations. He has supervised at least one doctoral student to completion (Carmela Battista, 2019) and regularly collaborates with researchers like Bernard Gratuze on material analysis. Current advising likely includes students participating in Walloon excavation projects.

As part of CReA-PATRIMOINE, Pion contributes to ULB's archaeology center conducting fieldwork, laboratory analysis, and heritage management projects. The center maintains active partnerships with regional archaeological services, providing students practical training in excavation methodology and cultural resource management through infrastructure-related fieldwork.