Settlement Complex in Bruszczewo in the Early Middle Ages

Summary

In November 1954 the Archaeological Museum in Poznań, alarmed by the information about the devastation of archaeological objects on the site of the newly established gravel-pit in Bruszczewo, commenced salvage excavations, which lasted many years and the results of which aroused interest of archaeologists dealing with the early Middle Ages. The outcome of the said works, the extent of which was gradually enlarged, was the discovery of traces of a settlement complex, which had been in use between the 6^th and mid-13^th century. Already the first reports from the excavation works, as well as subsequent articles, which presented the historical profile and the culture of the settlement complex in Bruszczewo on the basis of a preliminary analysis of the results, emphasised the importance of findings from that site and their practical application to solving a number of issues concerning the early mediaeval era in Poland. These findings were referred to in professional literature, but the lack of critical analysis of the sources caused difficulty in the application and criticism of the material from Bruszczewo. In fact, the absence of such a publication constituted a frustrating blank space in the early mediaeval archaeology, and was perceived increasingly so when juxtaposed with the later advances in research, manifested in new discoveries and in the revaluation of some previously dominating views regarding various matters from the period. This book meets such demands and at the same time offers a chance to evaluate the importance of sources from Bruszczewo for further research on the culture of the ancient Slavdom.

The settlement complex in Bruszczewo (fig. 1) comprises several sites where the remains of settlements (Bruszczewo, site 12 and Przysieka Stara, site 4) have been unearthed, and the stronghold, which was in use for a relatively short time (Bruszczewo, site 13). Here, in Przysieka Polska (site 21), the alleged hoard of coins was revealed before the Second World War. Unfortunately, the information about it is very scant. More objects have been disclosed through surface scatter or found by accident. The mentioned sites and numerous artefacts, which attest to the activity of the early mediaeval residents, have been unearthed outside the southern and southeastern edge of the village of Przysieka Polska upon an extensive elevation of fluvo-glacial origin and upon a plateau abutting upon it in the east and the north. The elevation cuts into the proglacial stream valley of the Samica River and its former river arm, which – as a result of land reclamation works – was turned into a canal “Przysieka Stara”. The situation of Przysieka Polska confirms that this settlement rather than – rooted in the conscience of archaeologists – Bruszczewo, continued historical tradition of the discussed agglomeration. Nevertheless, it is called Bruszczewo as it became widely known under this name in professional literature.

The book spans the period from the 6^th century until the middle of the 13^th century. In establishing the dates of origin of the analysed complexes, the author drew upon the periodization of the early Middle Ages in Great Poland, proposed by W. Hensel (1950), modified later by Z. Hilczerówna (1967) and W. Dzieduszycki (1982, 1990). The periodization plan divides the era into 5 stages, namely: stage A (6^th c.), stage B (7^th-8^th centuries), stage C (9^th c. until the first half of the 13^th c.), stage D (mid-10^th c. – first half of the 11^th c.) and stage E (mid-11^th c. until the first half of the 13^th c.). The sources on which the monograph draws are the materials obtained through archaeological studies of Mieczysława Piaszykowa (1954), Stanisław Jasnosz (in years 1956-63 and 1969-70) and Andrzej Prinke (1970 and 1976) conducted in the remains of the stronghold and the early mediaeval settlements. The outcome of excavations from 1911, completed by the Germans, Erich Blume and Meyer (the surveyor), is a valuable supplement. The materials from years 1886-1980 procured by surface explorations and by accidental discoveries have also been incorporated in this analysis.

The sources that could have been utilized in compiling the monograph of the settlement complex in Bruszczewo did not represent equal value. The analysis of the reports from excavation works was sufficient to realize that the unearthed objects were not always in good condition. Some of them were destroyed due to the exploitation of the gravel-pit (Bruszczewo, site 12), construction works (Przysieka Stara, site 4) and as a result of two attempts to transport the remains of the stronghold (Bruszczewo, site 13). The manner in which some of the drawings were made and movable relics catalogued in the field books of finds (especially during works in the remains of the stronghold) arouse serious objection. The above mentioned reasons had negative impact up on a part of the material, which nevertheless contributed to the resolution of several issues, which greatly helped to complete the planned monograph.

The book consists of the introduction, six chapters and the afterword. Chapter 1 deals with the archaeological analysis of movable artefacts and focuses readers’ attention on the function of particular relics, their classification and dating. It has been supplemented by the chronology of agglomerations found on excavated sites. The investigation of natural environment, presented in Chapter 2, has served as the point of departure for further considerations. Chapter 3, devoted to rural settlements, touches upon such issues as building construction, functions served by the unearthed objects, the layout of settlements and changes occurring in the organization of settlement landscape. Chapter 4 treats of the tribal stronghold. The description of its natural defensive location precedes reflection on this topic. Additionally, the questions regarding the fortifications, the buildings within the stronghold, the function of the stronghold in Bruszczewo and the circumstances, which prompted its downfall, have been dealt with.

Chapter 5 of the book, devoted to the subsistence system, has been divided into three parts. The first one focuses on the activities associated with procurement of food, the second on handicraft, whereas the third on questions concerning trade and cultural contacts. Finally, in Chapter 6, the main trends in the development of the settlement complex in Bruszczewo have been delineated. In the concluding section there is a summary of the most important archaeological discoveries, which, very briefly, are recapitulated below.
As it was already mentioned, Chapter l undertakes an analysis of archaeological artefacts. Among the discussed objects there are the elements of weapons (axes, fragments of spearheads, arrowheads, spurs and straps), jewellery and clothing accessories (headbands, clasps, glass beads and reused “Roman” buckles) as well as tools and household goods (artefacts of wood, iron, stone, clay, bone and horn). Among the listed objects, a rich collection of ceramic wares must be given special attention as it helped greatly to establish the date of origin of these complexes. This kind of ceramics is characterised by large variations in form, classified in the book into 12 taxonomic units, referred to as the Families of Types (“Rodzina Typów” – RT). The presence of vessels (fig. 10) similar in style to Feldberg-Kędrzyno (RT-II) type, is definitely of considerable interest. Their occurrence, however, is rare and consequently it is supposed that they did not play a significant role in the development of local pottery. Typical, however, is frequent occurrence of artefacts recognized as Tornow type (fig. 12 and 13), variety A and B (RT-III, category 1 and 2) as well as C 340 (RT-III, category 3, recently more and more often identified with the ceramics of Menkendorf-Szczecin type – fig. 14). It is the first piece of evidence indicating strong ties with the cultural zone known under the name of Tornow-Klenica. Southern influences found their expression, among others, in the presence of vessels with a clearly shaped neck (RT – V, fig. 16) and some elements of weapons (a spur in the so-called Carolingian style, a strap for a spur, arrowheads with a tang) and everyday use objects (iron bowls of the so-called Silesian type). But the finds held as most interesting, as far as ceramic is concerned, are pot and vase-like utensils with a cylindrical neck, decorated with one or two ribs, partly elaborately ornamented, which were classified as category 6, RT – V (fig. 17 and 18). The original quality of this ware, rarely encountered at other early mediaeval sites, inclined the author to designate it as Bruszczewo type. Although the origin of this style remains rather vague, the author is almost convinced that it was inspired by influences transmitted from the south. A multitude of forms encountered at stage C of the early Middle Ages is indicative of the appearance of a lively local centre of pottery production. Attachment to tradition remained strong at stage D, at which the number of utensils typical for this period, classified as RT-IX (fig. 20), was smaller than of vessels resembling in style the ceramic ware known from the 9th century and the first half of the 10th century. This new trend in pottery, represented by forms from RT – X, XI and XII (fig. 21-23) had not become common until stage D/E-E of the early Middle Ages.

The study of the natural environment of Bruszczewo, Przysieka Stara, Przysieka Polska and their environs submitted in Chapter 2, helped to delineate the main elements of geographical, historical scene of the examined settlement complex. Owing to this study it turned out that the early mediaeval settlement was founded upon a vast, elevated place of fluvo-glacial origin, formed at the foot of a plateau constituting a western border of the Kościan Plain (Równina Kościańska). The high place, surrounded from three sides by water, meadows or wetlands, separated the flood waters of the Samica River (a tributary of the Oder) from its old river arm, which after land reclamation works was converted into a canal Przysieka Stara. Natural resources of this area such as water, wetlands, meadows, forests and fertile soils offered the inhabitants of the complex in Bruszczewo safety and good conditions for the advancement of colonization and economic activity.

The archaeological material from excavations in Bruszczewo and Przysieka Stara contains precious information about early mediaeval rural settlements. Chapter 3 discusses this issue in more detail. Several hundred structures examined on the site included the remains of aboveground buildings, subterranean or semi-subterranean domiciles, baths and household conveniences (hearths, production and storage pits, belowground repositories for grain). Further research showed that the structures formed an agglomeration of two small settlements used from the 6^th until the 13^th century. Five periods can be distinguished in their development: I (early mediaeval stage A-A/B), connected with the beginning of colonization and establishment of two agglomerations (settlements?) at a fluvo-glacial elevated place (fig. 62); II (stage B-B/C), distinguished by the development of the two settlements and an attempt at colonization of the elevation’s western slope (fig. 63); III (stage C), at which the settlements sprang up anew along the north-south axis whereas the northern slope of the height was penetrated more intensively (fig. 64); IV (stage C/D-D), at which there was an observable decrease in the number of buildings in the southern settlement; also the advance of the northern settlement towards that part of the elevation, which is currently occupied by the buildings of Przysieka Polska (fig. 65) and V (stage D/E-E), when the southern settlement was deserted and the settlers spread along the east-west axis (fig. 66).

The archaeological studies discussed in Chapter 1 brought about the revaluation of opinions concerning the chronology of the stronghold in Bruszczewo. In professional literature, it was commonly believed that the stronghold had been used from the 7^th century until the middle of the 10^th century. Meanwhile, the record of stratigraphy of the site, of the cultural content of the examined complexes and dendrochronological dating changed this conviction. Eventually, it has been established that the tribal stronghold existed between the 9^th/10^th century (or beginning of the 10^th c.) and the first half of the 10^th century. The stronghold has been the subject of a separate examination presented in Chapter 4, owing to which we learn about the elaborate defensive system composed of a rampart, a stone footing, a ditch and a stone and earthen embankment (fig. 70). The entire structure occupied about 80% of the total surface area, which shows that the object was strongly fortified. Inside, there were clustered buildings (about 5). The fundamental function of the stronghold in Bruszczewo is determined by its name, preserved – in an altered version – in the designations of the contemporary villages of Przysieka Polska and Przysieka Stara. The role of the so-called cutting (“przesieka”) was to defend the tribal territory against possible attacks from the south. Moreover, the stronghold controlled local watercourses and overland routes. Its downfall was related to political events of the first half of the 10^th century, and was a consequence of the disintegration of the Great Moravian Reich. Bohemians and Germans rivalled to fill the resulting vacuum and later were joined by the dynamically developing state of the Polyane. The conquest of the territories along the Obra River may have been related to the expansion of this group towards the west, which predated the events of 963 reported by Widukind and Thietmar.

Subsistence activities, discussed in Chapter 5, took up the greatest part of daily life of the inhabitants of the Bruszczewo complex. The pursuits related to the procurement of food i.e. ploughing land, livestock raising, hunting, fishing and gathering were most common. A detailed analysis of archaeo-botanic material acquired from the early mediaeval agglomerations from stage C, enabled researchers to reconstruct the structure of crops (confirmed prevalence of millet), their distribution (the edge and slopes of the elevation rising behind the eastern extremities of settlements in Bruszczewo) and the system of sowing. Among livestock, cattle and pigs (fig. 76) were very common, but from stage A of the early Middle Ages the number of sheep/goats had been systematically growing, and at stage E the number of horses increased as well. The plateau situated outside the northern periphery of the discussed settlement was a convenient place for grazing them (fig. 79). On the basis of the results of archaeo-zoological studies, the contemporary means of regulating the number of head of livestock have been discussed. The ensuing part touches upon the role of hunting in the subsistence system of the residents of Bruszczewo complex. It is stressed that hunting activities were driven by definite needs, generally associated with the use of forest resources (procurement of food, obtainment of raw materials for handicrafts, search for natural medications), protection of people, animals and grounds surrounding buildings against beasts of prey. Elites pursued hunting for pleasure and in order to practice martial skills. Little information has been colleted on fishing and gathering, although such activities are evidenced thanks to the remains of fish, hooks for rods, net weights and seeds of plants growing in the wild.

Craftsmen made use of local resources of raw materials (wood, bog iron stone, field stone and clay) and materials of organic origin (straw, reed, stems of fibrous plants, natural dyes, wool, leather, fur, bone and horn) obtained through cultivation of land, livestock raising, hunting and gathering. These raw materials made possible the development of new professions such as building construction, manufacture of tools, transportation means, household utensils and implements. Presumably, most of these jobs were performed within the household. In the search for the traces of specialization, metallurgy and pottery have been indicated as the fields, which required considerable knowledge and experience. Pottery had come a long way from household manufacture, through semi-specialized phase to a relatively advanced production of various utensils (early mediaeval stage C-E). Definitely, favourable conditions for the growth of a number of handicrafts existed in the period, in which the stronghold was in use. Apart from the mentioned branches of handicrafts, it can be presumed that carpentry, turnery and cooperage prospered too. Unclear, however, is the question of specialization in stone and leather working. Because of a poor condition of archaeological sources from the initial stages of the early Middle Ages it is difficult to describe the development of workshops, which operated here before the mid-10^th century. The only information that we possess concerns the continued engagement in metallurgy and pottery.

An inseparable element of economic activity was exchange of goods. It appears that internal trade was of primary significance for the residents of the settlement complex in Bruszczewo, whereas trade on a larger scale was basically possible through contacts with the neighbouring communities, diplomatic relations, military expeditions (booty) along with the operation of travelling craftsmen, and – possibly – merchants. The study of the distribution of finds of vessels similar in style to the Bruszezewo type helped to establish the scope of contacts of the local community with the outer world. As it was indicated in Chapter 5, such vessels occurred only in the area between the middle Warta (its section from the estuary of the Prosna to its confluence with the Mosinka), the middle Obra and the Oder River from its confluence with the Barycz to the confluence with the Obrzyca. Thus, it becomes evident that the knowledge about the world possessed by the residents of the discussed complex at the early mediaeval stage C was restricted solely to the local, tribal area and the neighbouring lands. Consequently, it was, as for our modern standards unimpressive, yet quite representative of the then realities.

In Chapter 6, the author, considering the main trends of development of the Bruszczewo settlement complex, has pointed out several important aspects of research in to the early mediaeval Slavic lands. The first one is associated with the establishment of the complex. This problem, closely tied with the discussion about the inhabitancy or the influx of the Slavs to Polish lands in the period from the close of antiquity until the beginning of the Middle Ages will be difficult to resolve with the aid of sole archaeological sources. It appears, however, that the earliest settlers may have been indigenous people from the Obra area. They might have introduced local elements into oral tradition, which justified their rights to the occupied land.

The contacts with the areas in the river basin of the middle and upper Obra – for centuries remaining in the sphere of strong southern influences radiating there from the territory of Silesia – were crucial in the development of the Bruszczewo settlement complex. This explains the presence of Great Moravian or Bohemian cultural elements. Yet, coming into the sphere of influence of Tornow-Klenica had proved to be of paramount importance. Presumably, this might have led to tightening of territorial boundaries and the formation of an organization capable of building strongholds and establishing the structures of tribal authority, which represented and safeguarded the interest of the whole community. Therefore it was advisable to investigate mutual relationships between the residents of the stronghold and the inhabitants of the nearby settlements. The results of this inquiry show that the latter were not dependent on the residents of the stronghold. It seems that the duties of the tribal community were restricted to the direct participation in activities related to the defence of their country (repair of fortifications, guarding duties, active participation in combat) and participation in the local, social and political life.

The decline of the stronghold led to a slowed growth of the studied complex, but already in the period of the second Piast state (from circa mid-11^th c.) the symptoms of a considerable economic upturn and increased settlement became visible. Such phenomena, considered in the context of the contemporary historical situation of Great Poland, should be looked upon as efforts to integrate into the rest of the region the territories, which had been conquered in the 10th century. It must be added that in the case of the Obra region whose traditional bonds with the south had been severed, the process of integration proved to be a complete success. It was aided by the erection of new strongholds, colonization activity and the establishment of abbeys. For example, the first mention of Przysieka appeared in the document of 1278 making a grant to a newly established Cistercian monastery in Wieleń (moved subsequently to Przemęt).

It could be concluded that despite various condition of the preserved objects and the quality of excavation documentation – not always satisfactory – the materials from Bruszczewo are indeed valuable for research. Among extensive data that has been obtained the most significant was information concerning the layout of settlements and the alterations in their landscape planning as well as the issues such as cultivation of land, stock raising and pottery. Of interest are also the results of excavations in the remains of the stronghold in Bruszczewo, adding to our knowledge of fortifications and the functions performed by this stronghold in the defensive system of the Obra region. It is worth noticing that the verification of the original date of the discussed site, which has been generally accepted until recently, is, in a sense, in keeping with the latest tendencies to date the emergence of similar forts much earlier.

An undisputed value of the discussed sources is that they give scholars an opportunity to leatn about the changing fortunes of this early-mediaeval settlement complex, which was inhabited for several hundred years. Although Bruszczewo (in fact Przysieka Polska), classified by archaeologists as a typical site (type site) of the period, seems relatively modest, it gives an opportunity to study thoroughly one of the numerous Slavic sites from that period, which often stayed away from great historical events. It lived through times of prosperity and decline, typical of the history of a host of small settlements. Today, various aspects of the settlement’s everyday life are discovered. Even if the materials from Bruszczewo should not be regarded as very useful for research into various questions concerning the early Middle Ages, they will remain a valuable source of information about the era. This fact alone, is a sufficient reason to appreciate the results of excavations in Bruszczewo.