The Possibilities and Results of Magnetometer Survey in Small-Sized Fortifications of the High Middle Ages. A Case Study on Research into Manorial Residences in the 14th to 15th Century in East Bohemia

Abstract

The results of magnetometer measurements carried out in small-sized fortifications of the High Middle Ages are presented. In most cases these fortifications were partly or completely abandoned sites. At all sites, structures of anthropogenic origin were discovered. Thanks to the survey various components of residences were identified: internal buildings, fortifications, moats, ramparts. The survey method chosen proved to be suitable for detecting most parts of the 14th to 15th century residences of the petty nobility, particularly in regions with prevailing earthen and wooden architecture. Archaeological structures were detected by way of the survey measurements even at seemingly completely destroyed sites. However, the results of such a magnetometer survey need to be supplemented by other methods of geophysical and archaeological survey.