7. 8. 2002 Slovak "Troja" near Zvolen
Categories: Finds and rescue research in the Czech Republic , Calendar
Archaeologists refer to the ruins of the Deserted Castle near Zvolen as the Slovak Troja. They gradually uncovered a number of buildings here. A large amount of pure gold from the prehistoric period has even been found on the nearby Borová hora.
The Golden Troy was not only owned by the Greeks, it was also located in Slovakia. Borová hora is at first glance an inconspicuous peak, which has a small lake at the top. People used to throw sacrificial offerings into it. When the pond was cleaned in the nineteenth century, a large number of art objects were found there, which can now be found in museum collections all over Europe.
However, few people pay much attention to this hill when they come from Banská Bystrica to Zvolen. Only a few written records mention the discovery of gold on Borová hora. In the seventeenth century a gold wire was discovered there, in 1723 two gold rings, another gold object in 1737 and in 1836 another gold wire. That is why archaeologists call the Slovak gold "Troy".
Also interesting is the already mentioned ruins of the Deserted Castle. Archaeologists have uncovered the remains of several buildings there. For example, there was a unique drainage system of the castle.
"The system of drainage canals dates back to the thirteenth century and medieval builders created it so that rainwater would not disturb the walls," said Václav Hanuliak, the head of the archaeological research.
Among the interesting features is a reservoir dug into the local rock, which served as a water reservoir for the castle. The 7.6 hectares of the castle are among the largest in Europe. It was built during the twelfth to fourteenth century in four stages. According to some historians, Zvolen Castle was built around 750.
The castle has been inhabited since the late Stone Age. Archaeologists have also found Celtic, Roman, Germanic and Slavic remains here. Among the attractive discoveries are a thirteenth-century coin forgery workshop and a unique prehistoric Bronze Age treasure trove of about 150 objects, including jewellery and weapons.
In addition, archaeologists have also found medieval scales and original pottery in the former castle. Research at the site has been carried out by the Institute of Archaeology of the Slovak Academy of Sciences in Nitra since 2009.
Sources: www.pravda.sk, www.bystricoviny.cz, www.travelguide.sk
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