Gars–Thunau Hillfort
Gars am Kamp · Thunau
Urnfield to Medieval, peak 9th–10th century (Great Moravian fringe)·Great Moravian / Bavarian–Carolingian borderland·🇦🇹 Lower Austria, Horn District, Gars am Kamp, Kamp Valley, Austria
About
About Gars–Thunau Hillfort
Large fortified hilltop at Thunau am Kamp (Gars) 25 km north of Danube (80 km NW Vienna), with 33 ha plateau, multiple ramparts ( Iron Age core revived late 9th c as 4 ha Slavic fort), associated 9th–10th c settlement density in Kamp valley (40 sites). Austrian Friesinger excavations since 1965 reveal Bavarian–Great Moravian frontier trade. Later Babenberg Burg Gars. Museum.
Why it mattersLarge fortified hilltop at Thunau am Kamp (Gars) 25 km north of Danube (80 km NW Vienna), with 33 ha plateau, multiple ramparts ( Iron Age core revived late 9th c as 4 ha Slavic fort), associated 9th–10th c settlement density in Kamp valley (40 sites). Austrian Friesinger excavations since 1965 reve
Open questions
Mysteries & theories
Mysteries
- 01Slavic vs Bavarian identity of 9th c elite
Theories
- 01Gars–Thunau as Carolingian march toll against Moravians
Theories are interpretations, not findings. The seal above tells you how much scholarly weight the place carries.
History
How it came to be
- Built
- Ramparts Iron Age; 9th century Slavic renewal
- Period
- Urnfield to Medieval, peak 9th–10th century (Great Moravian fringe)
- Culture
- Great Moravian / Bavarian–Carolingian borderland
- Purpose
- Border hillfort between Great Moravia and Carolingian Ostmark
- Excavation
- Excavation ongoing
On the ground
Structures & features
48.5869° N · 15.6425° E · 260 m · 3 mapped features
Upper Plateau Fort
fort4 ha 9th c Slavic fort inside Iron Age walls
48.5875° N · 15.6430° ELower Kamp Settlement
settlementValley settlement terrace 40 houses
48.5865° N · 15.6420° EBabenberg Burg Gars
castleMedieval Burg over early hillfort gate
48.5869° N · 15.6425° E