Arrowheads, Palisades and an Attack Scenario. Ridala Bronze Age Hill-Fort Revisited
Volume 13 (2010): At the Origins of the Culture of the Balts, pp. 140–152
Pub. online: 20 June 2010
Type: Article
Open Access
Open Access
Received
8 April 2010
8 April 2010
Revised
5 May 2010
5 May 2010
Accepted
20 June 2010
20 June 2010
Published
20 June 2010
20 June 2010
Abstract
The fortification character of the double-ring palisade-structure of Ridala is discussed here. A crucial factor is the legend of the decline and desertion of the site, due to an outside attack. Bone arrowheads as possible explanations for this attack theory are examined, and the events behind the palisade-structure and inhabitation (formation, duration and break-up) are reconsidered. In the end, the function and purpose of the palisades are regarded as being of a symbolic character (religious and political) rather than sanctioned by military threats.