It is an important material source broadening our knowledge on ancient manufacturing settlements in the Brzeg region. Iron “spoils” - semi-finished products for the manufacture of iron objects - were smelted from bog ore in ancient times at this site.

History of the structure

The site was discovered in 1985 during surface research carried out

as part of the Archaeological Picture of Poland (AZP) by the researcher Dr Marek Bednarek from the Institute of Archaeology of the University of Wrocław. Surface exploration allows to determine the chronology of the site at the end of the Roman period.

Description of the structure

Location of the monument: the object is located on the northern terrace of the small Kłosówka stream, gently descending to the stream bed, about 900 meters north of it, on the western side of the road from Kolnica to Łukowice Brzeskie (Bierzów ring road), about 350 meters from it, about 800 meters north-west of the village centre (church).

Site description: the metallurgical settlement of the Przeworsk culture is located in the arable fields stretching on the right bank, slightly elevated sandy terrace of the Kłosówka stream, on plot no. 75 and adjacent plots. Relics of the prehistoric settlement lie under the arable layer and archaeological artifacts, mainly in the form of fragments of clay vessels and various sized pieces of smokestack slag, have been discovered on the field surface.

Progress and findings of archaeological research: archaeological site - the metallurgical settlement of the Przeworsk culture was discovered in 1985 as part of the Archaeological Picture of Poland research. Surface penetration of the fields was conducted by Dr M. Bednarek and his students,

and the research query was carried out by Prof. S. Pazda from the University of Wrocław. Dozens of fragment of clay vessels and pieces of smokestack slag were found in the field. On the basis of the artefacts discovered, Prof. Stanisław Pazda determined that the settlement was used by the people of the Przeworsk culture at the end of the late Roman period, phase D. Archaeological artifacts were discovered on the surface of fields. The site is destroyed by deep ploughing.

Visitor access. The site is located on private land. The area is open to the general public.

Author of the note: Compiled by Krzysztof Spychała, Regional Branch of the National Institute of Cultural Heritage in Opole, 04-07-2019

Bibliography

• Archives of the Voivodeship Heritage Protection Office in Opole: file no. A-695/86, and Record Sheet of the Bierzów Archaeological Site no. 9, AZP 44/86-31; collection of monuments and inventory book item no. 2509.