České Lhotice Celtic oppidum, Celtic fortified settlement in Hradiště, Czech Republic
České Lhotice Celtic oppidum is a fortified settlement perched on a plateau and protected by deep valleys on multiple sides, with reinforced defensive lines on the eastern edge. The site shows clear earthen ramparts, ditches, and raised structures that archaeologists have uncovered over more than 150 years of investigation.
This Celtic settlement was built in the 2nd century BC as a regional hub for trade and mineral resource management. People had inhabited the area since prehistoric times, and occupation continued through the Roman period and into the Middle Ages before eventually being abandoned.
The scattered foundations and earthworks reveal how different groups of people lived here over thousands of years, making this place a layered record of habitation. Visitors can see how the landscape itself was shaped by these successive settlements.
A marked trail takes visitors through the archaeological remains with signage explaining Celtic life and the settlement layout. The site sits on a plateau with natural slopes, so sturdy footwear and care on uneven ground are recommended for a comfortable visit.
This is the only known Celtic oppidum in Eastern Bohemia and sat along a branch of the ancient Amber Road trading network that connected the Baltic to the Mediterranean. The strategic location allowed the settlement to tap into one of Europe's most important long-distance trade routes.
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