Osada przedlokacyjna na Rynku krakowskim

Abstract

PRE-CHARTER SETTLEMENT IN MAIN MARKET SQUARE IN KRAKOW

In the 12th century and in the first half of the 13th century the territory of today’s Main Market Square (Rynek Główny) in Kraków housed a settlement which was a part of Kraków’s settlement complex. A major fragment of such an open dwelling adjoining the castle was unearthed during the archaeological excavations carried out in the years 2005–2010. The horizon of the said settlement in the Square was formed of a complex of houses, whose relics have been preserved to this day, as well as some outbuildings. The dwellings had the form of log cabins, while the other buildings had been constructed using the braiding method. Additionally, root cellars and numerous hollows had been used for a variety of purposes. The planigraphy of the settlement clearly distinguishes between the regular and orderly layout of the residential section, and the chaotically developed outbuilding zone consisting of the structures of poorer quality. The character of the economic activity of residents of the pre-charter Kraków is reflected in the artefacts found at the settlement which point to their craftsmanship and trade pursuits undertaken next to farming.