Early Medieval hillforts and the possibilities of their investigation by geophysical methods

Abstract

This contribution deals with research into early medieval hillforts by means of geophysical methods. Comparison of archaeological sources and results of geophysical measurements was used for the analysis of some previous and more recent results, while future possibilities of research are outlined as well. In geographical terms, the article focuses on the north regions of the Central Danubian Basin, particularly Moravia and western Slovakia. The research is aimed at integral sections of Great Moravia that was forming in this territory in the 9th century, whereas the majority of local hillforts are connected with its existence. Archaeology of the neighbouring regions in the period of the early Middle Ages is in many respects similar to that of the Central Danubian Basin, and the general outcomes can thus be extended to the whole of Central Europe.