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MfD: Experts uncover Prague's oldest ramparts

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« on: December 19, 2007, 01:31:58 am »

MfD: Experts uncover Prague's oldest ramparts
By ČTK / Published 11 December 2007

Prague, Dec 10 (CTK) - Archaeologists have uncovered parts of Prague's oldest ramparts, dating back to the turn of the 9th and 10th centuries, thus verifying the then Jewish globetrotter Ibrahim ibn Jaqub's description of Prague as "a town made of stone and lime," the daily Mlada fronta Dnes (MfD) wrote Monday.

The fortification, the remnants of which have been uncovered at Malostranske namesti square in what is now the historical centre of Prague, were made of wood and clay and might have been up to 6 metres high.

The archaeologists uncovered the remnants of wall in the cellar of the Academy of Performing Arts building, 5 metres underground. A thousand years ago the walls were part of one of Prague's main entrance gates, though which the town was entered from the western and souther directions.

Although remnants of such old ramparts were uncovered elsewhere in Prague already before, the latest find has significantly upgraded the knowledge of the then Prague fortification, and it is undoubtedly one of the most important findings of recent years, archaeologist Jarmila Cihakova is quoted as saying.

Prague, including its ramparts, attracted Ibrahim ibn Jaqub, a trader and diplomat, envoy of the Cordoba khalif. In his report, ibn Jaqub depicts Prague with admiration as a beautiful and bustling "town of stone and lime."

In the early Middle Age, Prague had several thousands of inhabitants who mainly earned their living as producers of saddles, bridles, shields, ceramics and clothes.

"Prague was a bustling trade center at the time. Strong fortification was important for the development and safety of trade," says Cihakova.

She says that trade centres usually had mints of their own. Uncovering of an early medieval mint in Prague is something she dreams of as an archaeologist, she says.

The most unique discovery would be that of a goldsmith's workshop. She is convinced such workshop existed in Prague at the time, MfD writes.

It writes that the archeologists have thoroughly documented the unique fortification but covered it with sand again to secure its preservation.

http://www.praguemonitor.com/en/231/prague_news/15834/
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