Dziedzice, Krapkowice County

Dziedzice, a village in southern Poland, is an important archaeological site with its roots tracing back to the Early Middle Ages, specifically the 5th to 8th centuries CE. It became part of the Polish state in the 10th century and hosted a motte-and-bailey castle, a classic defensive structure of the era, until the 15th century. The village was first recorded in 1531 and has a rich history of changing sovereignties, having been under Polish, Prussian, and German control at various times. The site is notable for its historical layers, reflecting significant political shifts, including the Upper Silesia plebiscite in 1921, and its eventual reintegration into Poland after World War II in 1945. Today, the remains of the castle serve as a testament to its medieval past and offer insights into the region's historical landscape.