Bojná-Valy Stronghold and Ritual Centre
Early Middle Ages (8th–10th c. Great Moravian periphery; Avar preceding)·Great Moravian frontier / Slavic elite, later Magyar·🇸🇰 Nitra Region, Topoľčany District, Bojná village, Považský Inovec mountains, Slovakia
About
About Bojná-Valy Stronghold and Ritual Centre
Bojná-Valy Stronghold and Ritual Centre in Nitra Region, Topoľčany District, Bojná village, Považský Inovec mountains, Slovakia is a Early Middle Ages (8th–10th c. ; fortified 9th c. ). Documented via 1828; Pieta & Robak 2007–. The Great Moravian frontier / Slavic elite, later Magyar earthwork at Nitra Region preserves system of 3–4 forts (bojná i valy 12 ha rampart, bojná ii–iii satellites) with 2,500+ metal finds including 100+ bells, spurs, swords.
2 km; defence depth 40 m.
Why it mattersBojná-Valy Stronghold and Ritual Centre in Nitra Region, Topoľčany District, Bojná village, Považský Inovec mountains, Slovakia is a Early Middle Ages (8th–10th c. Great Moravian periphery; Avar prece
Open questions
Mysteries & theories
Mysteries
- 01Why Bojná yielded largest Carolingian bronze hoard outside Frankia
Theories
- 01Bojná as Great Moravian border march and Christian mission depot for Váh valley
Theories are interpretations, not findings. The seal above tells you how much scholarly weight the place carries.
History
How it came to be
- Built
- Late 8th c.; fortified 9th c. Valy I–III system
- Period
- Early Middle Ages (8th–10th c. Great Moravian periphery; Avar preceding)
- Culture
- Great Moravian frontier / Slavic elite, later Magyar
- Purpose
- Defended elite stronghold with weapon hoards and Christian/ pagan bronze plaques (Bojná bell?)
- Abandoned
- c. 920 (Magyar)
- Rediscovered
- 1828; Pieta & Robak 2007–
- Excavation
- Excavation ongoing
Late 8th c.; fortified 9th c. Valy I–III system
Initial construction
c. 1547 CE
Abandonment
On the ground
Structures & features
48.5800° N · 18.0600° E · 50 m · 2 mapped features
Bojná I – Valy Main Rampart
rampart12 ha hillfort with timber-earth rampart and ditch
48.5810° N · 18.0610° EBojná II–III Satellite Forts
hillfortTwo satellite forts flanking valley approach
48.5790° N · 18.0590° E
Gallery