Lednicki the Island Fortress of Poland
By Lady Marija Kotok/ MKA Marilyn Kinyon
One of the Piast tribes, the Polan, occupied an interesting area containing what became the center of newly
formed Polish Kingdom. in 960 AD Duke Mieszko the organized this extremely defensible residence which is
considered by some to be the birth place of the Polish Nation. that time the island had been lightly used and
inhabited since about the third century BC. Archeological remains have been found that suggest Roman
influence at that time. Ostrow Lednicki lies on one of a row of four islands “ostrow” in Lake Lednika, Poland. It
is strategically located between the major cities of Poznan and Gniezno on a major trade route.
when it was decided to move the governmental seat to Lake Lednika many stone buildings were erected.
These included a Castle and a Christian church ,It is believed that this is where Mieszko I was baptised. the Fort
section alone came to cover 1/3 of the island. On the inside the fort measures 110 by 140 meters. A ring-
shaped rampart encircled the perimeter and measured about 470 meters . Presently the rampart reaches 6
meters. in the 10th century it is believed that it was about 12 meters high.
Remains have been found where two very sturdy bridges were built. One connecting them to the mainland
on East side and another on the west. The bridges were made of oak and marvels of their time. The longest
438 meters long was destroyed once in 1028 during an attack. But it was rebuilt and the bridges functioned well
for a very long time . Many interesting goods and armor pieces have been found at the bottom of the lake.
The island was also protected by banked reinforcements made of stakes, with wooden compartments and
stone structures to protect it from waves and ice floes. The defense of the island was well thought out in many
ways.
Currently there is an ongoing archeological investigation at Ostrow Ledniki. In fact the area has been
turned into a cultural museum which is open to the public and more is being learned about it everyday.
the island was unoccupied from the 15th century until about a hundred an fifty years ago when
archeological research began. it has presented a wonderful opportunity to investigate an area that was fairly
untouched by modern technology and society.
The area contains hundreds of burials and was continually occupied throughout much of the middle ages.
Many wonderful grave finds have been revealed Including knowledge about their building methods and the
day to day tools of living.
Articles Included among the Ledniki finds are:
A helmet with a nosegaurd 109 hatchets
15spurs numerous arrowheads
21 wooden shovels 30 sickles and scythes
many whetstones and millstones pottery
carved spoons and ladles wooden buckets
knives swords
gold and silver jewelry buckles
coins Horse tack
a woodworking shop a wheel wrights shop
potters wheels and a chest with clay ready for throwing
carved horn , bone, and antler artifacts
They also found a large market area which contained finds of Polish, Czech, German and Scandinavian coins
as well as numerous items originating from all over Europe. The finds have led them to conclude that the
people of Lednica enjoyed widespread trade with far flung cultures and had access to on site skilled craftsman
as well.
From the graves and other remains it is extrapolated that Ledniki had a population in which only about 8%
reached the age of 55 or more. Women seemed to have an earlier mortality rate. Most not living past 35 yrs.
burials were generally laid out in the head to the west manner. Most families were large about 7 children. 2%
of families included a live in grandparent. Clothing in graves was primarily of wool.
The Lednica site findings have much to offer those with a Polish or Slavic persona interest. I’m sure it will keep
providing us with many interesting artifacts for a long time to come Feel free to check out the resources below
for more information and feel free to contact me with questions. I have pictures of some of the artifacts and
would be happy to share them with those interested in recreating something in particular
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Resources: My heartfelt Thanks to the Folks at the Slavia organization who have been so wonderful about
sharing their materials and letting me reference them for educational non-profit purposes
The Slavia Organization Online
http://www.slavia.org/index.php?go=lednica
Thalia Gray New York University
Precious Networks: The Role OfImported Materials in the Founding of
the Early Medieval Polish State
Janusz Górecki First Piasts Museum Lednica
The Magic Power of Attraction - the Island Residence of Ostrów Lednicki
Mateusz ºLastowiecki First Piasts Museum LednicaThe bridges of Lednica and environs of the fortified
settlement