Archeologia w badaniach urbanistycznych i architektonicznych

The author discusses attainments, tasks and perspectives of the progress in archaeology examining the history of towns and architectural structures. The basis for the attainments in this field in Poland has been provided by results of the studies of the archaeology of early mediaeval times and in particular those dealing with early days of towns and the development of early urban agglomerations. They have allowed to establish new methods and research techniques as well as to work out standard monographies and comprehensive syntheses. Archaeological activities in towns are carried out in three basic directions: — 1. searches for the beginnings of towns (early mediaeval settling), 2. examination of specific elements of town complexes (town walls, houses, churches et.c.), 3. regular investigations aimed at a gradual rendering of all problems. Apart from those directions there are carried out casual works such as rescue and preservation works on specific objects. According to the author the second direction is most frequently used nowadays, while the third one — on very rare occasions only. The works carried out so far have provided a lot of source materials for studies on the formation of urban spatial structures, town layout and its development. The towns which are best examined in Poland are, i.a., Przemyśl, Radom, Toruń, Warsaw, Sandomierz. Still, the number of towns is very small. The scope of archaeological studies is determined by: 1. a lack of historic and architectural studies, which results in incompleteness of archaeological works, 2. existence of historic and architectural studies which in many instances are a sign of comprehensive revival, and so of a need for haste in investigations, destruction of archaeological structures due to earth and electric works. The author goes on to discuss the optimum mode of procedure from the point of view of complex town investigations which should include a hypothetical research programme with tasks of archaeology on behalf of architecture, demarcation of the zones of archaeological protection et.c. The programme should be flexible and result from a constant confrontation of sources, views and studies. Archaeological activities on structures of architecture comprise such objects in towns as individual architectural buildings (castles, churches, palaces). One can note in this field much more attainments than in towns. An important factor is a research programme and duration of studies. This allowed to undertake monographic studies, e.g. on defence lines in various regions of Poland, and to show a complexity of architecture, its programmes as well as conceptual and artistic links with certain circles in Europe. The author brings attention to the fact that archaeological attainments in those research fields are the result of an interdisciplinary cooperation — without methods and attainments of other sciences such as natural or historic ones, archaeology would not be able to master so well its research workshop. Owing to this a new branch, namely urbium archaeology, has come to life. The next question discussed is the activity of Monuments Conservation Workshops in this field: from 1967 there operate archaeological conservation workshops which specialize in research problems of the late Middle Ages and modern times. Of great importance are also collections of sources for material culture which in the form of complete scientific documentation are transferred to investors.