Oppidum of Hrazany, Celtic oppidum near Sedlčany, Czech Republic.
The Oppidum of Hrazany is a Celtic fortified settlement sprawling across two hills at the confluence of the Vltava and Mastník rivers. The site contained residential quarters with three-room houses featuring hearths and storage areas, along with distinct zones dedicated to craft production and metalworking.
The settlement was established in the mid-2nd century before Christ as an important trading post. It was abandoned between 30 and 20 before Christ, possibly linked to wider changes in the Celtic world.
This place served as a hub for Celtic metalworking and gold processing, where artisans crafted items for trade across the region. The remains of these work areas reveal how central craft production was to daily life here.
The site is accessible through several gates, with the northern entrance showing clear evidence of wheeled traffic from ancient trade routes. Visitors should expect uneven terrain and wear sturdy footwear, as walking across both hills requires careful footing.
The defensive walls were built from a layered combination of stone, wood, and clay, reaching several meters in width and topped with a wooden palisade. This sophisticated construction technique made them among the most robust fortifications of the Celtic period.
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