Maiden Castle is the largest and most complex Iron Age hill fort in Europe, covering 47 acres with multiple massive defensive earthwork ramparts creating one of Britain’s most impressive ancient monuments. This spectacular site was occupied from Neolithic times (around 4,000 BC) through Iron Age and into Roman period, representing millennia of human settlement and activity. The hill fort reached its peak around 100 BC when powerful ramparts up to 6 meters high were constructed, with intricate multiple defensive rings creating formidable obstacles. Archaeological excavations revealed evidence of fierce Roman assault in 43 AD when Vespasian’s legions conquered the fort. Today the massive earthworks remain remarkably intact, creating dramatic undulating landscape and offering excellent walking along the ramparts with stunning views across Dorset. The sheer scale of Maiden Castle demonstrates Iron Age engineering capabilities and social organization required for such monumental construction. English Heritage manages the site with free access. Truly awe-inspiring monument demonstrating human ambition and achievement across 6,000 years.
Photo by Alan Murray-Rust from Geograph, licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0
Maiden Castle
Location
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Gallery images from Geograph Britain and Ireland, licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0. Hover over images to see photographer credits.
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