Early Medieval strongholds on the Chodelka River and their settlement base

The article discusses issues related to four early mediaeval strongholds functioning in 8–12th c. in the valley of the Chodelka River. This river is the tributary of the Vistula River located in the west part of the Lublin region. The article discusses the characteristics of strongholds, surrounding settlements and mutual relationship between them.

Archaeological research into the stronghold in Zbucz, Czyże commune, Hajnówka county

The article presents the results of geophysical research carried out in a hillfort in Zbucz from the late 9th and the early 10th centuries. This is the oldest fortified object in this part of Podlasie region which, on top of military functions, served also as a venue of culture and ceremonies.

Several episodes of the urban development of Kyiv in X–XI centuries according to archaeological sources

The author highlights the role of archaeology in researches of development of Kyiv in X–XI centuries, from the times of town’s founding to the times of its territorial growth, paying special attention to the peculiarities of topography and hydrology. The author proposes to use the term and the concept ‘megalopolis’ in studying the development of Kyiv.

Několik epizod urbanistického rozvoje Kyjeva v 10. – 11. století ve světle archeologických pramenů

The issue of rulers’ sanctity in the Early and High Middle Ages – a Polish case against the European background

The text analyses the problem of the sanctity of rulers, especially non-martyrs, in Latin Europe in the Early and High Middle Ages. The starting point for this discussion is a frequently asked question about the reasons for the lack of such a phenomenon in Poland.

Animals in Slavic burial rites: the example of finds from the area of present-day Poland. The article concerns the issues of finds of animal remains in early medieval cremation burials, identified with the Slavs, in today’s Poland. Finds of animal remains discovered in 134 burials in 37 cemeteries have been analysed.

What we know about the pre-Christian beliefs of the early medieval inhabitants of the Oder and Vistula river basins. Artykuł jest poświęcony krytycznemu podsumowaniu wiedzy na temat przedchrześcijańskiej religii Słowian postrzeganej przez pryzmat dostępnych źródeł.

The possibilities of archaeology and its input in research on the history of the Teutonic Order. The latest research achievements

The article presents the latest archaeological research related to the Teutonic Order. The main objects of the studies are castles and the obtained materials are the basis for cultural studies. An interest has been developed in everyday life, including the funeral rite. Within the last several years, there has been a significant increase of e interest on the part of Polish archaeologists in the Teutonic Knights. This has involved frequent examination of castles both well preserved and in poor condition, or virtually invisible. The researches have studied buildings of different ranks; the range of the performed works varied. The resource materials from the field works have often served as the starting point for studies of the material culture of the Teutonic Order. The scholars focused on various every-day-life issues like the use of ceramic dishes and the preferred diet. The continuation of the research on the field where the Battle of Grunwald took place provides new materials for further studies, and the discovery of burial sites of the alleged Grand Masters in Kwidzyn gave an impulse for investigation on the funeral rite in the Order.