Bridges over the Váh River in the territory of the Nitra County in the first half of 18th century (according to Notitia hungariae historico-geographica by Matthias Bel)
Abstract
Matthias Bel in his work Notitia Hungariae Novae historico-geographica offered a contemporary view of specific realities of Hungarian counties within the Habsburg Monarchy. The aim of the presented study is the historical and geographical analysis and interpretation of Part 1Section (Vagus) Paragraph V of the natural scientific part of the Notitia of the Nitra County in which Matthias Bel briefly described bridges over the Vagus (slovak Váh) River in Hlohovec (Frašták) and Šintava.
The historical and geographical ""probe"" to tne Bel 's characteristics of the individual bridging of the Váh River was realised in form of critical comments of the translation of the original (written in Latin) text using scientificliterature, old maps, picture resources,and results of field research as well as our own knowledge of the topic. It is only natural that information about bridges that Matthias Bel stated in the given paragraph only partially corresponds with today 's knowledge.
Nevertheless they are valuable - not only from the perspective of a historian - philologist or a historical geographer. It is because they provide an image ofspecific realities of the Nitra County at that time, in the first half of 18th century.
These are the remains of wooden constructions of bridges adding the character and specific genius loci of the Váh river landscape.