The Mikulčice site is an archaeological legend. The excavations, which began in 1954, led to groundbreaking discoveries that are considered some of the most significant in Czechoslovak, Czech, and Moravian archaeology.
The site represents a major power and ecclesiastical centre of the 9th century, preserved in its original form, undisturbed by later settlement development. The stronghold is situated in the picturesque floodplain forest along the River Morava and stands out for the concentration of archaeological evidence of power, wealth, and Christian faith. Among the most significant discoveries are the remains of masonry architecture, including churches and a hall building, extensive cemeteries with rich grave goods and many burials of members of the highest Great Moravian elites, and a massive fortification surrounding both parts of the fortified core of the agglomeration – the acropolis and outer bailey. Its defensive function was further strengthened by now-silted-up river branches. In the 9th century, the stronghold formed part of an extensive and multipart settlement complex that extended to the present-day Slovak side of the River Morava and is referred to as the Mikulčice-Kopčany Great Moravian agglomeration. Although no written records directly referring to the site have survived, it can be seen as a main seat of the Mojmírid dynasty and a central base of their power.
Staré Město and Uherské Hradiště – the Great Moravian Velehrad, as indicated by written sources – represent one of the most important centres of power and production in 9th-century Moravia under the Mojmírid dynasty.
The Staré Město – Uherské Hradiště settlement agglomeration is a cluster of several important sites, many of which have been significantly affected by modern town development. Nevertheless, they continue to yield rich evidence about the lives and deaths of 9th-century Moravians. In the late 1940s and early 1950s, the first remains of 9th-century churches built of mortar and stone were uncovered in Staré Město, the first such discoveries in Moravia. These churches were accompanied by graves of individuals from all social classes, including the most powerful and wealthy. The discovery of large craft-production areas followed, with evidence of gold and silver jewellery-making, luxurious weapons and unique yellow pottery production, as well as iron smelting and bronze casting, all on a scale unparalleled at any other contemporary site in the region. The archaeologists also uncovered a large stone building (a ‘palace’) and the nearby Rotunda of St Michael. All of these structures were protected by fortifications nearly 2.5 kilometres long, consisting of five different construction types. The Staré Město area on the right bank of the River Morava also includes the left-bank settlement on the St George’s Island, now within the historical core of Uherské Hradiště, where traces of building activity and craft production have been identified, including masonry structures. Further important discoveries were made on the St Methodius Height in Uherské Hradiště – Sady, confirming evidence of a major 9th-century Christian centre.
