Settlement in Beckov from 13th Century

A settlement from High Middle Ages was explored in the south part of the Beckov cadastre in 2004. It consists of 64 features. Two half-sunken dwellings with hearth are the most important features. The third half-sunken feature with circular ground plan and grain storage pit served for agricultural purpose. Another group consists of six grain storage pits, 41 storage pits of three types, one hearth, seven exterieur ovens, five stake pits and two trough-shaped pits. Data about size, form, construction and use do not differ from the representatives, which are known in other finding places from the Middle Ages. In the material culture prevail fragments of pot-shaped ceramic vessels. There were found four complete vessels. Important are also large storage vessels with graphite in the fabric. Dating was elaborated on the basis of analysis of the shape, decoration and creation of vessels, composition of ceramic material. The rest of findings are sporadic, and the most important of these are a coin, spur and jewels. These specimen refer to higher social status of inhabitants who lived here in 13th c. The structure of settlement area belongs to specific components of this site. One quarter of features are scattered across the area. Remaining features are located in four concentrations. Up to 41 dwelling and agricultural features are part of concentration C, which is the oldest part of the agricultural estate. The other three concentrations consist of lower number of agricultural features; residential buildings are missing. The presumption is that these were manufacturing rooms that served to expansion of economic activities of the local community.