Heidenmauer, Celtic rampart near Bad Dürkheim, Germany
The Heidenmauer is a Celtic fortification forming a ring around the Kästenberg hill and stretching about 2.5 kilometers in length. The structure was built from stone and wood using the Murus Gallicus technique, an advanced construction method of that period.
Celtic tribes built this fortification around 500 BCE and occupied it for roughly 40 years before abandoning the site. The structures reveal advanced building techniques and served as a significant settlement point in the region during that period.
The site bears traces of Celtic settlement life, with evidence of pottery production, metalwork, and food processing. The artifacts show trading connections extending far beyond the region and suggest how people organized their daily work.
The site is open year-round with marked walking trails that allow visitors to explore the fortification at their own pace. Information panels along the paths explain the settlement's layout and help you understand what you are seeing.
A sophisticated water management system with ditches and channels reveals that Celtic builders possessed advanced engineering knowledge. This system was crucial for maintaining reliable water supply and hygiene within the fortified settlement.
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