Morphology of medieval field boundary strips : a comparative analysis

Studium morfologie mezních pásů středověkých polí poskytuje klíčový vhled do historického využití krajiny a prostorové organizace zemědělských praktik minulosti. Tento článek analyzuje a systematicky klasifikuje mezní pásy spojené se zaniklými středověkými vesnicemi dochovanými v současných lesích České republiky, přičemž využívá komparativní přístup k dokumentaci a hodnocení jejich variability. Revize původní typologie Ervína Černého, založená na podrobné analýze lidarových dat a jejich důsledném terénním ověření, odhalila dosud nepopsané formy – topograficky adaptivní struktury a morfologicky mimořádně variabilní útvary. Tyto poznatky vedly k vyčlenění 16 typů mezních pásů, které reflektují jemné nuance jejich profilace. Článek zdůrazňuje širší historicko-kulturní a environmentální význam těchto reliktů, které doposud zůstávaly na okraji badatelského zájmu. Studie přispívá k lepšímu pochopení středověkého zemědělského využívání krajiny a zároveň rozšiřuje celoevropský výzkum historických polních systémů o cennou českou evidenci.This study of the morphology of medieval field boundaries provides key insights into the historical use of landscapes and the spatial organisation of past agricultural practices. This paper analyses and systematically classifies boundary strips associated with deserted medieval villages preserved in the contemporary forests of the Czech Republic, employing a comparative approach to examine their variability. A revision of Ervín Černý's original typology, based on detailed analysis of lidar data and rigorous field validation, revealed previously undocumented forms – topographically adaptive structures and morphologically highly variable earthworks. These findings led to the identification of 16 types of boundary features, reflecting subtle nuances in their profiles. The paper highlights the broader historical, cultural, and environmental significance of these often-overlooked relics. The study contributes to a better understanding of medieval agricultural land use and enriches the comprehensive European research into historical field systems with valuable Czech evidence

The construction of the south-western section of the fortifications of the Pohansko centre near Břeclav and its current state

Jihozápadní úsek opevnění centra velkomoravského Pohanska patří mezi nejvíc poškozené úseky linie opevnění. Úsek na přelomu 18. a 19. století Lichtenštejnové výrazně pozměnili stavbou loveckého zámečku. Destrukce hradby byla snížena a zplanýrována, přičemž v místech základu a sklepa došlo k jejímu úplnému odstranění. Průběh destrukce byl vždy odhadován na základě spíše intuice než archeologického výzkumu. Pro identifikaci jsme se rozhodli využít kombinaci nedestruktivních geofyzikálních metod, sondážních vrtů a terénního výzkumu. Výzkumem byly zjištěny rabováním narušené destrukční vrstvy i konstrukce hradby. Doplněním o informace z dříve realizovaných záchranných a předstihových výzkumů se podařilo jistě identifikovat průběh linie opevnění sledovaného úseku. Podařilo se také určit místo, kde se s vysokou pravděpodobností nachází jižní brána do centrálního areálu.The south-western section of the fortifications of the Great Moravian Pohansko centre is among the most damaged sections of the fortification line. At the turn of the 18th and 19th centuries, the Lichtensteins significantly changed the section by building a hunting lodge. The destruction of the wall was reduced and levelled, while it was completely removed in the places of the foundations and the basement. The course of destruction has always been estimated based on intuition rather than archaeological research. For identification, we decided to use a combination of non-destructive geophysical methods, sounding boreholes and field research. The research revealed the destruction layers and the structure of the rampart, which had been disturbed by looting. By supplementing this with information from previously carried out rescue and advance research, it was possible to identify with certainty the course of the fortification line of the monitored section. It was also possible to identify the place where the south gate to the central area is most probably located

Evidence of the existence of a fortified noble seat in the second half of the 13th century in Drahoraz, near Kopidlno (Bohemia) : results of archaeological research

Studie se věnuje vyhodnocení nálezové situace archeologického výzkumu v Drahorazi u Kopidlna (okr. Jičín). Výzkum zde potvrdil existenci příkopu, který obkružoval lichoběžníkové jádro tvrze, nově byl zjištěn druhý centricky umístěný příkop v odstupu 20 metrů od vnitřního příkopu. Součástí opevnění byla palisáda při vnější hraně vnitřního příkopu. Dle analýzy výplně obou příkopů lze dobu provozu sídla určit do druhé poloviny 13. století až počátku 14. století. Příkopy byly intencionálně zavezeny během první poloviny 14. století. Zánik sídla a většiny fortifikačního systému souvisí s transformací prostoru na čistě sakrální okrsek zbudováním kostela sv. Petra a Pavla, ten byl vystavěn ve středu (již bývalého) jádra tvrze v době po roce 1350.This study is devoted to the evaluation of archaeological research in Drahoraz, near Kopidlno (Jičín district). The research confirmed the existence of a moat that encircled the trapezoidal core of a manor; a second, centrally located moat was newly discovered at the distance of 20 metres from the inner moat. The fortification included a palisade at the outer edge of the inner moat. According to the analysis of the fill of both moats, the period of the settlement's operation can be placed between the second half of the 13th century and the beginning of the 14th century. The moats were filled in during the first half of the 14th century. The decline of the manor and most of the fortification system was related to the transformation of the area into a purely religious site with the construction of the Church of Sts. Peter and Paul, built in the centre of the (former) core of the manor after 1350

Jan Rokyta (1938-2012) - life and career

This study examines the life, folklore activities and instrumental work of Jan Rokyta (1938–2012). It highlights the life of a native of Wallachian town of Jasenná who, through daily contact with folklore music, managed to navigate the challenging life in the countryside. His connection to folklore art deepened during his time studying and working in Ostrava (post-1953), where he quickly rose to prominence – thanks to his radio experience – as an excellent cimbalom player and an expert on East Moravian folklore music. Technik Cimbalom Music Band, in which he served as a cimbalom player, arranger and artistic leader, achieved international success. From 1970–1979, he was an instrumentalist with Prague Madrigalists, a renowned ensemble focused on the interpretation of Renaissance, Baroque and contemporary art music under the direction of Miroslav Venhoda. After this period, he became a music editor at the Ostrava radio studio, where he created a highly valued archive of folklore music. Jan Rokyta was a distinguished figure not only in the regional music culture of Ostrava in the second half of the 20th century

How to approprietly define a musical score? : an outline of the actual taxonomy of musical scores with regard to the development of unconventional notation

Graphic scores abandon traditional musical notation for visual symbols, inviting open-ended interpretation and improvisation. This article explores the limitations of existing taxonomies of graphic scores, which often neglect the interpretative process and the roles of the composer, performer, and audience. It proposes a different taxonomy considering the score's function, authorial intent, and the type of symbols used, offering a more holistic approach. Through case studies of performances, the article highlights how graphic scores bridge music and visual art, fostering creativity and collaboration between composers, interpreters, and audiences in some cases, with an emphasis on the role of free improvisation as a crucial element in interpreting these open works. Free improvisation allows performers to fully engage with the graphic score, transforming interpretation into a collaborative and spontaneous act of creation

Students and Graduates of Gdynia Primary Schools in the first Post-war Decade (1945–1956)

The aim of this article is to answer the following research question: what did the process of education of school youth look like in the fi rst post-war decade, and what was the infl uence of wartime experiences on school youth? The text presents a group of pupils from Gdynia primary schools in the years 1945-1956, which is a representative group for the research on the process of education of schoolchildren in urban schools in the period of the People’s Republic of Poland. However, the article also emphasizes the infl uence of the region on the formation of the group of children from Gdynia’s schools. Moreover, the article presented problems and challenges related to the reconstruction of education in the post-war period, which both students and teachers had to face

Pípalová, R. (2024) Investigating Aspects of Academic Discourse. Prague: Charles University, Karolinum Press. 174 pp.

A review of the monograph Investigating Aspects of Academic Discourse (2024) by Renata Pípalová

The ideological dilemmas of Russian chroniclers

This article examines the medieval ideology of Rus', which began to take shape in the late 10th century during the reign of Vladimir Svyatoslavich. Its origins are closely tied to the process of Christianization. Ideological themes were disseminated through multiple channels to reach the widest possible audience. For the literate, ideas were conveyed through texts, while visual media – such as icons, coins, seals, paintings, and monumental architecture – served to communicate with the largely illiterate population. The authors challenge the commonly held view that ideology in medieval Rus' was merely a tool for political manipulation. They argue that the letopisi were not always commissioned by ruling princes, suggesting a more complex and nuanced relationship between ideology and political power. Given that chroniclers were primarily members of the clergy, they possessed a deep understanding of the importance of accuracy and truthfulness in their records. The study of ideology in the Middle Ages presents challenges due to the varying interpretations of the term ideology. The authors propose that in this historical context, ideology functioned as a moral guidebook, shaping values, uniting society, and providing behavioural models for specific circumstances. This contrasts with the modern perception of ideology as primarily a means of propaganda or manipulation