Geophysical Survey of the Hillfort Staré Zámky near Brno-Líšeň, Czech Republic

Abstract

The aim of this paper is to present the results of geophysical surveys at the Staré zámky site near Brno-Líšeň, which were carried out in 2019. Electrical resistivity tomography, georadar survey and large-scale magnetic prospection were all carried out there. The primary task of the first two methods was to investigate the inner structure of the still-existing ramparts and to identify their individual structural elements. The magnetic survey focused on the identification of areas where potential archaeological features can be found – together with the identification of previously-unknown fortifications. The surveys were successful: we have found numerous settlement features from different phases of settlement, an early medieval cemetery and fortifications of various types, sizes and state of preservation. The results of previous archaeological research of the site played an important role for interpretation of the geophysical data. Together these results provide important insights into the study of the complex fortified settlement of Staré zámky. Despite our results, some questions which cannot be answered by geophysical research alone remain unanswered.