Hrazany

Hrazany is an archaeological site located in the Central Bohemian Region of the Czech Republic. It is one of the most important early medieval fortified settlements (oppida) in Bohemia, dating primarily to the late La Tène period (around the 2nd-1st centuries BC) and continuing into the early Slavic period (6th-8th centuries AD).

The site is situated on a prominent hill overlooking the Vltava River, offering strategic defensive advantages. Archaeological investigations have revealed evidence of extensive fortifications, including ramparts and ditches, suggesting a significant population center and a place of considerable political and economic importance.

Finds from Hrazany include pottery, metal artifacts (such as tools, weapons, and ornaments), and evidence of trade and craftsmanship. These artifacts provide valuable insights into the material culture, social organization, and economic activities of the people who inhabited the site. The oppidum served as an important node in the network of settlements during its peak, likely acting as a center of power and trade within the region. Its later usage as a Slavic settlement shows the continuity of occupation in strategically important locations in the region. Further research continues to shed more light on the history and significance of Hrazany.