Location and description

The archaeological site is located on the Świdnica Plains, about 600 metres west of the nearby village, on the top of a hill rising 243 metres above sea level, 180 metres from the Pełcznica river, on the right bank thereof.

The hill fort has the shape of a regular oval, its diameter being 64 metres. It is surrounded by earthen rampart rising about 4 metres above the ground. The inner yard of the hillfort is relatively small, its current diameter being about 30 metres; the yard is believed to have been larger initially, before the ramparts have begun to subside. The south-western part of the rampart is both narrower and lower, suggesting the presence of a now-vanished gate.

History

Based on the archaeological studies performed, it has been tentatively determined that the hillfort dates back to the period between the second half of the 8th century and the 10th century. K. Jaworski suggests that the hillfort may have been erected during the first half of the 9th century and abandoned shortly thereafter, basing his conclusions on the published information concerning the pottery fragments found on the site. No detailed information concerning the history of the fortified complex in Nowy Jaworów is available at this stage. The hillfort is situated in an area which had been inhabited by the Silesian tribe in the early Middle Ages. One may suspect that, at that point, the site served the role of a watchtower.

Condition and results of archaeological research

Surface research was conducted on the site before 1945, followed by surveys in years 1964 and 1966, surface studies within the framework of the “Archaeological Picture of Poland” research programme in 1985 as well as an inspection by the monument protection officer in 1989. In the course of the site survey, a few dozen pottery fragments have been unearthed.

The historic monument is accessible to visitors. The hillfort is marked with a stone information plaque and forms part of the cycling trail known as “Ciernie village and beyond”, marked with the green colour.

compiled by Donata Trenkler, Regional Branch of the National Heritage Board of Poland in Wrocław, 20-09-2014.

Bibliography

• Archaeological Picture of Poland, area 84-22, sheet 1/14.
• Grodziska wczesnośredniowieczne - karta stanowiska [typescript in Archive of the province Monuments Protection Office in Wrocław].
• Jaworski K., Grody w Sudetach (VIII-X w.), Wrocław 2005.