Geoarchaeological studies in the early medieval Santok stronghold (north‐western Poland)

Abstract

AbstractSantok played a strategic socio‐political role in the Early Middle Ages. It is situated at the confluence of two large rivers (Warta and Noteć) on the boundary of historical regions in north‐western Poland. The stronghold in Santok is located on a sandy elevated floodplain with frequent floods in the immediate vicinity of the morainic plateau. The geological and engineering conditions within the stronghold were complex, making it a very difficult area for construction. The oldest settlement in Santok was established in the 8th century AD as a seasonal exchange point. By the 10th century, a well‐fortified fortress was built as a strategic centre at the border of the first Polish state. Santok's stronghold was maintained for over 600 years, during which the community benefited from its wetland location and useful waterways connecting local and distant territories. The extended use of one location in Santok allowed for investigation of the anthropogenic and natural environmental changes throughout a long time period. Given its past significance, this area has become a key geoarchaeological site to understand human–environment interactions of the western Slavs in the Early Middle Ages.