On the Castle Hill at Szurpiły, by the lake of the same name north of Suwałki, stands one of the largest Yotvingian hillforts, part of a cluster of ramparts and settlements in the heart of Sudovia.
It is known from archaeology only; its name in 1200 is not recorded.
Who holds it
- Name
- not named
- Title
- the Sudovian nobles
- Since
- not pinned
- Born
- not applicable
- Confidence
- low
Lord in 1200
The Sudovian nobles (no lord named)
How things stand that morning
A Sudovian hillfort.
Charter
None: no town law. In 1200 no place in Pomerelia has German or any other town law.
Communities
Sudovians (Yotvingians).
Militia
The lord's men and the district levy.
Walls and castle
Earth ramparts on a steep hill by the lake.
Trade and crafts
Farming, cattle, hunting and furs.
Where the sources disagree
Evidence: Archaeology; no written source names it.
Primary sources for The Prussians
Chronicles, registers, sagas and inscriptions written in or near 1200 that cover this entry. Each has its own page with editions, translations and where to read it.
- Chronicle of the Poles, by Master Vincent (Wincenty Kadłubek), Wincenty Kadłubek (about 1190 to 1208). Book 4 is a contemporary's account of the fight for the senior throne of Kraków. Read online
- The annals of the Kraków chapter and the other Polish annals (kept from the 11th century; the Kraków chapter annals continued to 1266). Short dated entries that fix the chronology Kadłubek blurs: the deaths of dukes and bishops, Mieszko the Old's captures of Kraków, Prussian raids on Masovia, church consecrations. Read online
Sources and studies
Last revised 4 November 2026. Published 4 November 2026. Suggest a correction on the OMNIA Discord.