Mysterious medieval fortifications buried in Poland detected with advanced imaging technology

Archaeologists discovered evidence of unknown medieval fortifications which may indicate the presence of Hussite clashes near a small village in Poland. They found indications of the fort buried in wooded foothills near the village of Bieździadka in south-eastern Poland, the site was examined by archaeologists Joanna Pilszyk and Piotr Szmyd. Based on the report from Science and Scholarship in Poland (PAP), the fortifications were discovered underground using sophisticated laser detection and aerial mapping.

Returning to the fort in Bieździadka, it is said to have sat on top of a plateau with steep sides; the sheer slope and height of over two meters (6.5 feet) naturally protected the stronghold. Moats were believed to surround the site and high fences or palisades are likely to have run along the perimeter. The age of the fort is not known, but researchers say it was probably built during the Middle Ages too.

Piotr Szmyd told PAP, “The area of the settlement is intriguing. Together with the embankments, it occupies an area of only 900 square meters. This small space could accommodate only one small house or defence tower.”