Lokalita Smilův kopec se nachazi na Jemnicku, p ři východni hranici povodi řeky Želetavky. Zmi ň ... more Lokalita Smilův kopec se nachazi na Jemnicku, p ři východni hranici povodi řeky Želetavky. Zmi ň ovane uzemi představuje spolecně se Slavonickem, Dacickem a Telcskem nejzapadnejsi kout historickeho rozsahu Moravy. Poloha byla intenzivn ě sledovana již od roku 2010 a v soucasne době je ji věnovana pozornost i v ramci projektu „MUNI/C/0993/2012“, který je zam ěřen na studium sidelnich a socio-ekonomických aspektů lengyelskeho kulturniho komplexu v prostoru nejzapadnějsi Moravy. Primarnim podn ě tem pro zkoumani teto lokality se stal fakt, že ackoli je znama už od konce 19. stoleti a pochazi odtud nebo z bezprostředniho okoli již ně kolik nalezů datovatelných do lengyelske kultury, nebyla doposud znama primarni poloha takto naležejicich aktivit. Nas zajem se zde postupně rozsiřil na vsechny zachycene sidelni epizody za ucelem ucelene rekonstrukce vývoje tamniho pravěkeho i středověkeho osidleni.
V roce 2016 bylo v souvislosti s rekultivaci nadvoři ve vnitrobloku Městskeho uřadu na Masarykově... more V roce 2016 bylo v souvislosti s rekultivaci nadvoři ve vnitrobloku Městskeho uřadu na Masarykově naměsti v Uherskem Brodě objeveno kamenne těleso studny. Při výzkumu se podařilo zdokumentovat jeji stavebni vývoj, ověřit přitomnost sedimentů s archeologickým materialem na bazi a zaroveň stanovit přibližný chronologický ramec fungovani. Vznik studny můžeme na zakladě dostupných indicii klast do průběhu 15. stoleti. Z pohledu dosavadniho stavu badani se jedna o již patý připad výzkumu tohoto druhu archeologickeho pramene v Uherskem Brodě.
Shrnuti dosavadnich výsledků a perspektiv zjistěných při povrchových prospekcich na polykulturni ... more Shrnuti dosavadnich výsledků a perspektiv zjistěných při povrchových prospekcich na polykulturni lokalitě Smilův kopec u Kojatic (okr. Třebic).
Abstrakt Technologie výroby keramických nádob je náročný proces, který zahrnuje specifické postup... more Abstrakt Technologie výroby keramických nádob je náročný proces, který zahrnuje specifické postupy od těžby a přípravy surovin, přes výrobu až k sušení a výpalu. Příspěvek je věnován bližšímu poznání primárních výrobních technik a stop, které za sebou zanechávají na keramických nádobách. Větší pozornost je věnována zejména technikám, o jejichž používání lze uvažovat v různých historických obdobích od pravěku po vrcholný středověk. Jsou zde shrnuty poznatky nejen z archeologie, ale také z etnologie, experimentální archeologie a současného hrnčířství. Jedním z řešených témat je také otázka nejednotné terminologie a nesprávného užívání některých odborných termínů. Klíčová slova keramika, technologie výroby, identifikace výrobních technik, pravěk a středověk Abstract The production technology of ceramic vessels is a demanding procedure which includes specific phases and methods, from acquisition and preparation of raw materials, over production through to drying and firing. The paper is dealing in more detail with basic production techniques and specific traces which they leave on ceramic vessels. Special attention is mainly paid to techniques typical of various historical periods, from Prehistory to High Middle Ages. The text summarizes the knowledge not only of archaeology but also of ethnology, experimental archaeology and contemporary pottery making. Among the topics addressed also are the non-uniform terminology and incorrect use of several specialised terms.
The subject of this article is the presentation of the findings of a Bachelor's thesis that deals... more The subject of this article is the presentation of the findings of a Bachelor's thesis that deals with the evaluation of glazed ceramics collections. The examined collections come from rescue archaeology excavations primarily from Jihlava's historical centre, and from a systematic survey of Rokštejn Castle. The objective of the thesis was to not only evaluate the ceramic items, but also to present the issues of ceramics glazing, which has received little attention. The purpose of the examination of these collections was also to contribute to resolving questions already discussed in literature, as well as to help determine whether Rokštejn Castle was supplied by ceramics produced by Jihlava workshops.
The area of the former oldest Cistercian Monastery in Moravia is located in the village Velehrad ... more The area of the former oldest Cistercian Monastery in Moravia is located in the village Velehrad on the left bank of the stream Salaška approximately 7 km south-east of Staré Město near Uherské Hradiště. Cictercian Monastery in Velehrad was founded in 1202 after a mutual agreement between Olomouc bishop Robert, Moravian margrave Vladislav Jindřich and the king Přemysl Otakar I. The first Cistercians came to the valley of Salaška in 1205 from the monastery in Plasy lead by their abbot Thicelin. In 1228 the church of Virgin Mary was ceremonially consecrated with participation of Czech king Přemysl Otakar I. Up to the recent times, the topic of fortification of the Cistercian Monastery in Velehrad stood on the periphery of the interest of researchers. Their attention was drawn mainly by the very core of the monastery created by the monumental Church of the Assumption of the Virgin and Saints Cyril and Methodius. The only exception was the south-eastern round tower and a part of eastern wall uncovered by Jan Nevěřil in the beginning of 20th century and a survey of the direction of northern wall by tracing sounds lead by Jiří Kohoutek north of the basilica in 1993. The results of a rescue archaeological research by the company Archaia proved that the Cistercian Monastery in Velehrad was well fortified. The fortification consisted of a peripheral stone wall fortified by three round and rectangular towers in its corners. The fortification was built in about the middle of 13th century. Besides the research of fortification of the inner area of the monastery there arose the need of the revision of existing knowledge also in the case of historically proved fortifications in the area of Dolní and Horní Hrádek in the cadastre of Velehrad, both of which are situated south of the monastery on the right bank of the stream Salaška. The oldest written documents about the remnants of the buildings in the area of Hrádek come from the break of 16th and 17th century. Local name of the medieval fortification Dolní Hrádek can be traced in the present-day name of the street Na Hrádku in Velehrad. The remnants of the fortress were considered destroyed in connection with replacement of the graveyard near Cyril Chapel and the origin of a new Velehrad graveyard near the road to Tupesy on the southern edge of the village in 1832. A revision non-destructive research from 2011 and 2015 proved surprisingly that there are still some terrain relicts of Dolní Hrádek market place on the plots number 54 and 57 near the southern edge of the built up area of Velehrad. The plots in question are gardens lying west of former gamekeepers’ lodges in numbers 111 and 112. In literature, the existence of Hrádek is mentioned together with the historical data about the years 1402 and 1405 and the name of the castle warden Jiří of Němčice is repeatedly mentioned. In the case of the fortification in the area of Dolní Hrádek there are non-stratified collections of ceramics and some metal artefacts in the depository of Moravian Slovak Museum, found in the locality in 20th century. Chronologically the collection of ceramics may be divided into two groups. The first one dates back to the middle of Medieval Ages, younger part may be dated back to the second half of 15th century and the beginning of 16th century. In the case of terrain remnants of fortification in the area of Horní Hrádek the meaning of the object as well as its dating remain unanswered mainly due to the lack archaeological material. Hypothetically, the object might serve as a short time military camp. The questions of the time of existence as well as of the function of the remnants cannot be answered without a revision archaeological research. Due to its strategic placement above the Cistercian Monastery on the right bank of the stream Salaška, the fortification in the area of Dolní Hrádek probably protected access roads leading from south-east to the monastery. Mutual relation between the fortifications Dolní and Horní Hrádek in the wood Háj has not been explained yet in a satisfactory way. Definite answers to the questions of the origin and fall of the above mentioned fortifications could only be given by a revision archaeological research. The contribution sums up current knowledge obtain during a non-destructive research in the localities in 2011–2015 and interprets the collection of archaeological finds from the localities.
Uherské Hradiště is one of the few towns in which there are most preserved artefacts in the objec... more Uherské Hradiště is one of the few towns in which there are most preserved artefacts in the objects from high Middle Ages made of organic materials due to high level of groundwater and constantly wet conditions of clay subbase. Thus the finds of leather artefacts are no exception and they were discovered during almost all larger researches within the historical core of the town. The aim of this contribution is to present the results of technological and typological as well as material analysis from the locality Zelný trh (Green Market) and thus enlarge present-day knowledge about Medieval Ages clothes, footwear and other objects of personal possession. The collection of leather artefacts discovered during an archaeological research in Zelný trh represents quite an interesting and, in some aspects also not very common, inventory of leather made products from the period of high Middle Ages dated to the second half of 13th century till the beginning of 15th century. Not very typical is a low percentage of finds of footwear or its particular components. The situation is even more surprising if we consider the site of the finds. It is the backs side of the plot neighbouring with a raceway the banks of which were continually reinforced with fluvial and anthropogenic layers of manure-like character. According to the level of wear and tear as well as to their overall fragmentation the finds cannot be considered as waste objects. The whole collection can be defined as the so called secondary or tertiary waste. That is the reason why the relatively low percentage (approximately 8% of all object found and 47% from the group of identifiable objects outside production waste) of footwear among the finds is so surprising, because it was footwear that in the high Middle Ages belonged to consumption goods with a high level of depreciation and thus it commonly dominates similar collections. On the other hand, it is obvious that the researched locality was not primarily meant to be a goal-directed and regular dump of this kind of waste because the collection despite its long time span is not very numerous. From typological and morphological points of view it is necessary to mention several finds. The fragment of decorative belt is, for the time being, without direct analogies from home environment mainly due to preserved colouring in its gaps. The extent of original colouring remains questionable, i.e. the possibility that the whole product was painted red, which seems to be the most probable option. The range of present-day knowledge also does not make it possible for us to say whether such a colouring was common or whether we have to do with a luxurious product. In the Medieval Ages, the bet had not only a utility function but also fashion and decorative ones. Its style might have been plainly common but also very sumptuous. Such a product was considered more a jewel a sign of social status of a person ad their affiliation to a social group. The last very important find is that of narrow cases (sleeves) which were most probably used for styluses used for writing upon wax tables. The remaining majority of artefacts represent a common inventory typical exactly for this kind of collections. The results of type purposes of the materials used may also be considered standard. Out of 19 artefacts researched 9 of them were identified as cowhide or calfskin which is also most probable with the remaining 8 ones. One artefact was made of goatskin. It was impossible to identify the material for just two artefacts. Material analysis may also be helpful from the point of view of the purpose of the objects researched. One of the indications might be the fact that calfskin was used mainly in production of artefacts which are considered to be remains of sheaths.
In 2015, before building a multifunctional house at the crossroads of Komenský and U sboru street... more In 2015, before building a multifunctional house at the crossroads of Komenský and U sboru streets in Uherský Brod, a rescue archaeological excavation was carried out, during which a proof of the Bronze Age, High Middle Ages and particularly Modern Age settlements was found on the excavated plot. This contribution deals with one of the Modern Age features, which could be interpreted as a small sunk cellar or under floor hiding place where a building oblation was found. A rich found discovered there contained Baroque pottery, glass, animal bones as well as metal artefacts, which illustrate urban material culture in the first half of the 18th century.
This study examines a polycultural site Hradiště u Louky located in southwestern Moravia. The mai... more This study examines a polycultural site Hradiště u Louky located in southwestern Moravia. The main aim is to introduce a new archaeological and historical model based on data from the surface survey, metal detecting and probing. Mainly non-destructive methods were used in this research. A new settlement phase from Jevišovice culture was documented. The onset of Medieval settlement in the area most likely dates to post-Great Moravian and Late Hillfort periods. The most intensive anthropogenic activities date to the high Medieval period when a small castle fortified by a moat and a rampart was built. Archaeological artefacts from the younger phase of the Medieval settlement possess chronological features of the 2 nd half of the 13 th and the 1 st third of the 15 th century. Also, to clarify the sequence of the owners of the castle and possible causes of its demise, a revision of written accounts was performed.
The study provides information on the discovery of two unknown archaeological sites in the southe... more The study provides information on the discovery of two unknown archaeological sites in the southeast part of Chřiby Mountains represented by more than twenty metallic artefacts. From the archaeological point of view the area of Chřiby is potentially very strong for prospective activities as well as for focused research. Despite its hilly character and thick woodland as well as its difficult accessibility there are more and more unique findings and sites. On of such cases is the discovery of two concentrations of metallic artefacts on the slopes of Špidlák and Holý kopec (Fig. 1: A). In the summer of 2015 terrain research as well as detector prospections were carried out with the help of GPS. From the geographical point of view the two sites can be found on the slopes of distinctive hillocks on the left side of the road from Osvětimany to Koryčany, bordered with a stream called Klimentský potok, deeply cut into the sides of the valley. The first of the concentrations was found under the top of the hill Špidlák (515.1 m above the sea level). The findings were concentrated roughly on the plateau of oval shape which is closed by a little terrain elevation (Fig. 2) in its northern side, running in south-east direction into a little promontory. Some other artefacts were also found on the steep slope of the north-east side under the above mentioned elevation. There was only one object found outside the concentrations about 50 m north, bellow the contour of 450 m above the sea level. From the point of view of space aspects the findings do not make any significant accumulations, but rather a cluster of individual points spread on a relatively large area of several hundred square meters. Second, quantitatively smaller concentration, was discovered on the north-east slope under the top of Holý kopec (458.3 m above the sea level). The area is cut through by a wood path leading from the main road in the valley of Klimentský potok, which is about 500 m form the above mention site. Central part of the concentration consists of two iron and one bronze objects found between the contours of 442–446 meters above the sea level. Another artefact was found about 160 meters to the north on the contour of 430 m above the sea level (Fig. 1: C). As for the kinds of findings it is obvious that all the objects from both concentrations represent various branches of human life. Most of the findings belong to finish hardware (7 pieces), such as nails, a hasp, a bolt, a key and other objects used in building or as parts of door lock mechanisms and various parts used for securing a door. Further on there are objects of military character (4 pieces), such as pints of spears for both infantry and cavalry and also points of arrows with a simple spike or a spike with an iron sleeve. There are also parts of horse riding gear (4 objects), such as fragments of horseshoes and a cogged wheel of a spur (Fig. 4). Then there were artefacts which can be classified as personal 131 belongings (a bronze ring), tools for agriculture (a sickle) and craftsman’s tools (an axe), even though considering the context of the finding this might also have been used as a weapon. Some fragments of iron objects (3 pieces) were not specifically classified as belonging into any of the categories. From the chronological point of view all the objects fall into between the early and late medieval period. The interpretation of the concentrations of metallic objects is ambiguous and offers a large spectre of hypotheses based both on geographical and space relations and the presence of other findings as well as historical reports. Both sites are situated on strategic elevations of the area with the possibility of control of the old path going down the valley under both hilltops. Considering the absence of any other findings we can suppose the existence of the short-term camp site. Other single purpose activities demonstrated by accidental accumulation of of the objects may not be excluded either. For the time being the relation of the concentrations to the fortified settlement of St. Kliment near Osvětimany on the premises of which they were discovered, also unanswered.
Uherský Brod is among the oldest king’s towns in the area of south-east Moravia. Its strategic lo... more Uherský Brod is among the oldest king’s towns in the area of south-east Moravia. Its strategic location above the ford near Moravian Slovak border accentuated by the White Carpathian mountain range has made it an important point of Moravian medieval border the function of which was, among the remaining ones, to secure the collection of toll for crossing the river Olšava. Rich development of the town in both medieval and modern times is thus demonstrated in archaeological sources. Rescue archaeological excavations in Uherský Brod related to building development of the built up areas have a long tradition. The older researches were followed by the archaeological research in Hradní Square in 2015 and it documented medieval and modern times layers uncovered in several profiles during the construction of a new poly-functional house. The area of the construction mentioned above is situated in the old built up area near the northern part of the medieval fortification on the crossroads of Hradní Square and Přemysl Otakar II Street, running from the town towards the chateau area. From the historical point of view the area is situated on the very edge of the medieval and early modern settlement. (Fig.1) Four stratigraphic situations consisting of successive medieval and modern-times layers were documented during the excavation. Considering the absence of medieval contexts in the stratigraphy of the northern profile and their manifestation in the western segment of the profile of the excavation for a staircase, it is possible that it was the original range of medieval parcelling was uncovered oriented east to west and running outside the building to the east. One medieval object was registered during the excavation in the eastern part of the examined plot. On the basis of analogical researches the object was interpreted as an embedded basement of elevated building. Due to anomalies of the filling of the object and the residues of rotten wood some possible wooden constructions inside the basement may be considered. From the chronological point of view the high medieval settlement on the plot may be dated roughly to the second half of the 13th century but mainly to 14th century. Despite the fact that the original construction provided with cellars destroyed a large part of the original town plot a rough information about its character and chronology of the settlement could be obtained adding to our knowledge of the topographical development of the king’s town of Uherský Brod.
Uherské Hradiště, as an important and strategically situated city used to have a stone fortificat... more Uherské Hradiště, as an important and strategically situated city used to have a stone fortification which was developed through centuries, strived and finally disappeared as a result of construction of a new baroque fortification, of a larger house-building and new partition. In modern times, including present-day activities its remnants were damaged by numerous activities, e.g. underground services and basement of new houses, many of which were a subject to an archaeological research. On the recent cases is uncovering of circa 12 m long inner medieval fortification wall in Dlouhá Street as a result of an archaeological research before construction of a new apartment house with shops. Before the construction two test pits were made aimed at uncovering possible line of medieval fortification on the above mentioned plot. It was reasonable to expect the line to be found here on the basis of the old iconographical materials and maps. The idea was supported by previous archaeological activities in Dlouhá Street and its close surroundings during which a destruction of the inner part of fortification was discovered as a result of revitalisation of a sewer. The most important discovery was an archaeological situation from the test pit 1 with the remnants of stone fortification the origins of which, according to written sources, date back to 14th century. Besides the fortification itself a unique finding of a wooden construction at the base of fortification was made. On the basis of laboratory tests it can be provisionally interpreted as a timber support of a gutter outlet for waste water. From the chronological point of view we can date the oldest layers of settlement along the fortification back to 2nd half of 13th century. Late medieval layers were damaged by modern-times activities from renaissance and baroque periods. Besides others, a modern-times sewer outlet was discovered consisting of two lime stone gutters and built in into the original fortification by burnt bricks. As for other structures a documented profile of a lime pit and some basements of modern-times constructions some of which were provided with cellars, are worth mentioning. The youngest findings are those of a pavement made of cobblestones circa 50 cm under the current surface from the half of 20th century. Due to the documentation of this situation we can get the idea of numerous banks creating a current horizon. Among the number of archaeological medieval findings a unique well preserved golden necklace and a small silver badge with vegetable motif are worth mentioning. These artefact are completed by a wide plaque of kitchen and table ceramic, numerous chips of animal bones and shards of glass containers as well as metallic objects. Due to permanently wet surroundings in waterlogged underlying clays some little wooden objects were preserved and, surprisingly enough, also a large variety of seeds and parts of stones and shells. In the second test pit (3×2.5 m) the remnants of original medieval parcelling were found. Basements of two development phases of stone constructions joined by clay or lime mortar were uncovered. These can be dated to high medieval times as well mainly due to supporting ceramic materials. Thus the archaeological situations from the second test pit are another important lead in solution the question of development of the original medieval parcelling in Uherské Hradiště. Dating of the walls back to the 14th century is also an important contribution to handling the problem of the development and construction of the body of fortification walls. Even though the basement of the rampart was built on a clay subsoil, the layers at the foot of the basement originated as a result of functioning of gutter outlets. Thus the material in the context of 121, 122, and 123 had to be deposited already at the time when the body of the fortification had already been built. The construction of the body of rampart may be supposed as to be carried out in two phases, which is supported by archaeological research in Dlouhá Street, by older researches and by the theory by Z. Gardavský. The first phase was carried out in 14th century, the oldest documented part of the fortification is the old town gate dated back to the first half of 14th century. In the second phase, during 16th century, the construction was widened in its north-wet and south-west parts. The two phase appears to be very probable, based on the known situations. Nevertheless, the question remains why, with the exception of Nádražní Street, the body of fortification separating the newly enclosed area from the original one was not uncovered and why there are no traces of the older phase in iconographical materials. However we can not exclude the possibility of only one-phase construction of the walls, that the younger rampart segments could be repairs after floods or wars.
This article presents a Moravian Painted Ware culture site Březník in the Czech-Moravian Highland... more This article presents a Moravian Painted Ware culture site Březník in the Czech-Moravian Highlands.
The emphasis is on evaluation of surface finds in the „Střední hon“ field and assessing the archaeological
material and geographical aspects. The new findings are placed in a regional context with regard to
the area between Oslava and Chvojnice rivers as well as in the wider context (southwest Moravia). We
also compared it to a nearby Moravian Painted Ware site located in the „Zadní hon“ field. Interestingly,
although Březník is located on the periphery of the known Neolithic occupation zone, the peripheral
effect is not apparent at this site (as it is at other sites considered to be located on the periphery). One
particularity of this region is a high concentration of muscovite (obtained from local schist outcrops) in
the ceramic matter. The lithic sources are mostly local and regional (Brno Massif, Boskovice Furrow and
Krumlovský Les cherts). There are also some raw materials imported from great distances (metabazite of
the Jizerské hory type, obsidian, erratic chert and Polish cherts). Based on the chronology, material culture
and geographical position, Březník – „Střední hon“ can be placed into the early phase Ib (Lengyel I) of
the Moravian Painted ware culture.
In August 2018 a test pit archaeological research was conducted in Březolupy Chateau (Uherské
Hra... more In August 2018 a test pit archaeological research was conducted in Březolupy Chateau (Uherské Hradiště District) which resulted in terrain adjustment and retiling of the whole quadrangle (Bartík 2018). Archaeological research started in south-east corner of the quadrangle where, after removal of grass surface, the terrain was cleared to the level of embankment horizon from the first half of the 20th century and then a test pit was 2.5×2 meters was set (Fig. 4.) It was marked S1 and it was adjacent to the chateau by it northern side. (Fig. 5). This placement was deliberate, because this wing of the chateau building has been considered hypothetically the oldest one according to construction and historical research (Eliáš 1988). The research situation considered another two smaller test pits were set in cellar space under the south-east wing of the chateau (Fig. 6). Thanks to the test pit research of Březolupy Chateau in 2018 it was possible to specify the shape of stratigraphic situation in the area of the quadrangle more clearly. The test pit 1 suggests that there is a relatively thick layer of recent levelling of the terrain rich in the residues of rubble of various kinds. Under the rubble the residues of early modern time were preserved connected with the reconstruction and functioning of the local feudal settlement in 17th century. Younger modern time layers from 18th and 19th century, were most probably destroyed during older reconstructions of the quadrangle and their residues can be found in recent embankments. The thickness sediments in the quadrangle is circa 140 centimetres. Sitting on the base of all three test pits there was up to 70 centimetres thick layer of fluvial or slope sediment which is anthropogenically enriched with the finds of ceramics, daub, bone and stone residues which can be dated back to the stage of the Linear Band pottery culture. Under the building of the chateau itself, or in its close surroundings there was a settlement area from the beginning of Neolithic. Another important result of the research was the discovery of basement stone masonry of the original tower building which was a part of a renaissance fortress before the chateau was rebuilt in a baroque style. The masonry was discovered in the northern profile of the test pit 1and according to the same character and similar rate of levelling it is connected with another relict of the wall documented in cellar area in the test pit 2. If the masonry is really connected with the reconstruction it could represent the oldest construction phase of the building prior to previous renaissance shape of the fortress. If the perimeter of the masonry was connected the result would have a rectangular shape with the dimensions of 10×6.8 metres (Fig. 18) By its shape and dimensions the building would then be similar with many other fortresses with inhabitable towers of the late Medieval Times (cf. Chotěboř 1982, 361, Fig. 4; Plaček 2007, 66—84). To validate the theory, it would necessary to carry out another research of larger space which would prove the existence of finds from the High Middle Ages.
A 2015 archaeological rescue excavation in Uherský Brod revealed relics of a high medieval potter... more A 2015 archaeological rescue excavation in Uherský Brod revealed relics of a high medieval pottery kiln. The study is focused on interpretation of the find context and analysis of remnants of a ceramic kiln charge. The acquired data are then put into context of other Moravian towns and regional development of high medieval ceramic production.
Lokalita Smilův kopec se nachazi na Jemnicku, p ři východni hranici povodi řeky Želetavky. Zmi ň ... more Lokalita Smilův kopec se nachazi na Jemnicku, p ři východni hranici povodi řeky Želetavky. Zmi ň ovane uzemi představuje spolecně se Slavonickem, Dacickem a Telcskem nejzapadnejsi kout historickeho rozsahu Moravy. Poloha byla intenzivn ě sledovana již od roku 2010 a v soucasne době je ji věnovana pozornost i v ramci projektu „MUNI/C/0993/2012“, který je zam ěřen na studium sidelnich a socio-ekonomických aspektů lengyelskeho kulturniho komplexu v prostoru nejzapadnějsi Moravy. Primarnim podn ě tem pro zkoumani teto lokality se stal fakt, že ackoli je znama už od konce 19. stoleti a pochazi odtud nebo z bezprostředniho okoli již ně kolik nalezů datovatelných do lengyelske kultury, nebyla doposud znama primarni poloha takto naležejicich aktivit. Nas zajem se zde postupně rozsiřil na vsechny zachycene sidelni epizody za ucelem ucelene rekonstrukce vývoje tamniho pravěkeho i středověkeho osidleni.
V roce 2016 bylo v souvislosti s rekultivaci nadvoři ve vnitrobloku Městskeho uřadu na Masarykově... more V roce 2016 bylo v souvislosti s rekultivaci nadvoři ve vnitrobloku Městskeho uřadu na Masarykově naměsti v Uherskem Brodě objeveno kamenne těleso studny. Při výzkumu se podařilo zdokumentovat jeji stavebni vývoj, ověřit přitomnost sedimentů s archeologickým materialem na bazi a zaroveň stanovit přibližný chronologický ramec fungovani. Vznik studny můžeme na zakladě dostupných indicii klast do průběhu 15. stoleti. Z pohledu dosavadniho stavu badani se jedna o již patý připad výzkumu tohoto druhu archeologickeho pramene v Uherskem Brodě.
Shrnuti dosavadnich výsledků a perspektiv zjistěných při povrchových prospekcich na polykulturni ... more Shrnuti dosavadnich výsledků a perspektiv zjistěných při povrchových prospekcich na polykulturni lokalitě Smilův kopec u Kojatic (okr. Třebic).
Abstrakt Technologie výroby keramických nádob je náročný proces, který zahrnuje specifické postup... more Abstrakt Technologie výroby keramických nádob je náročný proces, který zahrnuje specifické postupy od těžby a přípravy surovin, přes výrobu až k sušení a výpalu. Příspěvek je věnován bližšímu poznání primárních výrobních technik a stop, které za sebou zanechávají na keramických nádobách. Větší pozornost je věnována zejména technikám, o jejichž používání lze uvažovat v různých historických obdobích od pravěku po vrcholný středověk. Jsou zde shrnuty poznatky nejen z archeologie, ale také z etnologie, experimentální archeologie a současného hrnčířství. Jedním z řešených témat je také otázka nejednotné terminologie a nesprávného užívání některých odborných termínů. Klíčová slova keramika, technologie výroby, identifikace výrobních technik, pravěk a středověk Abstract The production technology of ceramic vessels is a demanding procedure which includes specific phases and methods, from acquisition and preparation of raw materials, over production through to drying and firing. The paper is dealing in more detail with basic production techniques and specific traces which they leave on ceramic vessels. Special attention is mainly paid to techniques typical of various historical periods, from Prehistory to High Middle Ages. The text summarizes the knowledge not only of archaeology but also of ethnology, experimental archaeology and contemporary pottery making. Among the topics addressed also are the non-uniform terminology and incorrect use of several specialised terms.
The subject of this article is the presentation of the findings of a Bachelor's thesis that deals... more The subject of this article is the presentation of the findings of a Bachelor's thesis that deals with the evaluation of glazed ceramics collections. The examined collections come from rescue archaeology excavations primarily from Jihlava's historical centre, and from a systematic survey of Rokštejn Castle. The objective of the thesis was to not only evaluate the ceramic items, but also to present the issues of ceramics glazing, which has received little attention. The purpose of the examination of these collections was also to contribute to resolving questions already discussed in literature, as well as to help determine whether Rokštejn Castle was supplied by ceramics produced by Jihlava workshops.
The area of the former oldest Cistercian Monastery in Moravia is located in the village Velehrad ... more The area of the former oldest Cistercian Monastery in Moravia is located in the village Velehrad on the left bank of the stream Salaška approximately 7 km south-east of Staré Město near Uherské Hradiště. Cictercian Monastery in Velehrad was founded in 1202 after a mutual agreement between Olomouc bishop Robert, Moravian margrave Vladislav Jindřich and the king Přemysl Otakar I. The first Cistercians came to the valley of Salaška in 1205 from the monastery in Plasy lead by their abbot Thicelin. In 1228 the church of Virgin Mary was ceremonially consecrated with participation of Czech king Přemysl Otakar I. Up to the recent times, the topic of fortification of the Cistercian Monastery in Velehrad stood on the periphery of the interest of researchers. Their attention was drawn mainly by the very core of the monastery created by the monumental Church of the Assumption of the Virgin and Saints Cyril and Methodius. The only exception was the south-eastern round tower and a part of eastern wall uncovered by Jan Nevěřil in the beginning of 20th century and a survey of the direction of northern wall by tracing sounds lead by Jiří Kohoutek north of the basilica in 1993. The results of a rescue archaeological research by the company Archaia proved that the Cistercian Monastery in Velehrad was well fortified. The fortification consisted of a peripheral stone wall fortified by three round and rectangular towers in its corners. The fortification was built in about the middle of 13th century. Besides the research of fortification of the inner area of the monastery there arose the need of the revision of existing knowledge also in the case of historically proved fortifications in the area of Dolní and Horní Hrádek in the cadastre of Velehrad, both of which are situated south of the monastery on the right bank of the stream Salaška. The oldest written documents about the remnants of the buildings in the area of Hrádek come from the break of 16th and 17th century. Local name of the medieval fortification Dolní Hrádek can be traced in the present-day name of the street Na Hrádku in Velehrad. The remnants of the fortress were considered destroyed in connection with replacement of the graveyard near Cyril Chapel and the origin of a new Velehrad graveyard near the road to Tupesy on the southern edge of the village in 1832. A revision non-destructive research from 2011 and 2015 proved surprisingly that there are still some terrain relicts of Dolní Hrádek market place on the plots number 54 and 57 near the southern edge of the built up area of Velehrad. The plots in question are gardens lying west of former gamekeepers’ lodges in numbers 111 and 112. In literature, the existence of Hrádek is mentioned together with the historical data about the years 1402 and 1405 and the name of the castle warden Jiří of Němčice is repeatedly mentioned. In the case of the fortification in the area of Dolní Hrádek there are non-stratified collections of ceramics and some metal artefacts in the depository of Moravian Slovak Museum, found in the locality in 20th century. Chronologically the collection of ceramics may be divided into two groups. The first one dates back to the middle of Medieval Ages, younger part may be dated back to the second half of 15th century and the beginning of 16th century. In the case of terrain remnants of fortification in the area of Horní Hrádek the meaning of the object as well as its dating remain unanswered mainly due to the lack archaeological material. Hypothetically, the object might serve as a short time military camp. The questions of the time of existence as well as of the function of the remnants cannot be answered without a revision archaeological research. Due to its strategic placement above the Cistercian Monastery on the right bank of the stream Salaška, the fortification in the area of Dolní Hrádek probably protected access roads leading from south-east to the monastery. Mutual relation between the fortifications Dolní and Horní Hrádek in the wood Háj has not been explained yet in a satisfactory way. Definite answers to the questions of the origin and fall of the above mentioned fortifications could only be given by a revision archaeological research. The contribution sums up current knowledge obtain during a non-destructive research in the localities in 2011–2015 and interprets the collection of archaeological finds from the localities.
Uherské Hradiště is one of the few towns in which there are most preserved artefacts in the objec... more Uherské Hradiště is one of the few towns in which there are most preserved artefacts in the objects from high Middle Ages made of organic materials due to high level of groundwater and constantly wet conditions of clay subbase. Thus the finds of leather artefacts are no exception and they were discovered during almost all larger researches within the historical core of the town. The aim of this contribution is to present the results of technological and typological as well as material analysis from the locality Zelný trh (Green Market) and thus enlarge present-day knowledge about Medieval Ages clothes, footwear and other objects of personal possession. The collection of leather artefacts discovered during an archaeological research in Zelný trh represents quite an interesting and, in some aspects also not very common, inventory of leather made products from the period of high Middle Ages dated to the second half of 13th century till the beginning of 15th century. Not very typical is a low percentage of finds of footwear or its particular components. The situation is even more surprising if we consider the site of the finds. It is the backs side of the plot neighbouring with a raceway the banks of which were continually reinforced with fluvial and anthropogenic layers of manure-like character. According to the level of wear and tear as well as to their overall fragmentation the finds cannot be considered as waste objects. The whole collection can be defined as the so called secondary or tertiary waste. That is the reason why the relatively low percentage (approximately 8% of all object found and 47% from the group of identifiable objects outside production waste) of footwear among the finds is so surprising, because it was footwear that in the high Middle Ages belonged to consumption goods with a high level of depreciation and thus it commonly dominates similar collections. On the other hand, it is obvious that the researched locality was not primarily meant to be a goal-directed and regular dump of this kind of waste because the collection despite its long time span is not very numerous. From typological and morphological points of view it is necessary to mention several finds. The fragment of decorative belt is, for the time being, without direct analogies from home environment mainly due to preserved colouring in its gaps. The extent of original colouring remains questionable, i.e. the possibility that the whole product was painted red, which seems to be the most probable option. The range of present-day knowledge also does not make it possible for us to say whether such a colouring was common or whether we have to do with a luxurious product. In the Medieval Ages, the bet had not only a utility function but also fashion and decorative ones. Its style might have been plainly common but also very sumptuous. Such a product was considered more a jewel a sign of social status of a person ad their affiliation to a social group. The last very important find is that of narrow cases (sleeves) which were most probably used for styluses used for writing upon wax tables. The remaining majority of artefacts represent a common inventory typical exactly for this kind of collections. The results of type purposes of the materials used may also be considered standard. Out of 19 artefacts researched 9 of them were identified as cowhide or calfskin which is also most probable with the remaining 8 ones. One artefact was made of goatskin. It was impossible to identify the material for just two artefacts. Material analysis may also be helpful from the point of view of the purpose of the objects researched. One of the indications might be the fact that calfskin was used mainly in production of artefacts which are considered to be remains of sheaths.
In 2015, before building a multifunctional house at the crossroads of Komenský and U sboru street... more In 2015, before building a multifunctional house at the crossroads of Komenský and U sboru streets in Uherský Brod, a rescue archaeological excavation was carried out, during which a proof of the Bronze Age, High Middle Ages and particularly Modern Age settlements was found on the excavated plot. This contribution deals with one of the Modern Age features, which could be interpreted as a small sunk cellar or under floor hiding place where a building oblation was found. A rich found discovered there contained Baroque pottery, glass, animal bones as well as metal artefacts, which illustrate urban material culture in the first half of the 18th century.
This study examines a polycultural site Hradiště u Louky located in southwestern Moravia. The mai... more This study examines a polycultural site Hradiště u Louky located in southwestern Moravia. The main aim is to introduce a new archaeological and historical model based on data from the surface survey, metal detecting and probing. Mainly non-destructive methods were used in this research. A new settlement phase from Jevišovice culture was documented. The onset of Medieval settlement in the area most likely dates to post-Great Moravian and Late Hillfort periods. The most intensive anthropogenic activities date to the high Medieval period when a small castle fortified by a moat and a rampart was built. Archaeological artefacts from the younger phase of the Medieval settlement possess chronological features of the 2 nd half of the 13 th and the 1 st third of the 15 th century. Also, to clarify the sequence of the owners of the castle and possible causes of its demise, a revision of written accounts was performed.
The study provides information on the discovery of two unknown archaeological sites in the southe... more The study provides information on the discovery of two unknown archaeological sites in the southeast part of Chřiby Mountains represented by more than twenty metallic artefacts. From the archaeological point of view the area of Chřiby is potentially very strong for prospective activities as well as for focused research. Despite its hilly character and thick woodland as well as its difficult accessibility there are more and more unique findings and sites. On of such cases is the discovery of two concentrations of metallic artefacts on the slopes of Špidlák and Holý kopec (Fig. 1: A). In the summer of 2015 terrain research as well as detector prospections were carried out with the help of GPS. From the geographical point of view the two sites can be found on the slopes of distinctive hillocks on the left side of the road from Osvětimany to Koryčany, bordered with a stream called Klimentský potok, deeply cut into the sides of the valley. The first of the concentrations was found under the top of the hill Špidlák (515.1 m above the sea level). The findings were concentrated roughly on the plateau of oval shape which is closed by a little terrain elevation (Fig. 2) in its northern side, running in south-east direction into a little promontory. Some other artefacts were also found on the steep slope of the north-east side under the above mentioned elevation. There was only one object found outside the concentrations about 50 m north, bellow the contour of 450 m above the sea level. From the point of view of space aspects the findings do not make any significant accumulations, but rather a cluster of individual points spread on a relatively large area of several hundred square meters. Second, quantitatively smaller concentration, was discovered on the north-east slope under the top of Holý kopec (458.3 m above the sea level). The area is cut through by a wood path leading from the main road in the valley of Klimentský potok, which is about 500 m form the above mention site. Central part of the concentration consists of two iron and one bronze objects found between the contours of 442–446 meters above the sea level. Another artefact was found about 160 meters to the north on the contour of 430 m above the sea level (Fig. 1: C). As for the kinds of findings it is obvious that all the objects from both concentrations represent various branches of human life. Most of the findings belong to finish hardware (7 pieces), such as nails, a hasp, a bolt, a key and other objects used in building or as parts of door lock mechanisms and various parts used for securing a door. Further on there are objects of military character (4 pieces), such as pints of spears for both infantry and cavalry and also points of arrows with a simple spike or a spike with an iron sleeve. There are also parts of horse riding gear (4 objects), such as fragments of horseshoes and a cogged wheel of a spur (Fig. 4). Then there were artefacts which can be classified as personal 131 belongings (a bronze ring), tools for agriculture (a sickle) and craftsman’s tools (an axe), even though considering the context of the finding this might also have been used as a weapon. Some fragments of iron objects (3 pieces) were not specifically classified as belonging into any of the categories. From the chronological point of view all the objects fall into between the early and late medieval period. The interpretation of the concentrations of metallic objects is ambiguous and offers a large spectre of hypotheses based both on geographical and space relations and the presence of other findings as well as historical reports. Both sites are situated on strategic elevations of the area with the possibility of control of the old path going down the valley under both hilltops. Considering the absence of any other findings we can suppose the existence of the short-term camp site. Other single purpose activities demonstrated by accidental accumulation of of the objects may not be excluded either. For the time being the relation of the concentrations to the fortified settlement of St. Kliment near Osvětimany on the premises of which they were discovered, also unanswered.
Uherský Brod is among the oldest king’s towns in the area of south-east Moravia. Its strategic lo... more Uherský Brod is among the oldest king’s towns in the area of south-east Moravia. Its strategic location above the ford near Moravian Slovak border accentuated by the White Carpathian mountain range has made it an important point of Moravian medieval border the function of which was, among the remaining ones, to secure the collection of toll for crossing the river Olšava. Rich development of the town in both medieval and modern times is thus demonstrated in archaeological sources. Rescue archaeological excavations in Uherský Brod related to building development of the built up areas have a long tradition. The older researches were followed by the archaeological research in Hradní Square in 2015 and it documented medieval and modern times layers uncovered in several profiles during the construction of a new poly-functional house. The area of the construction mentioned above is situated in the old built up area near the northern part of the medieval fortification on the crossroads of Hradní Square and Přemysl Otakar II Street, running from the town towards the chateau area. From the historical point of view the area is situated on the very edge of the medieval and early modern settlement. (Fig.1) Four stratigraphic situations consisting of successive medieval and modern-times layers were documented during the excavation. Considering the absence of medieval contexts in the stratigraphy of the northern profile and their manifestation in the western segment of the profile of the excavation for a staircase, it is possible that it was the original range of medieval parcelling was uncovered oriented east to west and running outside the building to the east. One medieval object was registered during the excavation in the eastern part of the examined plot. On the basis of analogical researches the object was interpreted as an embedded basement of elevated building. Due to anomalies of the filling of the object and the residues of rotten wood some possible wooden constructions inside the basement may be considered. From the chronological point of view the high medieval settlement on the plot may be dated roughly to the second half of the 13th century but mainly to 14th century. Despite the fact that the original construction provided with cellars destroyed a large part of the original town plot a rough information about its character and chronology of the settlement could be obtained adding to our knowledge of the topographical development of the king’s town of Uherský Brod.
Uherské Hradiště, as an important and strategically situated city used to have a stone fortificat... more Uherské Hradiště, as an important and strategically situated city used to have a stone fortification which was developed through centuries, strived and finally disappeared as a result of construction of a new baroque fortification, of a larger house-building and new partition. In modern times, including present-day activities its remnants were damaged by numerous activities, e.g. underground services and basement of new houses, many of which were a subject to an archaeological research. On the recent cases is uncovering of circa 12 m long inner medieval fortification wall in Dlouhá Street as a result of an archaeological research before construction of a new apartment house with shops. Before the construction two test pits were made aimed at uncovering possible line of medieval fortification on the above mentioned plot. It was reasonable to expect the line to be found here on the basis of the old iconographical materials and maps. The idea was supported by previous archaeological activities in Dlouhá Street and its close surroundings during which a destruction of the inner part of fortification was discovered as a result of revitalisation of a sewer. The most important discovery was an archaeological situation from the test pit 1 with the remnants of stone fortification the origins of which, according to written sources, date back to 14th century. Besides the fortification itself a unique finding of a wooden construction at the base of fortification was made. On the basis of laboratory tests it can be provisionally interpreted as a timber support of a gutter outlet for waste water. From the chronological point of view we can date the oldest layers of settlement along the fortification back to 2nd half of 13th century. Late medieval layers were damaged by modern-times activities from renaissance and baroque periods. Besides others, a modern-times sewer outlet was discovered consisting of two lime stone gutters and built in into the original fortification by burnt bricks. As for other structures a documented profile of a lime pit and some basements of modern-times constructions some of which were provided with cellars, are worth mentioning. The youngest findings are those of a pavement made of cobblestones circa 50 cm under the current surface from the half of 20th century. Due to the documentation of this situation we can get the idea of numerous banks creating a current horizon. Among the number of archaeological medieval findings a unique well preserved golden necklace and a small silver badge with vegetable motif are worth mentioning. These artefact are completed by a wide plaque of kitchen and table ceramic, numerous chips of animal bones and shards of glass containers as well as metallic objects. Due to permanently wet surroundings in waterlogged underlying clays some little wooden objects were preserved and, surprisingly enough, also a large variety of seeds and parts of stones and shells. In the second test pit (3×2.5 m) the remnants of original medieval parcelling were found. Basements of two development phases of stone constructions joined by clay or lime mortar were uncovered. These can be dated to high medieval times as well mainly due to supporting ceramic materials. Thus the archaeological situations from the second test pit are another important lead in solution the question of development of the original medieval parcelling in Uherské Hradiště. Dating of the walls back to the 14th century is also an important contribution to handling the problem of the development and construction of the body of fortification walls. Even though the basement of the rampart was built on a clay subsoil, the layers at the foot of the basement originated as a result of functioning of gutter outlets. Thus the material in the context of 121, 122, and 123 had to be deposited already at the time when the body of the fortification had already been built. The construction of the body of rampart may be supposed as to be carried out in two phases, which is supported by archaeological research in Dlouhá Street, by older researches and by the theory by Z. Gardavský. The first phase was carried out in 14th century, the oldest documented part of the fortification is the old town gate dated back to the first half of 14th century. In the second phase, during 16th century, the construction was widened in its north-wet and south-west parts. The two phase appears to be very probable, based on the known situations. Nevertheless, the question remains why, with the exception of Nádražní Street, the body of fortification separating the newly enclosed area from the original one was not uncovered and why there are no traces of the older phase in iconographical materials. However we can not exclude the possibility of only one-phase construction of the walls, that the younger rampart segments could be repairs after floods or wars.
This article presents a Moravian Painted Ware culture site Březník in the Czech-Moravian Highland... more This article presents a Moravian Painted Ware culture site Březník in the Czech-Moravian Highlands.
The emphasis is on evaluation of surface finds in the „Střední hon“ field and assessing the archaeological
material and geographical aspects. The new findings are placed in a regional context with regard to
the area between Oslava and Chvojnice rivers as well as in the wider context (southwest Moravia). We
also compared it to a nearby Moravian Painted Ware site located in the „Zadní hon“ field. Interestingly,
although Březník is located on the periphery of the known Neolithic occupation zone, the peripheral
effect is not apparent at this site (as it is at other sites considered to be located on the periphery). One
particularity of this region is a high concentration of muscovite (obtained from local schist outcrops) in
the ceramic matter. The lithic sources are mostly local and regional (Brno Massif, Boskovice Furrow and
Krumlovský Les cherts). There are also some raw materials imported from great distances (metabazite of
the Jizerské hory type, obsidian, erratic chert and Polish cherts). Based on the chronology, material culture
and geographical position, Březník – „Střední hon“ can be placed into the early phase Ib (Lengyel I) of
the Moravian Painted ware culture.
In August 2018 a test pit archaeological research was conducted in Březolupy Chateau (Uherské
Hra... more In August 2018 a test pit archaeological research was conducted in Březolupy Chateau (Uherské Hradiště District) which resulted in terrain adjustment and retiling of the whole quadrangle (Bartík 2018). Archaeological research started in south-east corner of the quadrangle where, after removal of grass surface, the terrain was cleared to the level of embankment horizon from the first half of the 20th century and then a test pit was 2.5×2 meters was set (Fig. 4.) It was marked S1 and it was adjacent to the chateau by it northern side. (Fig. 5). This placement was deliberate, because this wing of the chateau building has been considered hypothetically the oldest one according to construction and historical research (Eliáš 1988). The research situation considered another two smaller test pits were set in cellar space under the south-east wing of the chateau (Fig. 6). Thanks to the test pit research of Březolupy Chateau in 2018 it was possible to specify the shape of stratigraphic situation in the area of the quadrangle more clearly. The test pit 1 suggests that there is a relatively thick layer of recent levelling of the terrain rich in the residues of rubble of various kinds. Under the rubble the residues of early modern time were preserved connected with the reconstruction and functioning of the local feudal settlement in 17th century. Younger modern time layers from 18th and 19th century, were most probably destroyed during older reconstructions of the quadrangle and their residues can be found in recent embankments. The thickness sediments in the quadrangle is circa 140 centimetres. Sitting on the base of all three test pits there was up to 70 centimetres thick layer of fluvial or slope sediment which is anthropogenically enriched with the finds of ceramics, daub, bone and stone residues which can be dated back to the stage of the Linear Band pottery culture. Under the building of the chateau itself, or in its close surroundings there was a settlement area from the beginning of Neolithic. Another important result of the research was the discovery of basement stone masonry of the original tower building which was a part of a renaissance fortress before the chateau was rebuilt in a baroque style. The masonry was discovered in the northern profile of the test pit 1and according to the same character and similar rate of levelling it is connected with another relict of the wall documented in cellar area in the test pit 2. If the masonry is really connected with the reconstruction it could represent the oldest construction phase of the building prior to previous renaissance shape of the fortress. If the perimeter of the masonry was connected the result would have a rectangular shape with the dimensions of 10×6.8 metres (Fig. 18) By its shape and dimensions the building would then be similar with many other fortresses with inhabitable towers of the late Medieval Times (cf. Chotěboř 1982, 361, Fig. 4; Plaček 2007, 66—84). To validate the theory, it would necessary to carry out another research of larger space which would prove the existence of finds from the High Middle Ages.
A 2015 archaeological rescue excavation in Uherský Brod revealed relics of a high medieval potter... more A 2015 archaeological rescue excavation in Uherský Brod revealed relics of a high medieval pottery kiln. The study is focused on interpretation of the find context and analysis of remnants of a ceramic kiln charge. The acquired data are then put into context of other Moravian towns and regional development of high medieval ceramic production.
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Up to the recent times, the topic of fortification of the Cistercian Monastery in Velehrad stood on the periphery of the interest of researchers. Their attention was drawn mainly by the very core of the monastery created by the monumental Church of the Assumption of the Virgin and Saints Cyril and Methodius. The only exception was the south-eastern round tower and a part of eastern wall uncovered by Jan Nevěřil in the beginning of 20th century and a survey of the direction of northern wall by tracing sounds lead by Jiří Kohoutek north of the basilica in 1993. The results of a rescue archaeological research by the company Archaia proved that the Cistercian Monastery in Velehrad was well fortified. The fortification consisted of a peripheral stone wall fortified by three round and rectangular towers in its corners. The fortification was built in about the middle of 13th century.
Besides the research of fortification of the inner area of the monastery there arose the need of the revision of existing knowledge also in the case of historically proved fortifications in the area of Dolní and Horní Hrádek in the cadastre of Velehrad, both of which are situated south of the monastery on the right bank of the stream Salaška. The oldest written documents about the remnants of the buildings in the area of Hrádek come from the break of 16th and 17th century. Local name of the medieval fortification Dolní Hrádek can be traced in the present-day name of the street Na Hrádku in Velehrad. The remnants of the fortress were considered destroyed in connection with replacement of the graveyard near Cyril Chapel and the origin of a new Velehrad graveyard near the road to Tupesy on the southern edge of the village in 1832. A revision non-destructive research from 2011 and 2015 proved surprisingly that there are still some terrain relicts of Dolní Hrádek market place on the plots number 54 and 57 near the southern edge of the built up area of Velehrad. The plots in question are gardens lying west of former gamekeepers’ lodges in numbers 111 and 112. In literature, the existence of Hrádek is mentioned together with the historical data about the years 1402 and 1405 and the name of the castle warden Jiří of Němčice is repeatedly mentioned.
In the case of the fortification in the area of Dolní Hrádek there are non-stratified collections of ceramics and some metal artefacts in the depository of Moravian Slovak Museum, found in the locality in 20th century. Chronologically the collection of ceramics may be divided into two groups. The first one dates back to the middle of Medieval Ages, younger part may be dated back to the second half of 15th century and the beginning of 16th century.
In the case of terrain remnants of fortification in the area of Horní Hrádek the meaning of the object as well as its dating remain unanswered mainly due to the lack archaeological material. Hypothetically, the object might serve as a short time military camp. The questions of the time of existence as well as of the function of the remnants cannot be answered without a revision archaeological research. Due to its strategic placement above the Cistercian Monastery on the right bank of the stream Salaška, the fortification in the area of Dolní Hrádek probably protected access roads leading from south-east to the monastery.
Mutual relation between the fortifications Dolní and Horní Hrádek in the wood Háj has not been explained yet in a satisfactory way. Definite answers to the questions of the origin and fall of the above mentioned fortifications could only be given by a revision archaeological research. The contribution sums up current knowledge obtain during a non-destructive research in the localities in 2011–2015 and interprets the collection of archaeological finds from the localities.
From typological and morphological points of view it is necessary to mention several finds. The fragment of decorative belt is, for the time being, without direct analogies from home environment mainly due to preserved colouring in its gaps. The extent of original colouring remains questionable, i.e. the possibility that the whole product was painted red, which seems to be the most probable option. The range of present-day knowledge also does not make it possible for us to say whether such a colouring was common or whether we have to do with a luxurious product. In the Medieval Ages, the bet had not only a utility function but also fashion and decorative ones. Its style might have been plainly common but also very sumptuous. Such a product was considered more a jewel a sign of social status of a person ad their affiliation to a social group. The last very important find is that of narrow cases (sleeves) which were most probably used for styluses used for writing upon wax tables. The remaining majority of artefacts represent a common inventory typical exactly for this kind of collections.
The results of type purposes of the materials used may also be considered standard. Out of 19 artefacts researched 9 of them were identified as cowhide or calfskin which is also most probable with the remaining 8 ones. One artefact was made of goatskin. It was impossible to identify the material for just two artefacts. Material analysis may also be helpful from the point of view of the purpose of the objects researched. One of the indications might be the fact that calfskin was used mainly in production of artefacts which are considered to be remains of sheaths.
introduce a new archaeological and historical model based on data from the surface survey, metal detecting and probing.
Mainly non-destructive methods were used in this research. A new settlement phase from Jevišovice culture was
documented. The onset of Medieval settlement in the area most likely dates to post-Great Moravian and Late Hillfort
periods. The most intensive anthropogenic activities date to the high Medieval period when a small castle fortified by
a moat and a rampart was built. Archaeological artefacts from the younger phase of the Medieval settlement possess
chronological features of the 2 nd half of the 13 th and the 1 st third of the 15 th century. Also, to clarify the sequence of the
owners of the castle and possible causes of its demise, a revision of written accounts was performed.
From the geographical point of view the two sites can be found on the slopes of distinctive hillocks on the left side of the road from Osvětimany to Koryčany, bordered with a stream called Klimentský potok, deeply cut into the sides of the valley. The first of the concentrations was found under the top of the hill Špidlák (515.1 m above the sea level). The findings were concentrated roughly on the plateau of oval shape which is closed by a little terrain elevation (Fig. 2) in its northern side, running in south-east direction into a little promontory. Some other artefacts were also found on the steep slope of the north-east side under the above mentioned elevation. There was only one object found outside the concentrations about 50 m north, bellow the contour of 450 m above the sea level. From the point of view of space aspects the findings do not make any significant accumulations, but rather a cluster of individual points spread on a relatively large area of several hundred square meters.
Second, quantitatively smaller concentration, was discovered on the north-east slope under the top of Holý kopec (458.3 m above the sea level). The area is cut through by a wood path leading from the main road in the valley of Klimentský potok, which is about 500 m form the above mention site. Central part of the concentration consists of two iron and one bronze objects found between the contours of 442–446 meters above the sea level. Another artefact was found about 160 meters to the north on the contour of 430 m above the sea level (Fig. 1: C).
As for the kinds of findings it is obvious that all the objects from both concentrations represent various branches of human life. Most of the findings belong to finish hardware (7 pieces), such as nails, a hasp, a bolt, a key and other objects used in building or as parts of door lock mechanisms and various parts used for securing a door. Further on there are objects of military character (4 pieces), such as pints of spears for both infantry and cavalry and also points of arrows with a simple spike or a spike with an iron sleeve. There are also parts of horse riding gear (4 objects), such as fragments of horseshoes and a cogged wheel of a spur (Fig. 4). Then there were artefacts which can be classified as personal
131
belongings (a bronze ring), tools for agriculture (a sickle) and craftsman’s tools (an axe), even though considering the context of the finding this might also have been used as a weapon. Some fragments of iron objects (3 pieces) were not specifically classified as belonging into any of the categories. From the chronological point of view all the objects fall into between the early and late medieval period.
The interpretation of the concentrations of metallic objects is ambiguous and offers a large spectre of hypotheses based both on geographical and space relations and the presence of other findings as well as historical reports. Both sites are situated on strategic elevations of the area with the possibility of control of the old path going down the valley under both hilltops. Considering the absence of any other findings we can suppose the existence of the short-term camp site. Other single purpose activities demonstrated by accidental accumulation of of the objects may not be excluded either. For the time being the relation of the concentrations to the fortified settlement of St. Kliment near Osvětimany on the premises of which they were discovered, also unanswered.
Four stratigraphic situations consisting of successive medieval and modern-times layers were documented during the excavation. Considering the absence of medieval contexts in the stratigraphy
of the northern profile and their manifestation in the western segment of the profile of the excavation for a staircase, it is possible that it was the original range of medieval parcelling was uncovered oriented east to west and running outside the building to the east. One medieval object was registered during the excavation in the eastern part of the examined plot. On the basis of analogical researches the object was interpreted as an embedded basement of elevated building. Due to anomalies of the filling of the object and the residues of rotten wood some possible wooden constructions inside the basement may be considered. From the chronological point of view the high medieval settlement on the plot may be dated roughly to the second half of the 13th century but mainly to 14th century. Despite the fact that the original construction provided with cellars destroyed a large part of the original town plot a rough information about its character and chronology of the settlement could be obtained adding to our knowledge of the topographical development of the king’s town of Uherský Brod.
The most important discovery was an archaeological situation from the test pit 1 with the remnants of stone fortification the origins of which, according to written sources, date back to 14th century. Besides the fortification itself a unique finding of a wooden construction at the base of fortification was made. On the basis of laboratory tests it can be provisionally interpreted as a timber support of a gutter outlet for waste water. From the chronological point of view we can date the oldest layers of settlement along the fortification back to 2nd half of 13th century. Late medieval layers were damaged by modern-times activities from renaissance and baroque periods. Besides others, a modern-times sewer outlet was discovered consisting of two lime stone gutters and built in into the original fortification by burnt bricks. As for other structures a documented profile of a lime pit and some basements of modern-times constructions some of which were provided with cellars, are worth mentioning. The youngest findings are those of a pavement made of cobblestones circa 50 cm under the current surface from the
half of 20th century. Due to the documentation of this situation we can get the idea of numerous banks creating a current horizon.
Among the number of archaeological medieval findings a unique well preserved golden necklace and a small silver badge with vegetable motif are worth mentioning. These artefact are completed by a wide plaque of kitchen and table ceramic, numerous chips of animal bones and shards of glass containers as well as metallic objects. Due to permanently wet surroundings in waterlogged underlying clays some little wooden objects were preserved and, surprisingly enough, also a large variety of seeds and parts of stones and shells.
In the second test pit (3×2.5 m) the remnants of original medieval parcelling were found. Basements of two development phases of stone constructions joined by clay or lime mortar were uncovered. These can be dated to high medieval times as well mainly due to supporting ceramic materials. Thus the archaeological situations from the second test pit are another important lead in solution the question of development of the original medieval parcelling in Uherské Hradiště.
Dating of the walls back to the 14th century is also an important contribution to handling the problem of the development and construction of the body of fortification walls. Even though the basement of the rampart was built on a clay subsoil, the layers at the foot of the basement originated as a result of functioning of gutter outlets. Thus the material in the context of 121, 122, and 123 had to be deposited already at the time when the body of the fortification had already been built. The construction of the body of rampart may be supposed as to be carried out in two phases, which is supported by archaeological research in Dlouhá Street, by older researches and by the theory by Z. Gardavský. The first phase was carried out in 14th century, the oldest documented part of the fortification is the old town gate dated back to the first half of 14th century. In the second phase, during 16th century, the construction was widened in its north-wet and south-west parts. The two phase appears to be very probable, based on the known situations. Nevertheless, the question remains why, with the exception of Nádražní Street, the body of fortification separating the newly enclosed area from the original one was not uncovered and why there are no traces of the older phase in iconographical materials. However we can not exclude the possibility of only one-phase construction of the walls, that the younger rampart segments could be repairs after floods or wars.
The emphasis is on evaluation of surface finds in the „Střední hon“ field and assessing the archaeological
material and geographical aspects. The new findings are placed in a regional context with regard to
the area between Oslava and Chvojnice rivers as well as in the wider context (southwest Moravia). We
also compared it to a nearby Moravian Painted Ware site located in the „Zadní hon“ field. Interestingly,
although Březník is located on the periphery of the known Neolithic occupation zone, the peripheral
effect is not apparent at this site (as it is at other sites considered to be located on the periphery). One
particularity of this region is a high concentration of muscovite (obtained from local schist outcrops) in
the ceramic matter. The lithic sources are mostly local and regional (Brno Massif, Boskovice Furrow and
Krumlovský Les cherts). There are also some raw materials imported from great distances (metabazite of
the Jizerské hory type, obsidian, erratic chert and Polish cherts). Based on the chronology, material culture
and geographical position, Březník – „Střední hon“ can be placed into the early phase Ib (Lengyel I) of
the Moravian Painted ware culture.
Hradiště District) which resulted in terrain adjustment and retiling of the whole quadrangle (Bartík
2018). Archaeological research started in south-east corner of the quadrangle where, after removal of
grass surface, the terrain was cleared to the level of embankment horizon from the first half of the
20th century and then a test pit was 2.5×2 meters was set (Fig. 4.) It was marked S1 and it was adjacent
to the chateau by it northern side. (Fig. 5). This placement was deliberate, because this wing of the chateau building has been considered hypothetically the oldest one according to construction and
historical research (Eliáš 1988). The research situation considered another two smaller test pits were
set in cellar space under the south-east wing of the chateau (Fig. 6). Thanks to the test pit research of
Březolupy Chateau in 2018 it was possible to specify the shape of stratigraphic situation in the area
of the quadrangle more clearly. The test pit 1 suggests that there is a relatively thick layer of recent
levelling of the terrain rich in the residues of rubble of various kinds. Under the rubble the residues
of early modern time were preserved connected with the reconstruction and functioning of the local
feudal settlement in 17th century. Younger modern time layers from 18th and 19th century, were most
probably destroyed during older reconstructions of the quadrangle and their residues can be found
in recent embankments. The thickness sediments in the quadrangle is circa 140 centimetres. Sitting
on the base of all three test pits there was up to 70 centimetres thick layer of fluvial or slope sediment
which is anthropogenically enriched with the finds of ceramics, daub, bone and stone residues which
can be dated back to the stage of the Linear Band pottery culture. Under the building of the chateau
itself, or in its close surroundings there was a settlement area from the beginning of Neolithic. Another
important result of the research was the discovery of basement stone masonry of the original tower
building which was a part of a renaissance fortress before the chateau was rebuilt in a baroque style.
The masonry was discovered in the northern profile of the test pit 1and according to the same character
and similar rate of levelling it is connected with another relict of the wall documented in cellar area in
the test pit 2. If the masonry is really connected with the reconstruction it could represent the oldest
construction phase of the building prior to previous renaissance shape of the fortress. If the perimeter
of the masonry was connected the result would have a rectangular shape with the dimensions of
10×6.8 metres (Fig. 18) By its shape and dimensions the building would then be similar with many
other fortresses with inhabitable towers of the late Medieval Times (cf. Chotěboř 1982, 361, Fig. 4;
Plaček 2007, 66—84). To validate the theory, it would necessary to carry out another research of larger
space which would prove the existence of finds from the High Middle Ages.
Up to the recent times, the topic of fortification of the Cistercian Monastery in Velehrad stood on the periphery of the interest of researchers. Their attention was drawn mainly by the very core of the monastery created by the monumental Church of the Assumption of the Virgin and Saints Cyril and Methodius. The only exception was the south-eastern round tower and a part of eastern wall uncovered by Jan Nevěřil in the beginning of 20th century and a survey of the direction of northern wall by tracing sounds lead by Jiří Kohoutek north of the basilica in 1993. The results of a rescue archaeological research by the company Archaia proved that the Cistercian Monastery in Velehrad was well fortified. The fortification consisted of a peripheral stone wall fortified by three round and rectangular towers in its corners. The fortification was built in about the middle of 13th century.
Besides the research of fortification of the inner area of the monastery there arose the need of the revision of existing knowledge also in the case of historically proved fortifications in the area of Dolní and Horní Hrádek in the cadastre of Velehrad, both of which are situated south of the monastery on the right bank of the stream Salaška. The oldest written documents about the remnants of the buildings in the area of Hrádek come from the break of 16th and 17th century. Local name of the medieval fortification Dolní Hrádek can be traced in the present-day name of the street Na Hrádku in Velehrad. The remnants of the fortress were considered destroyed in connection with replacement of the graveyard near Cyril Chapel and the origin of a new Velehrad graveyard near the road to Tupesy on the southern edge of the village in 1832. A revision non-destructive research from 2011 and 2015 proved surprisingly that there are still some terrain relicts of Dolní Hrádek market place on the plots number 54 and 57 near the southern edge of the built up area of Velehrad. The plots in question are gardens lying west of former gamekeepers’ lodges in numbers 111 and 112. In literature, the existence of Hrádek is mentioned together with the historical data about the years 1402 and 1405 and the name of the castle warden Jiří of Němčice is repeatedly mentioned.
In the case of the fortification in the area of Dolní Hrádek there are non-stratified collections of ceramics and some metal artefacts in the depository of Moravian Slovak Museum, found in the locality in 20th century. Chronologically the collection of ceramics may be divided into two groups. The first one dates back to the middle of Medieval Ages, younger part may be dated back to the second half of 15th century and the beginning of 16th century.
In the case of terrain remnants of fortification in the area of Horní Hrádek the meaning of the object as well as its dating remain unanswered mainly due to the lack archaeological material. Hypothetically, the object might serve as a short time military camp. The questions of the time of existence as well as of the function of the remnants cannot be answered without a revision archaeological research. Due to its strategic placement above the Cistercian Monastery on the right bank of the stream Salaška, the fortification in the area of Dolní Hrádek probably protected access roads leading from south-east to the monastery.
Mutual relation between the fortifications Dolní and Horní Hrádek in the wood Háj has not been explained yet in a satisfactory way. Definite answers to the questions of the origin and fall of the above mentioned fortifications could only be given by a revision archaeological research. The contribution sums up current knowledge obtain during a non-destructive research in the localities in 2011–2015 and interprets the collection of archaeological finds from the localities.
From typological and morphological points of view it is necessary to mention several finds. The fragment of decorative belt is, for the time being, without direct analogies from home environment mainly due to preserved colouring in its gaps. The extent of original colouring remains questionable, i.e. the possibility that the whole product was painted red, which seems to be the most probable option. The range of present-day knowledge also does not make it possible for us to say whether such a colouring was common or whether we have to do with a luxurious product. In the Medieval Ages, the bet had not only a utility function but also fashion and decorative ones. Its style might have been plainly common but also very sumptuous. Such a product was considered more a jewel a sign of social status of a person ad their affiliation to a social group. The last very important find is that of narrow cases (sleeves) which were most probably used for styluses used for writing upon wax tables. The remaining majority of artefacts represent a common inventory typical exactly for this kind of collections.
The results of type purposes of the materials used may also be considered standard. Out of 19 artefacts researched 9 of them were identified as cowhide or calfskin which is also most probable with the remaining 8 ones. One artefact was made of goatskin. It was impossible to identify the material for just two artefacts. Material analysis may also be helpful from the point of view of the purpose of the objects researched. One of the indications might be the fact that calfskin was used mainly in production of artefacts which are considered to be remains of sheaths.
introduce a new archaeological and historical model based on data from the surface survey, metal detecting and probing.
Mainly non-destructive methods were used in this research. A new settlement phase from Jevišovice culture was
documented. The onset of Medieval settlement in the area most likely dates to post-Great Moravian and Late Hillfort
periods. The most intensive anthropogenic activities date to the high Medieval period when a small castle fortified by
a moat and a rampart was built. Archaeological artefacts from the younger phase of the Medieval settlement possess
chronological features of the 2 nd half of the 13 th and the 1 st third of the 15 th century. Also, to clarify the sequence of the
owners of the castle and possible causes of its demise, a revision of written accounts was performed.
From the geographical point of view the two sites can be found on the slopes of distinctive hillocks on the left side of the road from Osvětimany to Koryčany, bordered with a stream called Klimentský potok, deeply cut into the sides of the valley. The first of the concentrations was found under the top of the hill Špidlák (515.1 m above the sea level). The findings were concentrated roughly on the plateau of oval shape which is closed by a little terrain elevation (Fig. 2) in its northern side, running in south-east direction into a little promontory. Some other artefacts were also found on the steep slope of the north-east side under the above mentioned elevation. There was only one object found outside the concentrations about 50 m north, bellow the contour of 450 m above the sea level. From the point of view of space aspects the findings do not make any significant accumulations, but rather a cluster of individual points spread on a relatively large area of several hundred square meters.
Second, quantitatively smaller concentration, was discovered on the north-east slope under the top of Holý kopec (458.3 m above the sea level). The area is cut through by a wood path leading from the main road in the valley of Klimentský potok, which is about 500 m form the above mention site. Central part of the concentration consists of two iron and one bronze objects found between the contours of 442–446 meters above the sea level. Another artefact was found about 160 meters to the north on the contour of 430 m above the sea level (Fig. 1: C).
As for the kinds of findings it is obvious that all the objects from both concentrations represent various branches of human life. Most of the findings belong to finish hardware (7 pieces), such as nails, a hasp, a bolt, a key and other objects used in building or as parts of door lock mechanisms and various parts used for securing a door. Further on there are objects of military character (4 pieces), such as pints of spears for both infantry and cavalry and also points of arrows with a simple spike or a spike with an iron sleeve. There are also parts of horse riding gear (4 objects), such as fragments of horseshoes and a cogged wheel of a spur (Fig. 4). Then there were artefacts which can be classified as personal
131
belongings (a bronze ring), tools for agriculture (a sickle) and craftsman’s tools (an axe), even though considering the context of the finding this might also have been used as a weapon. Some fragments of iron objects (3 pieces) were not specifically classified as belonging into any of the categories. From the chronological point of view all the objects fall into between the early and late medieval period.
The interpretation of the concentrations of metallic objects is ambiguous and offers a large spectre of hypotheses based both on geographical and space relations and the presence of other findings as well as historical reports. Both sites are situated on strategic elevations of the area with the possibility of control of the old path going down the valley under both hilltops. Considering the absence of any other findings we can suppose the existence of the short-term camp site. Other single purpose activities demonstrated by accidental accumulation of of the objects may not be excluded either. For the time being the relation of the concentrations to the fortified settlement of St. Kliment near Osvětimany on the premises of which they were discovered, also unanswered.
Four stratigraphic situations consisting of successive medieval and modern-times layers were documented during the excavation. Considering the absence of medieval contexts in the stratigraphy
of the northern profile and their manifestation in the western segment of the profile of the excavation for a staircase, it is possible that it was the original range of medieval parcelling was uncovered oriented east to west and running outside the building to the east. One medieval object was registered during the excavation in the eastern part of the examined plot. On the basis of analogical researches the object was interpreted as an embedded basement of elevated building. Due to anomalies of the filling of the object and the residues of rotten wood some possible wooden constructions inside the basement may be considered. From the chronological point of view the high medieval settlement on the plot may be dated roughly to the second half of the 13th century but mainly to 14th century. Despite the fact that the original construction provided with cellars destroyed a large part of the original town plot a rough information about its character and chronology of the settlement could be obtained adding to our knowledge of the topographical development of the king’s town of Uherský Brod.
The most important discovery was an archaeological situation from the test pit 1 with the remnants of stone fortification the origins of which, according to written sources, date back to 14th century. Besides the fortification itself a unique finding of a wooden construction at the base of fortification was made. On the basis of laboratory tests it can be provisionally interpreted as a timber support of a gutter outlet for waste water. From the chronological point of view we can date the oldest layers of settlement along the fortification back to 2nd half of 13th century. Late medieval layers were damaged by modern-times activities from renaissance and baroque periods. Besides others, a modern-times sewer outlet was discovered consisting of two lime stone gutters and built in into the original fortification by burnt bricks. As for other structures a documented profile of a lime pit and some basements of modern-times constructions some of which were provided with cellars, are worth mentioning. The youngest findings are those of a pavement made of cobblestones circa 50 cm under the current surface from the
half of 20th century. Due to the documentation of this situation we can get the idea of numerous banks creating a current horizon.
Among the number of archaeological medieval findings a unique well preserved golden necklace and a small silver badge with vegetable motif are worth mentioning. These artefact are completed by a wide plaque of kitchen and table ceramic, numerous chips of animal bones and shards of glass containers as well as metallic objects. Due to permanently wet surroundings in waterlogged underlying clays some little wooden objects were preserved and, surprisingly enough, also a large variety of seeds and parts of stones and shells.
In the second test pit (3×2.5 m) the remnants of original medieval parcelling were found. Basements of two development phases of stone constructions joined by clay or lime mortar were uncovered. These can be dated to high medieval times as well mainly due to supporting ceramic materials. Thus the archaeological situations from the second test pit are another important lead in solution the question of development of the original medieval parcelling in Uherské Hradiště.
Dating of the walls back to the 14th century is also an important contribution to handling the problem of the development and construction of the body of fortification walls. Even though the basement of the rampart was built on a clay subsoil, the layers at the foot of the basement originated as a result of functioning of gutter outlets. Thus the material in the context of 121, 122, and 123 had to be deposited already at the time when the body of the fortification had already been built. The construction of the body of rampart may be supposed as to be carried out in two phases, which is supported by archaeological research in Dlouhá Street, by older researches and by the theory by Z. Gardavský. The first phase was carried out in 14th century, the oldest documented part of the fortification is the old town gate dated back to the first half of 14th century. In the second phase, during 16th century, the construction was widened in its north-wet and south-west parts. The two phase appears to be very probable, based on the known situations. Nevertheless, the question remains why, with the exception of Nádražní Street, the body of fortification separating the newly enclosed area from the original one was not uncovered and why there are no traces of the older phase in iconographical materials. However we can not exclude the possibility of only one-phase construction of the walls, that the younger rampart segments could be repairs after floods or wars.
The emphasis is on evaluation of surface finds in the „Střední hon“ field and assessing the archaeological
material and geographical aspects. The new findings are placed in a regional context with regard to
the area between Oslava and Chvojnice rivers as well as in the wider context (southwest Moravia). We
also compared it to a nearby Moravian Painted Ware site located in the „Zadní hon“ field. Interestingly,
although Březník is located on the periphery of the known Neolithic occupation zone, the peripheral
effect is not apparent at this site (as it is at other sites considered to be located on the periphery). One
particularity of this region is a high concentration of muscovite (obtained from local schist outcrops) in
the ceramic matter. The lithic sources are mostly local and regional (Brno Massif, Boskovice Furrow and
Krumlovský Les cherts). There are also some raw materials imported from great distances (metabazite of
the Jizerské hory type, obsidian, erratic chert and Polish cherts). Based on the chronology, material culture
and geographical position, Březník – „Střední hon“ can be placed into the early phase Ib (Lengyel I) of
the Moravian Painted ware culture.
Hradiště District) which resulted in terrain adjustment and retiling of the whole quadrangle (Bartík
2018). Archaeological research started in south-east corner of the quadrangle where, after removal of
grass surface, the terrain was cleared to the level of embankment horizon from the first half of the
20th century and then a test pit was 2.5×2 meters was set (Fig. 4.) It was marked S1 and it was adjacent
to the chateau by it northern side. (Fig. 5). This placement was deliberate, because this wing of the chateau building has been considered hypothetically the oldest one according to construction and
historical research (Eliáš 1988). The research situation considered another two smaller test pits were
set in cellar space under the south-east wing of the chateau (Fig. 6). Thanks to the test pit research of
Březolupy Chateau in 2018 it was possible to specify the shape of stratigraphic situation in the area
of the quadrangle more clearly. The test pit 1 suggests that there is a relatively thick layer of recent
levelling of the terrain rich in the residues of rubble of various kinds. Under the rubble the residues
of early modern time were preserved connected with the reconstruction and functioning of the local
feudal settlement in 17th century. Younger modern time layers from 18th and 19th century, were most
probably destroyed during older reconstructions of the quadrangle and their residues can be found
in recent embankments. The thickness sediments in the quadrangle is circa 140 centimetres. Sitting
on the base of all three test pits there was up to 70 centimetres thick layer of fluvial or slope sediment
which is anthropogenically enriched with the finds of ceramics, daub, bone and stone residues which
can be dated back to the stage of the Linear Band pottery culture. Under the building of the chateau
itself, or in its close surroundings there was a settlement area from the beginning of Neolithic. Another
important result of the research was the discovery of basement stone masonry of the original tower
building which was a part of a renaissance fortress before the chateau was rebuilt in a baroque style.
The masonry was discovered in the northern profile of the test pit 1and according to the same character
and similar rate of levelling it is connected with another relict of the wall documented in cellar area in
the test pit 2. If the masonry is really connected with the reconstruction it could represent the oldest
construction phase of the building prior to previous renaissance shape of the fortress. If the perimeter
of the masonry was connected the result would have a rectangular shape with the dimensions of
10×6.8 metres (Fig. 18) By its shape and dimensions the building would then be similar with many
other fortresses with inhabitable towers of the late Medieval Times (cf. Chotěboř 1982, 361, Fig. 4;
Plaček 2007, 66—84). To validate the theory, it would necessary to carry out another research of larger
space which would prove the existence of finds from the High Middle Ages.