Carpathian Troy in Trzcinica – a trip into the past

The outdoor exposition is located at one of the most important archaeological sites in Poland, of exceptional importance for the research related to the prehistory of Central and Eastern Europe.

Jan Gancarski, today director of the Podkarpackie Museum in Krosno, started archaeological excavations at this site in 1991. This way the oldest hillfort in Poland, dating back over 4,000 years, was discovered in Trzcinica in the Podkarpacie region. By comparison, the fortified settlement in Biskupin, known to all Polish people from history books, was built 1,400 years later.

More than 160,000 items - vessels, pottery, as well as items made of flint, stone, bone, horn, as well as bronze and iron - have been discovered here during the excavations. Many of them are unique artefacts representing excellent ancient craftsmanship. It is hard to believe that at the time when Egypt was ruled by pharaohs, quite a well-established civilization existed in the Subcarpathian area. The fact is reflected by the archaeological treasures on display, such as the unique Bronze Age battle-axe.

Initially, archaeologists were convinced that they were investigating an early medieval Slavic settlement dating back to the 7th century at the most. Although there were also those whose professional intuition told them that they would find evidence of a much older settlement in this area. Indeed, the findings of the archaeological excavations included components of a palisade from a defensive wall dating from the Bronze Age, as well as items produced by a highly advanced civilisation, such as tools used in ancient Mycenae or an Amazon statue worshipped in ancient Greece.

The findings from Trzcinica overturned the previous theories about the oldest human settlements in Poland. They provided evidence that people representing a highly advanced civilization inhabited this region earlier than previous research showed. Indeed, the archaeological explorations in Trzcinica unearthed one of the oldest fortified settlements in Poland, dating from the early Bronze Age more than 4,000 years ago. It was also here that the first settlement of the Transcarpathian Otomani-Fuzesabony culture was discovered in Poland. The site, dated to 1650-1350 BC, clearly showed links with the Mediterranean region. This is why the site has been called Carpathian Troy.

From 2000 to 1650 BC, the areas of Trzcinica were inhabited by people of the Pleszowska group, part of Mierzanowice culture which was linked to Transcarpatia. The fortified settlement was then taken over by people of the Otomani culture, at the time one of the most advanced civilisations in Europe, who came from the Carpathian Basin. They ruled the settlement until around 1350 BC.

The new settlers built a road and an entrance gate, strengthened the fortifications, added another section outside the walls, this way significantly advancing the whole settlement. People of this culture maintained contacts with ancient Troy and Mycenae, selling to them for instance amber imported from the Baltic Sea region, and in return acquiring novel items from the Mediterranean area, as shown by the excavations. This thriving settlement was destroyed by great fire in 1350 BC.

Over two thousand years later, in the 8th century AD, a group of Slavic people settled here. They used the old relics, especially the defensive walls, to build their own hillfort which in fact was one of the largest fortified Slavic settlements in Poland. Between the 8th and 11th century this was the main hillfort of one of the peoples inhabiting the area of today’s Małopolska. The settlement covered an area of nearly three hectares and was enclosed within massive defensive ramparts; today some of the preserved fragments are 10 metres tall – this is why the site is called the “Royal Walls”. The Slavs left behind thousands of artefacts, including a silver treasure that included a sword hilt fitting - a masterpiece of early medieval craftsmanship. According to experts, the end of the settlement came around 1030, when most likely, it was destroyed by fire.

Carpathian Troy is an interesting combination of a traditional outdoor exposition and more innovative museum. The visitors can see here a reconstructed fortified settlement and an archaeological park, with a total area of eight hectares. The recreated structures include nine fragments of ramparts with a total length of 150 m, several huts of the Slavic and Otomani cultures and two gates leading to the hillfort. When you visit the multimedia exhibition you can go back in time at lightning speed - one step takes you to the settlement hundreds of years ago. You can almost hear the sounds of conversations, singing and the noise of everyday activities.

Those reconstructing the huts applied almost exclusively the genuine techniques used by craftsmen centuries ago. For instance, the carpenters were not allowed to use a saw; they had to drive wedges into the log in order to obtain huge planks for the construction of the houses. As a result, the exhibits are genuine replicas made using authentic methods, which invariably makes a great impression on all visitors.

The main building of the complex comprises an exhibition hall, a conference room, a multimedia classroom, and Small Discoverer’s Room for the youngest visitors. The branch of the Podkarpackie Museum in Trzcinica also organises classes for groups of students, as well as pottery workshops and archery courses.

The attractions here include the 44 metre tall scenic tower, with two viewing terraces at the height of 19.8 and 33 metres. This way visitors can get a complete view of Carpathian Troy, see the massive size of the whole fortified settlement and admire the  ingenuity of our ancestors. The view from the platform can also be seen live online.

Carpathian Troy Archaeological Open-Air Museum is located in Trzcinica, in south-eastern Poland, about 10 km north-west of Jasło, over the Ropa river.

The most convenient way to get there is by car to Jasło, then take the 5 km road towards Biecz and Gorlice. In the village of Trzcinica, follow the information boards leading towards the museum. Before coming here it is a good idea to check the opening hours and days, as they vary in different months of the year.

If you want to see that time travel is possible, come to Carpathian Troy.