Duropolis

Duropolis is an archaeological site in Winterborne Kingston containing remains of over 150 Iron Age roundhouses spread across an extensive area. The excavations have revealed a large settled community with distinct residential zones and activity areas.

The settlement emerged around 100 BCE, a period when people were shifting away from earlier occupation sites in the region. This timing places it at a key moment before Roman conquest transformed the area.

Burial practices at the site included pottery bowls and food offerings placed with the deceased, revealing beliefs about the afterlife. These rituals show how spiritual ideas shaped the way people honored their dead.

The site is managed by Bournemouth University and opens for visitors on designated community and educational days. Plan your visit in advance since access is tied to research and educational programs rather than regular hours.

Excavations uncovered an unusual arrangement of combined sheep and bull skulls at the site. This discovery suggests that people held complex ideas about death and possibly engaged in ritual practices involving animal remains.

Location: Winterborne Kingston

GPS coordinates: 50.78000,-2.21000

Latest update: December 13, 2025 17:03