History of the structure/dating of construction phases

A settlement of the Lusatian culture associated with a nearby hillfort of the Biskupin type, functioning in phase C of the Hallstatt period. An early medieval single-component hillfort with a horseshoe-shaped rampart built in the 9th century AD.

Description of the structure

Location of the historic structure

The site is located on the southeastern shore of Lake Czeszewskie about 1.7 km northwest of the centre of Smuszewo, on a culmination of 98.9 m above sea level.

Description of the site

The hillfort is located on a hill, more than 4-5 m above the water level, single-component, with a horseshoe-shaped rampart open towards the lake. On the northern side the remains of a dry moat. The rampart is well preserved in the northern part, levelled in the southern part. Dimensions of the hillfort: 32 x 36 x 66 m, dimensions of the inner yard: 22 x 25 x 51 m, base of rampart: 6-7 m, height at highest point: 4,2-4,8 m. Currently it is used as a meadow. The hillfort was built on the site of a vast settlement with its centre east and north of it.

History of the site

Known since the 19th century, entered in the register of historic monuments in 1971.

Progress and findings of archaeological research

Known since the end of the 19th century thanks to, among others, Karol Libelt. In 1956 Zbigniew Bukowski carried out surface research, in 1958 Bogdan Kostrzewski and in 1968 Dobromir Durczewski conducted excavations. In 1984, verification research was carried out under the supervision of Eugeniusz Cnotliwy, during which the contour plan of the object was prepared and the stratigraphy of the hillfort was recognized by drilling. In 1984 surface research was conducted as part of the AZP (Archaeological Picture of Poland) project. The materials from these studies can be found in the Archives of the Archaeological Museum in Poznań and materials from the verification works from 1984 are in the Regional Unit of the Voivodeship Heritage Protection Office in Piła.

Visitor 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, 22-12-2018

Bibliography

• E. Cnotliwy, 1989/1990, Grodziska wczesnośredniowieczne w południowej części województwa pilskiego. Wyniki badań weryfikacyjnych, [in:] Slavia Antiqua, Vol. 32, pp. 215-229 (older literature)