History

A hillfort in Biedrzychowice Dolne was established in the early Middle Ages and functioned between the 7th and the 10th century. It was built on a promontory circumscribed on the east and north side by the Szyszyna brook bed. The hillfort itself has an oval outline, elongated on the east-west axis. Lack of results of excavation works carried out in 1925 makes it impossible to reconstruct the hillfort erection stages, the structure of the defensive wall and the development layout.

Description

Location of the heritage site

The site is located in a forest, on the north-east side of a road running from Bieniów to Biedrzychowice. The hillfort is situated on a promontory, on the Szyszyna brook flowing around it on the north and east sides. Flattening and lowering sections of the terrain are visible on the south side. Currently, the hillfort and its surroundings are overgrown with a forest belonging to the State Forests.

Site description

The hillfort in Biedrzychowice Dolne is an oval-shaped feature, with a well-preserved defensive wall circumscribing the sunk inner yard. Dimensions at the level of the rampart crown amount to around 50 x 70 m. A triangular plane - a remnant of a presumed ancillary settlement - is located on the east side. Results of non-invasive studies allow arriving at an initial interpretation that confirms the information about the existence of a moat that used to encircle the main rampart of the hillfort. Relics of the rampart preserved under the surface may represent traces of the box structure.

Progress and findings of archaeological fieldwork

The hillfort in Biedrzychowice Dolne was known to German archaeologists, who marked it on a map no. 2405 (Meßtischblatt) and undertook excavation works in 1925. Unfortunately, the results of this research are unknown and the field documentation and archaeological materials have most likely been lost. After World War II surface studies and conservation inspections were conducted several times on the site, which resulted in making an entry in the register of historic monuments. Due to the fact that the hillfort and its surroundings are overgrown with trees, the acquisition of archaeological finds, that would allow a more precise dating of the site, is difficult. The hillfort is situated along the “Szyszyna Valley” educational path and is appropriately marked and described.

Visitor access. The hillfort is accessible all year round. Access to its vicinities is facilitated by an asphalt road linking Bieniów and Biedrzychowice Dolne.

Author of the note: compiled by Dr Krzysztof Garbacz, National Institute of Cultural Heritage, Regional Branch in Zielona Góra, 06-12-2017

Bibliography

• Lodowski J., Dolny Śląsk na początku średniowiecza (VI-X w.). Podstawy osadnicze i gospodarcze, Wrocław-Warszawa-Kraków-Gdańsk 1980, p. 240, no. 3.
• Lewczuk J., Grodziska województwa zielonogórskiego – nowoodkryte i zweryfikowane pozytywnie w czasie akcji AZP w latach 1980-1991, “Śląskie Sprawozdania Archeologiczne”, vol. 34, 1993, pp. 475-479.
• Lewczuk J., Gród i jego zaplecze w świetle badań powierzchniowych AZP na terenie województwa zielonogórskiego, [in:] Moździoch S., Centrum i zaplecze we wczesnośredniowiecznej Europie Środkowej, “Spotkania Bytomskie” III, Wrocław 1999, p. 239, no. 36.
• Kajda K., Kostyrko M., Rączkowski W., Sprawozdanie z nieinwazyjnych badań archeologicznych przeprowadzonych na stan. 5 w Biedrzychowicach, gm. Żary, woj. lubuskie w 2013 roku (a typescript kept at the Regional Monuments Protection Office in Zielona Góra).
• Rączkowski W., Sprawozdanie z nieinwazyjnych badań archeologicznych przeprowadzonych na stan. nr 5 w Biedrzychowicach, gm. Żary, woj. lubuskie w 2015 roku (typescript kept at the Regional Monuments Protection Office in Zielona Góra).