Tismice jako produkční a nadregionální centrum Čech 8. a 9. století Tismice as a Production and Supra-Regional Centre of Bohemia in the 8th and 9th Centuries

Abstract

The central Bohemian hillfort-type site in Tismice is one of the largest (20–22 ha) in Bohemia from the Early to Middle Hillfort period (8th–9th century) and has been studied for years using non-destructive methods. The study, which presents the results of the complete geophysical survey of the site as well as the results of small-scale trenching from 2013, is focussed on an analysis of non-ferrous metal ornaments (c. 170 pcs., mostly belt and horse harness decorations) and analyses of evidence of craft production – jewellerymaking, metalsmithing and metal casting (ingots, blanks). It presents the earliest evidence of work with gold in early medieval Bohemia (2018 excavation) as well as natural science radiocarbon and magnetic absolute dates, which supplement dating on the basis of Carolingian coin and imports. The internally divided hillfort was an elite residence (gilded ornaments, spurs, coin) and for a short time served as a supra-regional centre that not only received and redistributed but also produced items of statutory importance (belt and horse harness ornaments, pendants, spurs). Radiocarbon dating places the multiphase early medieval settlement and fortifications in the period from the final third of the 8th century until the end of the 9th century. A detailed evaluation of the stratigraphy will be another step towards a comprehensive interpretation of this site. Key Words: Early Middle Ages, hillfort, Avar period metal ornaments, spurs, long-distance contacts, goldsmithing, metalsmithing tools, Carolingian coin, central Bohemia