In Wodzisław Śląski, archaeological discoveries dating back as far as 10,000 years

Tools from the late Paleolithic and Mesolithic periods were discovered during archaeological excavations in the Grodzisk district of Wodzisław Śląski. Research is also continuing into later settlements, dating back to the 9th century AD, according to representatives of the Museum in Wodzisław Śląski.

The Wodzisław Museum's press release states that research into the Wodzisław Grodzisk's past continues year-round, but the summer holidays are the most favorable time for excavations. Fieldwork, which began last year and is currently continuing, is scheduled to last from July to September.

According to Sławomir Kulpa, director of the Wodzisław Śląski Museum, archaeologists have already discovered flint tools and other semi-finished products dating back to the late Paleolithic and Mesolithic periods, dating back as far as 10,000 years ago. However, they are still searching for answers, including when the ancient stronghold at Grodzisk was founded and how it operated.

"Today we know that a stronghold existed here in the 9th century, as confirmed by radiocarbon dating, but human presence was detected much earlier, during the late Paleolithic and Mesolithic periods. The specific topography meant that humans could control the area from here, cultivate crops, raise animals, and hunt," explained the director.

"We don't know how long the stronghold was inhabited. Today, it seems it wasn't very long. We don't find any confirmation of the site's use in subsequent centuries. Traces of rather sporadic human presence date back only to the turn of the 15th and 16th centuries and later," Kulpa noted.

Three hundred years later, a kilometre and a half further northwest, the town of Wodzisław was founded. However, according to current knowledge, it was founded by a largely different social group than the indigenous Slavic population that had previously lived in Grodzisk.

These were most likely colonists from Western Europe or Bohemia and Moravia. They were craftsmen and introduced a different settlement model. The process of establishing a town involved the issuance of a series of legislative acts, gradually extending the application of German law to the settlement.

The head of the research, archaeologist Adrian Podgórski, specified that the actual archaeological work at Grodzisk was preceded by an analysis of data from aerial scanning of the area and a query of historical sources, including cartographic ones.

"We now see that the area of today's Grodzisk was used for various economic purposes. We know that, in addition to the mill and farmstead that existed since at least the late 16th century, there were fish ponds in a characteristic chain arrangement over a fairly large area, traces of which are visible in the form of numerous causeways," explained the archaeologist.

"Additional non-invasive research conducted by Dr. Mirosław Furmanek from the Institute of Archaeology at the University of Wrocław indicated that there are older earth structures in the courtyard of the former stronghold. That is why excavations are being conducted at this site," Podgórski emphasized.

During their work on the fortified site, specialists dug several excavations in the eastern and central parts of the maidan (the central part of the complex). So far, they have discovered primarily objects related to the existing above-ground structures. Samples have been collected for laboratory analysis.

Fragments of pottery were also found, tentatively dating to the 9th century and possibly the early 10th century. The pottery is associated with the presence of Slavic people in this area. Similar pottery was found in the nearby, nearly six-hectare fortified settlement in Lubomia.

Director Kulpa noted that thanks to a grant awarded by the city, archaeological research in the large and historically multi-threaded area of Grodzisk has been continued for two seasons.

"We've made many interesting discoveries, but we've already explored a small part of this place's history. To better understand its past, we need to conduct more excavations, which would allow us to uncover the secrets of the ancestors who lived here," Kulpa said.

Today, the stronghold is a forest complex, a historical part of present-day Wodzisław Śląski. Its history was explored by 19th-century chroniclers and researchers, including Franz Henke, rector of the local school and author of the first municipal chronicle.

As reported by the museum director, Henke assumed that Wodzisław was founded during the reign of the Piast prince Władysław Herman, i.e. at the turn of the 11th and 12th centuries. The name of the city was supposedly derived from the name of this ruler.

According to legend, the stronghold was attacked by hordes of Tatars heading for Racibórz in 1241. The defending inhabitants used a trick that caused the Tatars to drown in the swamps at the foot of the stronghold.

According to the chronicler, there was a castle in the area of Grodzisk, and settlement there lasted until the end of the 15th century. The last owner of the castle was Duke John III the Elder, who died in 1483, and whose residence was supposedly destroyed in 1473 by the Hungarian King Matthias Corvinus.

In 1879, two scientists, Rudolf Hirsch and Rudolf Stöckel, identified the Wodzisław stronghold in the field. A plan of the site was then created, including topographical descriptions, cross-sections of the ramparts, and a historical account.

"Researchers determined that these were the remains of an ancient stronghold, which was 113 meters long and 66 meters wide. They believe the stronghold existed already during the reign of Bolesław the Brave and was destroyed by Tatar troops in 1241," the museum director reported.

In 2000, the history of Grodzisk captured the interest of a new generation of researchers. Together with Dr. Furmanek, Wodzisław specialists then excavated a test trench through the rampart and discovered charcoal, clay, and flint chips in the rampart's crest. After examination, it appeared that the objects dated from the 14th to the 17th century.

Director Kulpa cautioned today that most of the previous hypotheses, however, are unconfirmed, as indicated by ongoing research. Excavations, weather permitting, will continue until September. Afterward, scientists will process the recovered materials. (PAP)

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