Its origins go back to the period of formation of the fortified settlement organisation characteristic of the Lubusz region, among others, in the Early Middle Ages.

Location and description

The hillfort is located on the edge of a forest complex, approx. 2 km to the north-east of the village of Szczaniec and approx. 1.5 km to the south-east of the village of Wilenko.

The hillfort is well preserved, concave and has the shape of an irregular quadrilateral (55 x 75 m). The maidan, which is the inner part of the hillfort, measures about 30 m by 50 m. The hillfort is surrounded by a moat measuring 2-5 m in width and approx. 0.5 m in depth.

History

The early medieval fortified settlement existed from the 9th to the 10th century. Such date of origin was determined based on pieces of pottery found during archaeological surveys and exploratory research.

Condition and results of archaeological research

Surface surveys of the site were carried out in different periods, including in 1960 by the staff of the Archaeological Museum in Poznań. In 1963, Adam Kołodziejski and Bogdan Kres undertaken excavations of the best preserved section of the rampart to the east and south-east of the hillfort. The excavations of the inner side of the rampart revealed traces of wooden structures (probably box structures). There is no data about the cultural layer inside the hillfort. Most of the moveable materials in the form of pieces of pottery were accidentally found during random excavations of the rampart in 1960.

Limited access to the monument. Access to the structure is limited due to its location far from any frequented route.

Compiled by dr Krzysztof Garbacz, Regional Branch of the National Heritage Board of Poland in Zielona Góra, 05-08-2014 r.

Bibliography

• Hensel W., Hilczer-Kurnatowska Z., Łosińska A., Studia i materiały do osadnictwa Wielkopolski wczesnohistorycznej, t. 7, Poznań 1995, s. 329-332.
• Naumowiczówna E., Grodzisko w Wilenku, powiat Świebodzin, „Fontes Archaeologici Posnanienses” 1962, t. 13, s. 308.