Maiden Castle, Dorset

Maiden Castle is an Iron Age Hill Fort, built in its last expression between 800-60 BC It is located near Dorchester in the English county of Dorset.

History of Research

Mortimer Wheeler led here in the 30's pioneering excavations.

Neolithic settlement

The hill has been used since 4000 BC ( causewayed camp). This interrupted earthwork dates from the Altneolithikum ( Western carinated goods). It contained in the upper part of the filling of the trenches but also Middle Neolithic Peterborough Ware. On the hill there is also a bank Barrow.

Iron Age attachment

The largest facility of its kind in England consists of one surrounded with ramparts and ditches altitude on a plateau of approximately 18 acres - formerly cultivated with huts. The well-preserved walls reach a height of up to 25 m. The site is accessed by two complex gates. Maiden Castle was at that time the territory of the tribe of Durotriges.

Roman systems

The hill was 43 AD conquered by the Romans and leave from 70 AD in favor of Dorchester. Several burials were assigned by Wheeler the Roman conquest. In the 4th century began again active construction. Thus, a temple was built, among other things, the foundations of which can be seen in the field. A short time later, the plant was but to leave.

Maiden Castle is developed for tourism with a one hour tour and information boards.

There are several other prehistoric sites of the same name.

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