The name derives from northern Lechitic (Proto-Polish) dialects (namely from West Pomeranian) from the word "gard" < *gord, meaning "fortified settlement".
Originally named simply the Southern Gate, it was one of the three main entrances to the walled city, along with the Lyadski and Zhydivski (Polish and Jewish) Gates.
In the 9th and 10th centuries, the area was likely inhabited by Lechitic tribes in the south, Baltic (Yotvingian) tribes in the north, and Ruthenian tribes in the east.
Lechitic |