Briefing – Design of Galician Hillforts

Design of Galician Hillforts: A Summary

Introduction to Galician Hillforts:

Hillforts, or castros, are some of the most iconic archaeological features of Galicia and provide valuable insights into the region’s Celtic past. These ancient settlements, typically constructed on hilltops or elevated locations, were used for defensive and residential purposes by the Gallaeci and other Celtic groups in northwest Spain. The design of these hillforts reflects a blend of practical military strategy, social organization, and cultural identity.

Period of Construction:

The majority of Galician hillforts are believed to have been built during the Iron Age, around 800 BCE to 100 BCE. Some sites may have been occupied and developed earlier during the Bronze Age, but the most distinct fortifications and settlements arose during the Late Bronze Age and Early Iron Age.

These hillforts continued to be occupied during the Roman period (after the 1st century BCE) but gradually became less prominent as the Romans introduced more urbanized forms of settlement.

Design and Features of Hillforts:

Galician hillforts typically exhibit the following key features:

• Location: They were strategically placed on hilltops or high ground, often overlooking the surrounding landscape for defence and observation. This made them difficult to access and offered a natural advantage against invaders.
• Defensive Walls and Entrances: The most notable aspect of a Galician hillfort is its defensive walls. The walls were often made from stone or earth, and many hillforts had multiple layers of defence, including ditch systems and ramparts. The entrances were often narrow, further enhancing security and control over access.
• Inner Structures: Inside the fortifications, there were typically circular dwellings made from wooden frames and stone foundations. The settlements included storage pits, workshops, and central spaces that may have served communal functions.
• Walls and Towers: In addition to the main defensive walls, some hillforts had towers or high vantage points, allowing for watching and defending against potential threats. These areas also likely had religious or ceremonial significance.
• Ritual and Religious Spaces: Many Galician hillforts had ritual spaces or altars, where local deities were worshipped. These sites are important for understanding the spiritual beliefs of the people and their connection to the land.
• Size and Complexity: The size of hillforts varied greatly, from small family-oriented settlements to much larger fortified centres that could house hundreds or even thousands of people. Some hillforts were surrounded by large, continuous defensive walls, while others had more modest fortifications but were still strategically positioned.

Famous Galician Hillforts:

Several Galician hillforts are famous for their size, historical importance, and unique architectural features:

1. Castro de Baroña (A Coruña):
   • Location: Situated on a peninsula near the town of Porto do Son, this is one of the most famous hillforts in Galicia. It is remarkable for its well-preserved remains and stunning coastal setting.
   • Notable Features: It has a series of defensive walls and circular stone dwellings. The site is particularly famous for its location and the views it offers of the surrounding landscape.
   • Why It’s Famous: The site’s accessibility, size, and strategic location make it a key example of Galician hillforts. The preservation of its structures offers deep insight into the architecture and lifestyle of the ancient Gallaeci.
2. Castro de Viladonga (Lugo):
   • Location: Located in Lugo, Castro de Viladonga is one of the most important hillforts in Galicia, known for its archaeological significance.
   • Notable Features: It has stone fortifications, round houses, and a large interior space. The site also includes a museum that displays artefacts uncovered from the area, including pottery, tools, and weapons.
   • Why It’s Famous: Castro de Viladonga is a major archaeological site in Galicia and offers one of the most comprehensive views into the domestic and ritual life of the Gallaeci.
3. Castro de San Cibrao de Las (Lugo):
   • Location: Situated in Lugo, this site is a large and well-documented example of a Galician hillfort. It was a major settlement during the Late Iron Age.
   • Notable Features: The site includes well-preserved walls, houses, and storage pits. It is also known for its circular dwellings and open spaces for communal activities.
   • Why It’s Famous: Its size, complexity, and artifacts make it one of the most significant sites for understanding Gallaeci culture and their relationships with Roman influences.
4. Castro de Traba (A Coruña):
   • Location: Situated near Mazaricos, this hillfort is notable for its large defensive structure.
   • Notable Features: The site features a large fortified wall with entrances, dwellings, and evidence of metalworking.
   • Why It’s Famous: The site offers insight into Gallaeci defence strategies, as well as their interaction with Roman culture as the region was Romanized.

Why Hillforts Were Built:

It is thought Galician hillforts were constructed primarily for defence, offering protection against neighbouring tribes and external invaders. They also also appear to have served as symbolic centres for tribal identity, where the people of a community could gather, share resources, and perform rituals. The strategic placement of these hillforts allowed the inhabitants to control trade routes, observe the surrounding landscape for potential threats, and defend themselves from hostile forces.

Concluding Thoughts:

The Galician hillforts are an essential part of the cultural and historical landscape of the region. These fortified settlements not only reflect the military and social organization of the ancient Celtic tribes but also offer a window into the ritualistic and spiritual beliefs of the Gallaeci. Famous sites like Castro de Baroña, Viladonga, and San Cibrao de Las are pivotal in understanding the complex relationships between the Celtic tribes, their landscape, and the broader influence of the Romans during the later stages of their occupation.

By exploring these remarkable structures, we can better understand the ways in which the Galicians and their Celtic ancestors shaped their society and how their cultural influence continues to resonate today.