Early Iron Age Fortifications North of the Alps. New research trends and results

Between the late 7th and the 5th centuries BC, large fortified settlements, featuring imported goods and often outstand- ingly rich burials, and therefore traditionally called ‘princely seats’ (Fürstensitze) by scholars, emerge in the north Alpine area. In some cases these centres of power could cover an area of several dozen or even more than 100 ha and show an in- ternal structuration. In any case they are evidence of a centralization process leading to the establishment of the first urban and protourban settlements in the history of Central Europe. The monumental fortification works, characterized by ditches, banks and gates are particularly striking. Apart from their very real defensive function, increasing attention has been drawn to their symbolic role during the last few years. The present paper aims to pursue the social role of these Early Iron Age for- tifications by under-standing them as a conscious orchestration of the elites and hence as identity-creating characteristics of the communities. Amongst other sites, the Heuneburg (Baden-Württemberg), with its mudbrick wall inspired by Medi- terranean prototypes and the newly discovered stone gate, as well as the Glauberg (Hesse), where the bank-ditch-system is to be understood above all as a symbolic demarcation of a supra-regional sanctuary, will be consulted exemplarily.