Revealing the Multicultural Landscape of Nejdek

The study explores the long-term settlement dynamics and archaeological potential of the area between the villages of Lednice (the Nejdek neighbourhood) and Bulhary in South Moravia, Czech Republic. Despite its proximity to the important Early Mediaeval fortified settlement of Nejdek-Pohansko, the region has received little systematic research attention. Using non-invasive prospection methods – magnetometry survey, aerial and satellite imagery, and GIS integration and visual comparison of geophysical, aerial satellite and archival datasets – this project investigates the spatial organisation and continuity of human activity from the Neolithic to the Middle Ages. The magnetometry survey identified over 2,600 archaeological features, revealing dense settlement zones concentrated on elevated terraces above the Dyje (Thaya) River. Several ditches were documented, suggesting multi-period occupation and potential connections with nearby fortified sites. The integration of new geophysical data with archival excavation records refined the localisation of previous finds, such as a prehistoric enclosure and an Early Mediaeval graveyard. The results demonstrate that the studied landscape functioned as a multicultural and strategically significant zone throughout prehistory and early history. Despite modern disturbances, the study confirms the area’s high archaeological potential and provides a solid foundation for targeted excavations in the future.