Salt production comprised one of the major economic foundations of the early Medieval Kolobrzeg. Archaeological studies reveal that its beginnings are to be dated back to the 6th and 7th centuries AD. However, it was only at the end of the 9th century that the stronghold was built that initiated the emergence of the early town. Palaeoichtiological analyses imply a rapid increase of herring remains in faunal assemblages of that time indicating a significant contribution of fishing and export of herrings in the local economy that proved possible thanks to salt conservation technique. Additionally, Kolobrzeg was a typical maritime trade and craft centre. Emergence of the early town was an outcome of the move of the tribe stronghold into the Parseta valley mouth. Kolobrzeg retained its political significance also under the Piast rule as a seat of the bishop Reinbern in 1000 AD, and possibly also in the 11th century, as a cradle of the Western Pomeranian Duchy.