Przemiany kulturowe w XIII-wiecznym Elblągu efektem spotkania tradycji i obcych wpływów

Abstract

The period of large scale process resulting from location turning point which started in Pomerania in 2nd quarter of 13th century, when, among the others, Elbląg town was located in 1237, delivered numerous facts and phenomena, which at present can be analyzed and observed indirectly, basing first of all on varied archaeological sources obtained in the course of many years of archaeological exploration performed in the Old Town of Elbląg. Allocated space of the new center, similarly to other towns in the southern coast of the Baltic Sea was equipped with the most important elements creating the new town and deciding of its later dynamic development. The most essential factors included: regular urban architecture located at the defined space and surrounded with fortifications, port center function, craft-trade economy, town rights and disposing its own finances, social and professional dwellers’ diversification, developed ideological functions and intellectual life. All these elements existing and functioning in 13th century Elbląg let us perceive this center as a fully developed town.New cultural and consumption patterns brought by the center founders, mainly German colonists, meeting local traditions and manufacturing, were favorable conditions for shaping in 13th century Elbląg and probably in its vicinity different technologies and production patterns in building, crafts, ideological and legal spheres.On the grounds of archaeological sources collected and the analyses of urban center planning, preserved elements of its diversified wooden and brick architecture, it is possible to state, that Elbląg shaped its individual urban culture, various from the one which is related to early mediaeval settlements or early urban centers. These cultural changes were of a long lasting character and it can be supposed that they expanded onward all 13th century.