History and significance
The České Lhotice Oppidum is ranked among the elder localities of this kind in Bohemia and Moravia. In the second half of the first century BC began the construction of the first fortification phase.
The Celtic oppidum of Lhotice is known to have a multitude of functions. The presence of massive mounds confirms a military and defensive use of the oppidum . The commercial significance is documented by the finding of imports from variable distances. The oppidum also holds evidence of specialized manufacture and even of its own coin production. The religious purpose of the oppidum remains currently unjustified.
The decision where to establish the oppidum was in large part based on the presence of mineral resources in its surroundings. Iron-stone and non-ferrous metal necessary for the production of bronze were primarily concerned. The use of these materials while the oppidum existed hasn´t been proven yet, but can be anticipated. So is the possibility of gold-washing in the Okrouhlík pond at 4 km from the oppidum. Examination of painted-ware indicate that the graphite the Celts used came from Holetín, about 11km from the oppidum.
Last documented activity comes from the first half of the first century BC. Like the majority of central european oppida, the extinction of České Lhotice wasn´t forced. It was abandoned quietly. It was mot likely a question of power and political changes.
Celtic tribes in Gaul were subjected to the Roman legions, the pressure from the Germanic peoples from the north gained in intensity and the Carpathian Hollow was controlled by Dacians. The conflicts led to the dismantlement of mutual relations necessary for the long-distance trade but relations inside the region itself were also affected. The oppida lost their main purpose of existence which led to their abandon and finaly to their extinguishment.
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