Abstract
The contribution presents an ongoing project on a comprehensive analysis of archaeological, archaeobotanical and archaeozoological data from early medieval hillfort Prácheň near Horažďovice (Czech Republic), which represents an important central place within the Přemyslid castle system in the younger phase of the early medieval period. A number of archaeological excavations have been performed at the hillfort site and its hinterland.
A series of small-scale surveys is still being carried out. The research questions concerning the hillfort fortification, extent and the structures of the outer bailey are examined on the basis of archaeological and environmental evidence.
The natural scientific analyses play an important role in the study of the economy of this important early medieval centre, a special emphasis is devoted to the study of agricultural and non-agricultural production. The results are compared with data obtained from other early medieval fortified settlements in the region.
Furthermore, the issues of a transformation of the hillfort into the high medieval castle, which was established in the hillfort acropolis, the surviving of the hinterland settlement and the emergence of the nearby town of Horažďovice in the 13th century are solved.