Swords, skulls and strongholds
A Time Team Special
First screened 19 May 2008
In this section: Swords, skulls and strongholds home | Background | Iron-Age hillforts | Six of the best | Find out more
| Time Trial | Gallery
| More 2008 programmes ››
Swords, skulls and strongholds
They are among the most striking features of the British landscape. Moulded to the contours of some of our highest hills and most dramatic scenery, perched on clifftops and ridges, and dominating the landscape, they can be found throughout the British Isles. More than 2,000 'hillforts' have been identified in Britain, the construction and occupation of which spanned almost a millennium.More about Swords, skulls and strongholds »
Iron-Age hillforts
Towards the end of the Bronze Age, and even more so during the early Iron Age, which began around 700 BC in Britain, a series of striking new structures began to appear in Europe. In a belt stretching from Britain, through Belgium and northern France to southern Germany and Slovakia, large numbers of fortified settlements known as hillforts began to be constructed in upland areas. Altogether, more than 20,000 such sites have been identified across Europe.
Towards the end of the Bronze Age, and even more so during the early Iron Age, which began around 700 BC in Britain, a series of striking new structures began to appear in Europe. In a belt stretching from Britain, through Belgium and northern France to southern Germany and Slovakia, large numbers of fortified settlements known as hillforts began to be constructed in upland areas. Altogether, more than 20,000 such sites have been identified across Europe.
Time Trial
Watched the programme, browsed the web pages? Now try our quick quiz to see how you get on.
Watched the programme, browsed the web pages? Now try our quick quiz to see how you get on.
Go to first section: More about Swords, skulls and strongholds »