These strongholds

were intended to strengthen and directly control places

important for settlement and strategic reasons. The object in Taczanów Drugi is approx. 27 km away from the defensive settlement in Kalisz.

History

The hillfort in Taczanów Drugi was in use in the early Middle Ages, from the mid- 10th century until the first half of the 11th century. It functioned only in one period of time - during the formation of the early Piast state. 

Description of the structure 

Location of the historic structure. The stronghold, as one of the few, is located in the area outside the river valleys. It is situated among muddy meadows, about 500 meters west of the village of Taczanów Pierwszy.    

Description of the site. The hillfort was significantly damaged by ploughing. The site is a single-component settlement, circular in shape, with the overall dimensions of 85x90 m, and interior dimensions of 35x40 m. It is surrounded by a ring-shaped rampart, now heavily levelled. There are no traces of a moat. In 1922, the height of the rampart from the outside was about 5-6 m, the width was about 8-9 m.

Progress and findings of archaeological research. The site was subject to surface examination in 1922, 1934, and 1984. The surveys in the hillfort were carried out by Grzegorz Teske in 1986. In a 30x2 m survey (located in the western part of the structure), the fortifications of the hillfort were revealed, recording two phases of the rampart construction. The base of the structure consisted of wooden elements, filling the entire volume of the rampart. They were laid in a grid pattern and the gaps between them were filled with sand.  Based on preliminary calculations, it was determined that approximately 1150 m3 of earth was needed to build the hillfort. On the inner side of the rampart there was a paving consisting of 5 layers of fieldstones. Numerous fragments of clay vessels, mostly thrown and richly decorated with zoned ornamentation, come from the survey research.         

Visitor access. Limited access to the monument. The complex is private property and can be viewed from the outside.                        

Author of the note: Barbara Iwanicka – Pinkosz, the National Institute of Cultural Heritage in Poznań, Regional Branch in Trzebiny, 28.06.2018

Bibliography

• Teske G., Ze studiów nad osadnictwem grodowym w południowo-wschodniej Wielkopolsce, Slavia Antiqua, Vol. XLI, 2000, pp. 107-128.