Moel y Gaer, Rhosesmor, Iron Age hillfort in Flintshire, Wales.
Moel y Gaer is an Iron Age hillfort located on the Halkyn Hills in Flintshire, Wales, sitting at around 300 meters elevation. The circular fort spans roughly 180 meters across and is surrounded by earthen banks that would have provided defense for the settlement.
The site was established during the Iron Age and shows evidence of human occupation dating back to the Neolithic period. Archaeological work in the 1970s revealed the remains of numerous roundhouses, indicating continuous use of the location over many centuries.
The name Moel y Gaer comes from Welsh and means 'bald hill, the fort', showing how the landscape's features were named in the local language. This naming reflects how the community understood their environment and the structures built upon it.
The site has two entrances with guard chambers that serve as starting points for exploring the earthen banks and interior. Visitors should expect uneven ground and elevation changes, as the hilltop location requires some physical effort to navigate.
Archaeological findings show that only about half of the roundhouses had central hearths for cooking and warmth. This suggests some buildings may have served other purposes like storage or livestock keeping rather than as living quarters.
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