History
Sharp Rock was an important Celtic hillfort, more specifically, the population from the Púchov culture. A settlement near the Sharp Rock gave the hillfort water, food and work, and on the other hand, the population could get into the fortifications in time of danger and find shelter from enemies. Its favorable location was rediscovered in the 9th century by the Slavs, who renovated part of the fortifications and built new dwellings. The hillfort survived the Hungarian invasion and was settled until the 12th/13th century.
Architecture
The hillfort was erected on a high rocky massif, on the south side, as well as on the eastern and western sides, protected by 50 to 70 meters high rock walls. In the La Tene period, access to Sharp Rock led from the west, then along the northern slope of the hill, and further through a gate protected by stone and wooden fortifications. Behind the gate there was a lower courtyard with a horseshoe-shaped plan and a relatively sloping area to the north. The entrance to the central courtyard was possible thanks to the second gate on the eastern side, located near the corner of the first, horseshoe-shaped courtyard. In its vicinity, a stone defensive wall crowned with some form of a wooden superstructure reaching a height of about 3.5 meters. Due to the slope of the hill, the central courtyard was probably not permanently inhabited, but rather played a defensive and refuge role in case of an danger. The main residential buildings of the stronghold were located in the third, highest part at the top of the hill and were protected by separate fortifications. This part was the only one used in the later Slavic period of the hillfort’s existence. The technique of making fortifications, which were only made of wood, also changed than.
bibliography:
Website hradiska.sk, Vyšný Kubín – Ostra Skala.