The topography of high medieval Nitra. New data concerning the topography of medieval towns in Slovakia

Abstract

Nitra was one of the most important castle towns in the Kingdom of Hungary during the High Middle Ages between the 11th and 13th centuries. The results of existing research have not produced a uniform image of the town’s topography. Opinions among scholars differ especially concerning the location and extension of the extramural settlement. Archaeological excavations at the Tržnica and Mlyny locations raise the possibility that the extension of the extramural settlement was larger than the area later enclosed by the town walls. The reason behind such reduction could have been the decline of the town as a result of the devastating consequences of the Tatar invasion of Hungary in 1241.