History of the structure

The shape of the Lusatian hillfort is unknown, it is referred to as the Biskupin type hillfort. The early medieval hillfort was originally circular in shape, now deformed as a result of earthworks related to the construction of a road and a causeway at the fish ponds.

Description of the structure

Location of the historic structure. Located on the left side of the road from Objezierze to Ślepuchów, approx. 1 km from the centre of the village, at the fork of Samica River, at the southern end of the former lake.

Description of the site. Originally a ring fort, built on a sandbank in the Samica River valley. The diameter of the preserved part of the settlement is about 200 m. Current width of the rampart at the base is approx. 40 m, maximum height up to 3.75 m. An earth and wooden causeway, 5-6 m wide, led to the hillfort. In the southern part of the rampart of the early medieval hillfort, there were piles of a gate bridge and a fragment of a breakwater, structurally connected with the Lusatian hillfort. In the gatehouse of the Lusatian hillfort an early medieval motte-and-bailey castle was built, connected with the mainland by a wooden bridge.

History of the site. Known from written sources from the end of the 16th century (1596-98), when a pond known as the “settlement” was mentioned near Objezierze. Then, in 1865, when the nearby lake was drained; at that time, the rampart of the hillfort was surrounded by an artificially led Samica River and a mill ditch. In older literature it was mentioned as a pile settlement. Entered in the register of historic monuments in 1957.

Progress and findings of archaeological research. Rescue excavations were conducted in 1957 and 1960 by Stanislaw Jasnosz, during which he discovered the remains of a hillfort of the Biskupin type with an earth and wood structure in the grillage layout, additionally reinforced with boxes filled with soil. The rampart was strengthened against destruction by vertically driven piles and a breakwater. Access to the hillfort was possible by a causeway. Movable sources are represented by fragments of vessels, a defective cast of a bronze bracelet. The functioning of the early medieval hillfort is related to pottery, which allows dating from the 1st half of the 10th century to the 12th century. In addition, two clay spindle whorls, three iron knives, a bone fishing hook, two net floats, fragments of antlers, and iron slag were discovered.

Visitors access. The site is open to visitors.

Author of the note: Marek Wróbel, Regional Branch of the National Institute of Cultural Heritage in Poznań, Field Office in Trzebiny, 31.12.2017 r.