Well the first thing to say is that not all hillforts are multi-vallate.
There are probably more univallate and there are also inland promontory
forts which aren't even circular, and lots of coastal promontory forts also
not circular and no good reason to see them as different in function from
inland promontory forts. The dating is also somewhat vague; confusion
arises from the existence of burial cairns which may, or may not, be
associated with the embankments - it might just be a coincidental fondness
for hilltop locations - and there is evidence of continuing occupation or
use well into the 5th or 6th centuries AD (iron working at Rathgall, Co
Wicklow).

Only in rare instances could the embankments be described as truly defensive
and where they are (eg Dun Aengus) the date of the current construction is
uncertain. Some of the promontory forts are so inaccessible the likelihood
(850 metres above sea level in one case) of there being anyone else to
defend yourself from seems unlikely.

Clearly the labour involved in construction was substantial so they suggest
a degree of prestige (political) but in the absence of extensive excavation
no religious or spiritual suggestions have been put forward that I am aware
of - they don't all seem to include burials. Some have suggested they would
have made good cattle pounds! See Raftery and Waddell.

Peter

-----Original Message-----
From: patrick neary [mailto:premie72@...]
Sent: 08 November 2004 15:04
To: Bronze-Age-Ireland@yahoogroups.com
Subject: ~BAI > multi vallate 'hillforts'




Hi,
can anyone tell me the latest theories with regard to the
political/religious/spiritual impetus resulting in the construction of these
multi-vallate hilltop enclosures called 'hillforts' dating from around
1000BC?
Any ideas on the symbolism of the form of the monuments and parallels or
similarities with the decoration on metalwork or other items from the period
would also be very welcome.
Thanks
Patrick




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