Slavic society
How was the Slavic society divided?
The bearded axe
The Cavalrymen
Did you know that:
Sword was a symbol of power as well as a true weapon, but swords were far more valuable. The ownership of a sword represented a considerable wealth and therefore it was destined for the richest people only.
The highest position was occupied by the ruler, duke, who was the supreme military leader of all warriors. Lower-ranked were the magnates, from whom the elite warrior class was recruited. They owned not only high-quality weapons and armour (swords, helmets and chain mails), but frequently also horses and equestrian equipment. The other warriors only had a shield and the main weapon – a bearded axe (in our hillfort three axes of this type were found).
A metal production
Contacts to distant countries were maintained through the medium of trade, which was organised by merchants. An exceptional position was occupied by specialised craftsmen (mainly blacksmiths and jewellery makers). The largest social group consisted of free agrarian people, who gradually fell into serfdom and became dependent on the magnates.
The iron handcuff
Did you know that:
Slaves became property of warriors who usually captured them as spoils of war during incursions. In the early medieval society, slave trade has played an important economic role.
The worst position in the society was occupied by slaves, whose presence may also be proved by an iron shackle found in our hillfort.