Revolutionizing early medieval forts

Format: Standard Paper Session

Organisers: Leanne Demay (University of Aberdeen), Zack Hinckley (University of Aberdeen), Gordon Noble (University of Aberdeen), James O’Driscoll (University of Aberdeen) & Gemma Cruickshanks (National Museums Scotland)

Contact: g.noble@abdn.ac.uk

Hillforts have been central to the study of the early medieval period in the north and west of Britain. Recent excavations and fieldwork in northern Britain in particular have shown the scale and complexity of these is much larger and more intricate than hitherto recognized. Thus, our interpretive models and theoretical approaches to these sites is due a serious shake up given that new data (excavation, survey including Lidar and 3D modelling, GIS analysis, dating) has the potential to revolutionize our understanding. In particular, we can rethink how these sites fitted into their social, ideological, economic and landscape setting, question or reiterate their role in conflict, examine the scale of society implied by some of the larger defended settlements recently identified (e.g. Tap o’ Noth, Aberdeenshire), and reconsider or throw out long held assumptions about the forts of the early medieval world.

This session will showcase and encourage new ideas and approaches to defended settlement in early medieval Britain and Ireland as well as comparative approaches from the rest of Europe. Topics can include: warrior ideologies, conflict approaches, landscape theory and practice, symbolism and materiality, and temporalities.