Rodhuish Common facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Rodhuish Common |
|
|---|---|
Tracks on Rodhuish Common
|
|
| Location | Withycombe, Somerset, England |
| Built | Iron Age |
| Reference no. | 1021122 |
| Lua error in Module:Location_map at line 420: attempt to index field 'wikibase' (a nil value). | |
Rodhuish Common is an ancient hill fort located in Somerset, England. It was built during the Iron Age, a time when people started using iron tools. This site features a small, oval-shaped area that was likely used as a fort. It is known as a "univallate" hill fort, meaning it had one main wall or rampart for defense.
What is a Hill Fort?
A hill fort is a type of ancient settlement or refuge. It was built on top of a hill, using the natural height for protection. People in the past would dig ditches and build strong walls or banks around the area. These walls were often made of earth, wood, and sometimes stone.
When Were Hill Forts Built?
Hill forts became common during the Late Bronze Age and Early Iron Age. This was around 1000 BC (Before Christ). They were an important part of life in Britain for many hundreds of years.
Why Did People Build Hill Forts?
Historians and archaeologists have different ideas about why hill forts were built. Some think they were military bases, used to defend against attacks from other groups or invaders. Others believe they were safe places for communities to gather during times of trouble.
Many experts agree that hill forts were also important centers for communities. They might have been places where people traded goods or held special events. As more people lived in Britain, there was more pressure on land and resources. Hill forts could have offered a safe spot when arguments turned into fights.
A famous archaeologist named Barry Cunliffe suggests that hill forts offered a safe place for people. He believes they were not always built because of war. Instead, they were ready to be used for defense if tensions grew. Some forts were indeed attacked, but this was just one reason for their construction.
