Enclosed oppidum
Encyclopedia
An enclosed oppidum was a type of large, late Iron Age
settlement, or oppidum
surrounded by an encircling bank and ditch.
They differ from hillforts through being not necessarily sited on high ground and through being permanent settlements with a strong economic function.
As well as re-occupying older hillfort sites they can also be found on valley sides and next to rivers. Evidence from archaeological excavation suggests they were centres for trade, politics and religion with certain areas within the enclosure being dedicated to each function.
They are found in northern France
, Belgium
and southern Britain
and cover areas in excess of 100,000 m².
Iron Age
The Iron Age is the archaeological period generally occurring after the Bronze Age, marked by the prevalent use of iron. The early period of the age is characterized by the widespread use of iron or steel. The adoption of such material coincided with other changes in society, including differing...
settlement, or oppidum
Oppidum
Oppidum is a Latin word meaning the main settlement in any administrative area of ancient Rome. The word is derived from the earlier Latin ob-pedum, "enclosed space," possibly from the Proto-Indo-European *pedóm-, "occupied space" or "footprint."Julius Caesar described the larger Celtic Iron Age...
surrounded by an encircling bank and ditch.
They differ from hillforts through being not necessarily sited on high ground and through being permanent settlements with a strong economic function.
As well as re-occupying older hillfort sites they can also be found on valley sides and next to rivers. Evidence from archaeological excavation suggests they were centres for trade, politics and religion with certain areas within the enclosure being dedicated to each function.
They are found in northern France
France
The French Republic , The French Republic , The French Republic , (commonly known as France , is a unitary semi-presidential republic in Western Europe with several overseas territories and islands located on other continents and in the Indian, Pacific, and Atlantic oceans. Metropolitan France...
, Belgium
Belgium
Belgium , officially the Kingdom of Belgium, is a federal state in Western Europe. It is a founding member of the European Union and hosts the EU's headquarters, and those of several other major international organisations such as NATO.Belgium is also a member of, or affiliated to, many...
and southern Britain
Great Britain
Great Britain or Britain is an island situated to the northwest of Continental Europe. It is the ninth largest island in the world, and the largest European island, as well as the largest of the British Isles...
and cover areas in excess of 100,000 m².