Abstract:

The lecture presents results of 13 seasons of research at Bojná hillfort in Western Slovakia. The site is a part of an early medieval network of fortifications dated back to the Great Moravian times or the period following the decline of this political formation. Bojná-Valy is the central site of the entire network. It is a 12-hecare hillfort with preserved massive fortifications. Results of first research seasons suggested it could be a political and economic centre resembling Mikulčice or Staré Město. However, finds from Bojná hillfort provide us with a distinct picture that the one emerging from studies on sites such as Mikulčice and Staré Město. First of all, there are no sacral and ceremonial buildings, no cemetery, no close rural settlements or traces of agricultural activities or pottery production at the hillfort. Furthermore, the access to the site is difficult and the archaeological material, however enormously rich, is dominated by elements of the attire of ordinary warriors. Most of 6000 finds are pieces of weaponry and an equestrian's attire and equipment (about 70 spurs of various types, about 200 strap fittings, more than 130 various size buckles and more than 70 spur strap slides, combat knives, scabbard fittings, pieces of chain mails, numerous arrowheads, spearheads and axes). Consequently, it remains an open question whether Bojná hillfort was one of the political and economic centres of the Great Moravian state. Instead, the material indicates that the hillfort was used as a huge military facility with a permanent troop rather than a political, administrative and economic centre.