Tismice jako produkční a nadregionální centrum Čech 8. a 9. století Tismice as a Production and Supra-Regional Centre of Bohemia in the 8th and 9th Centuries

Abstract

The central Bohemian hillfort-type site in Tismice is one of the largest (20–22 ha) in Bohemia from the Early to Middle Hillfort period (8th–9th century) and has been studied for years using non-destructive methods. The study, which presents the results of the complete geophysical survey of the site as well as the results of small-scale trenching from 2013, is focussed on an analysis of non-ferrous metal ornaments (c. 170 pcs., mostly belt and horse harness decorations) and analyses of evidence of craft production – jewellerymaking, metalsmithing and metal casting (ingots, blanks). It presents the earliest evidence of work with gold in early medieval Bohemia (2018 excavation) as well as natural science radiocarbon and magnetic absolute dates, which supplement dating on the basis of Carolingian coin and imports. The internally divided hillfort was an elite residence (gilded ornaments, spurs, coin) and for a short time served as a supra-regional centre that not only received and redistributed but also produced items of statutory importance (belt and horse harness ornaments, pendants, spurs). Radiocarbon dating places the multiphase early medieval settlement and fortifications in the period from the final third of the 8th century until the end of the 9th century. A detailed evaluation of the stratigraphy will be another step towards a comprehensive interpretation of this site. Key Words: Early Middle Ages, hillfort, Avar period metal ornaments, spurs, long-distance contacts, goldsmithing, metalsmithing tools, Carolingian coin, central Bohemia

The contribution of non‐destructive geophysical surveys to archaeological research of early medieval hillforts in Bohemia: A case study of the Tismice hillfort area

“…In the outer bailey of the fortified site, however, another single ditch enclosure (with several interruptions—entrances) of probable prehistoric origin was also identified. One archaeological trench led across this enclosure confirmed a prehistoric origin, but without any ceramic fragment, a more exact dating there was not possible (Profantová et al, 2020). Another very probable (again prehistoric) double‐ditch enclosure was also identified in the outer part south of the hillfort (Figure 8b).…”

“…At that time, the hillfort must have been a centre of trade (numerous Avar forgings, spurs, imports of coins and other artefacts) but also a place of specialized production (ingots from smithing, iron production furnace groups, finds from craft shops and/or local processing of non‐ferrous precious metals). However, some excavations confirmed early medieval settlement activities before the fortification of the hillfort, and other less intensive activities also continued into the 10th century (Profantová et al, 2020).…”

“…Only in the case of the outer of the three ditches was a significantly deep, wide and V‐shaped ditch identified, with two lines of palisades on the inside (Figure 11). Relics of defunct furnaces from four different horizons were also uncovered in the immediate vicinity of this ditch (Profantová et al, 2020). The result of trenching across the oval ditch enclosure in the south‐east part of the hillfort then ruled out the possibility of a dating in the early medieval periods and confirmed the prehistoric dating of the ditch with different types of fills inside.…”

“…The early medieval Tismice hillfort is situated approximately 40 km east of Prague in a specific area near the presumed border of the Přemyslid and Slavník dynasty empires at the end of the 10th century. However, new archaeological excavations indicate that the early medieval Tismice hillfort is older and played an important role in the region at the end of the eighth century and in the ninth century (Profantová, 2017; Profantová et al, 2020; Profantová & Tomková, 2018). Several large early medieval hillforts with multiple fortifications with a different dating, function and dimensions are known in this wider area.…”

“…Only in the case of the outer of the three ditches was a significantly deep, wide and V-shaped ditch identified, with two lines of palisades on the inside (Figure 11). Relics of defunct furnaces from four different horizons were also uncovered in the immediate vicinity of this ditch (Profantová et al, 2020) A kappameter SM-20 (GF Instruments) was used in detail scale for these measurements in places chosen by the archaeologist with completely unclear situations and the interpretation of different fills.…”