All the ancient hills of the UK and Ireland were mapped for the first time
For the first time, researchers mapped in an online database the exact locations and details of all the ancient hills in the United Kingdom and Ireland, according to a BBC report.
The information has been gathered on a website that can be accessed freely by the public so they can look for details of the ancients sites they see in the countryside.
Hill forts were built during the Iron Age and the oldest date around 1000 BC, while the most recent are dating from 700 AD. Excavations show that many of the sites were used as regional gathering spots for festivals and trade, and some are on low-lying land.
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A team of scientists from the University of Edinburgh, University of Oxford and University College Cork spent five years to map the 4,147 sites.
Ian Ralston, from the University of Edinburgh, said the views allow visitors to immerse in the history and find out more about the hill forts across Britain and Ireland.
The view from above…Bury Castle Iron Age Hill Fort & settlement above #Selworthy Village on North Hill…?#Exmoor #NationalPark #Somerset pic.twitter.com/JBKBDwXRWH
— Paul & Mole ? (@eXm360) May 11, 2017
“Standing on a windswept hill fort with dramatic views across the countryside, you really feel like you’re fully immersed in history.
“This research project is all about sharing the stories of the thousands of hill forts across Britain and Ireland in one place that is accessible to the public and researchers,” explained Ralston.
Researching Brown Caterthun hillfort, Angus. At least six lines of enclosure. Early+Middle Iron Age c14 dates. pic.twitter.com/eHs9C6jSgr
— Johnny Horn (@Brewchaeology) September 15, 2016
Scientists hope their project will encourage people to visit the incredible hill forts and to find out more about their history.
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The hills are ranging from well-preserved forts to areas where only crops are left. Almost half of them (40%) are located in Scotland and 408 alone are in the Scottish Borders.
In England, Northumberland leads the way with 271 hill forts, while in the Republic of Ireland, Mayo and Cork each have more than 70 sites. Powys is the county with the most hillforts in Wales, with 147, and in Northern Ireland, Antrim has the most, with 15.
Beautiful #CastleRing Iron Age hill fort in #CannockChase #Cannock #CannockWood #Staffordshire #Castle #Ring pic.twitter.com/raNpfcT4Jh
— Andy Starkey Music (@drinksreception) June 21, 2017
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