in size and furnishings. The largest dwellings contained the greatest quantities of daily utensils, imported goods and weapons, although the latter were usually discovered in tombs. These observations regarding differences in wealth of the ancient inhabitants of the Kalisz region seems to demonstrate an interesting fact: it was probably the Roman period that initiated those economic and social processes, which several centuries later led to the formation of state organizations among the Slavs. This evolution was probably preceded by development of tribal territorial units which superseded the previous forms of social life, represented by communities based on family ties. These phenomena were contemporaneous with the boom and the decline of slavery in the Roman Empire. Archaeological research has revealed, that the type of humans that lived at Roman times in the region of Kalisz was the same as today. This by no means precludes the possibility that other groups of people have passed through these regions; however, in the cultural remains, these later arrivals have left no lasting traces. The Baking oven (no. 4/66) at Piwonice. Photograph by the author. Wesolki: inscription (13 x 3 mm.) on the sword from the warrior's grave (no. 20). Wesolki: warrior's grave (no. 20). An iron sword lies under the pottery fragments. Photograph by the author. 163