Possibilities of reconstruction and documentation of the relict border: the example of the Bohemian-Moravian land boundary

Abstract

The article opens a discussion on the possibilities of reconstructing, documenting, and protecting relict peaceful borders, i.e., former administrative boundaries without defensive function in the past. Using the example of the Bohemian-Moravian historical land boundary (which, itself or in the form of its tangible relicts, can be seen as a heritage or monument with potential positive cultural, social, and economic benefits) the paper presents the advantages and disadvantages of the sources and methods of boundary reconstruction and boundary marks documentation. If field mapping is to reveal a maximum of preserved boundary marks (boundary stones, especially), the key is to use the most precise available surveying instruments with a thoroughly reconstructed relict boundary to the date of its last legal existence; otherwise, many boundary marks/stones may remain undiscovered, as shown by previous researchers’ documentations. However, the entire boundary reconstruction and mapping processes are very time-consuming, being the main disadvantage.