Settlement and iron in the Říčany region

PhDr. Natalie Venclová, DrSc (2002-2004, GAČR 404/02/0757)

The aim of the project was to integrate data gained by the study of prehistoric production, namely production of iron, and settlement activities. These domains are usually studied separately although the conjoined exploitation both of the research results of prehistoric technologies and settlement archaeology, together with the study of their natural and landscape context, produces a more complex image of settlement and economy in prehistoric times. The study area - the Říčany region in Central Bohemia offers the possibility to use the data, and methods, of the two specialized fields of study as it provides evidence for iron smelting districts as well as important and mostly not yet assessed settlement complexes of the La Tene and Roman periods. The analysis of residential and production components examines the idea that sources of iron were the main reason for settlement of the study area in the given periods.