Celtic Fortifications

From northern Scotland south to Iberia the enclosures around promontory and hill-forts are some of the most striking and durable components of the Iron Age archaeological record. Interpreting these monuments is vital to understanding the social dynamics and technological innovations of prehistoric societies in temperate Europe.

Inside this definitive guide to Iron Age hill-forts, Ian Ralston looks at construction and reconstruction methods and at the architecture of banks, walls, ramparts and ditches, gateways and ancillary features. He examines the placement of these fortifications in the landscape and the evidence demonstrating their effectiveness as defences in times of conflict. In addition, the more recent theories which consider the symbolic aspect of these enclosures are discussed. The work is completed with a selective gazetteer providing details on 20 of the most spectacular Iron Age fortified sites that are worth a visit. The combination of an intriguing archaeological narrative with up-to-date academic research makes this book suitable for both enthusiasts and students alike.

IAN RALSTON currently lives in Kinross. He is a Professor of Archaeology at the University of Edinburgh and a leading British authority on Iron Age Europe and the archaeology of eastern Scotland.