Markvartice u Sobotky, Jičín dist., Hradec Králové Region
Iron Age enclosure
(300–50 BC)
Panoramatic picture of the banks.
Photo Z. Kačerová, 2013.
The only La Tène period rectangular enclosure (so-called Viereckschanze) built in east Bohemia. Although it is referred by people as the ‘Žižkovy valy’ (‘Žižka’s Banks’, named after Jan Žižka, a Hussite commander of the 15th century), the enclosure dates to 300–50 BC. Most probably, it served as a fortified residence for higher social class organising specialised crafts and long-distance trade. The remains of a La Tène Period forge were discovered nearby.
References: Waldhauser 1971, 1975; Venclová 1998; Waldhauser 2004.
Navigation points: N 50°25'00.61", E 15°12'12.46".
Map notes: A – forge; B – location of a ‘hall’ (large posthole structure discovered by excavations); C – location of a pit with remnants of wood and burnt millet; D – cremation grave; E – original entrance. Map symbols are available in the Downloads section.
Selected fulltext articles and reports for further reading. Complete bibliographical records are available in the Downloads section as the List of publications.
aatlas_cech_046_markvartice_u_sobotky-pdfWaldhauser, J. 1971: Výzkum čtyřúhelníkových valů a laténského sídliště u Markvartic (o. Jičín) v roce 1969. In: J. Poulík (ed.), Sborník Československé společnosti archeologické při ČSAV 4, 61–88.Waldhauser, J. 1975: Die keltischen Viereckschanzen in Böhmen. Forschungsstand und die Ergebnisse der Grabungen in Markvartice 1969–1972, Alba Regia 14, 235–244.Waldhauser, J. 2004: Varia archaeologica z Pojizeří a přilehlého území, Archeologie ve středních Čechách 8/1, 409–428.