This paper gives details on a feature uncovered during archaeological research in Ostrów Tumski in Poznań, which yielded crucibles with particles of gold, fragments of gold foil, filigree, rivets, semi-finished products and finished products and beads from decorative stones. The feature was identified as a goldsmith’s workshop and attempts were made to determine the origin of the raw materials and where the artisans came from.

Northern (Scandinavian) and western influence in the centre of the first Piasts’ state

The article deals with the issues concerning an extent and nature of cultural contacts between the early Piasts’ populations and Scandinavia, as reflected by archaeological evidence. The contacts with Carolingian and Ottonian cultures were recorded in sociotopography of leading fortified settlements and also in reception of secular and sacral forms of pre-Romanesque architecture.