Myadel. The settlement of the X-XIII centuries.

This unique archaeological site contains stories of past battles and the daily lives of our ancestors. The Myadel settlement is included in the tourist routes. The picturesque scenery of the lake gives the tour a special charm.

It is known that the choice of a settlement site was not accidental. In the X-XIII centuries, the people who inhabited these lands skillfully used the natural advantages of the area. Lake Myadel, rich in fish and game, served not only as a source of food, but also as a reliable protection. The main stronghold was the Hillfort located on Zamok (Castle) Island, the largest of the three islands on the lake.

The settlement is an oval area measuring 52 by 70 meters, surrounded by an impressive moat, the depth of which reached 5 meters, and the height – 20. Additional protection was provided by an earthen rampart erected on the most vulnerable side of the island, facing the shore. It was lined with large stones, reaching a height of 5 meters. On the side of the lake, where the water expanses served as a natural barrier, the rampart was not built.

Wooden walls stood on top of the rampart, reliably protecting the settlement from enemy arrows and invasions. Behind these walls were residential buildings and outbuildings made of wood. At the foot of the hillfort there was an undefended settlement, which occupied an area of about 1.5 hectares. There were also wooden houses and outbuildings, but without defensive structures.

Despite its importance, the site of Myadel has only been partially explored. The archaeological excavations carried out in 1981 covered only small areas of the settlement and settlement. Nevertheless, these modest studies have revealed valuable artifacts attesting to the life of the medieval settlement.

The cultural layer, which reaches a depth of 2.43 meters, consists of three horizons. The top layer, gray in color, contains small stones, daub, charcoal, bones of birds, fish and animals. The middle layer is represented by whitish and red clay, below which lies gray clay. The lowest layer of black color contains artifacts dating back to the 10th-13th centuries. Excavations have revealed traces of three large fires of the XII-XV centuries, which destroyed the wooden fortifications of the settlement. The charred remains of structures indicate repeated enemy attacks on the settlement.

Today, an excursion to the Myadel Hillfort is a unique opportunity to plunge into history and learn more about medieval life in Belarus.