Wyniki badań sondażowych na grodzisku w Perłach, gm. Węgorzewo, stan. 1 (AZP 13-72)

The stronghold in Perły (Perlswalde) has not been excavated yet. In the scientific literature its chronology was defined as early medieval, however there was hypothesis that the site should be dated to the early iron age. Due to the fact that neither chronology nor the cultural affiliation of the site was not confirmed, the main objective of the excavation was to verify that aspects. During the research one test trench was excavated (5 x 2 m). It was located in the north-western part of the stronghold, on the edge of the hill. Uncovered remains of the dwelling feature should be dated back to the late Bronze Age and the Early Iron Age, and probably associated with the beginnings of the West Balt Barrows culture. The discovered structures together with found artefacts represent the first horizon of the habitation of the site. Presumably the hill has not beet fortified, however it cannot be excluded that there were a fence or palisade at the edge. The lack of any traces of defence structures may also result of an agricultural activities in the modern era. The second, and last horizon of the habitation/use of the hill belong to 18–19th c. One pit dated to that period was discovered. Unfortunately at the current state of research it is not possible to determine the character of habitation in that time.