Babilonie

Babilonie is a fortified settlement on the Wiehen Hills ridge with a double-rampart system spanning several hectares across the landscape. The twin earthen walls run parallel to each other and form a defensive perimeter that once enclosed the Iron Age community.

The site was built between 300 and 150 BC and served the La Tène culture as both a refuge camp and military lookout post. Its construction represents the engineering knowledge of Iron Age peoples who controlled this region before Roman expansion arrived.

The ramparts and earthen mounds remain visible today, showing how inhabitants engineered their settlement to control the surrounding territory. Walking through the site gives a sense of the practical thinking behind their choice to build on this elevated ridge.

The site sits at an elevated position and can be reached on foot via marked trails from the nearby village. Wear sturdy shoes since the paths cross uneven terrain and can be muddy or slippery depending on recent weather.

The name Babilonie comes from the Germanic word 'baben,' meaning 'up in the woods,' a fitting description of its wooded hilltop setting. This ancient name still echoes the way early inhabitants referred to and understood their landscape.

Location: North Rhine-Westphalia

Inception: 300

GPS coordinates: 52.27432,8.57768

Latest update: December 8, 2025 21:06