Mežotne Hillfort on the Lielupe
Viking Age to Middle Ages (9th–13th c.)·Semigallian / Livonian Order·🇱🇻 Zemgale, Bauska Municipality, Mežotne on Lielupe, Latvia
About
About Mežotne Hillfort on the Lielupe
Mežotne Hillfort on the Lielupe in Zemgale, Bauska Municipality, Mežotne on Lielupe, Latvia is a Viking Age to Middle Ages (9th–13th c.) Semigallian / Livonian Order site built 9th c. serving as semigallian stronghold on lielupe controlling trade. Documented via Livonian Rhymed Chronicle 1259; excav. Urtans 1950s. Mežotne Hillfort on the Lielupe illustrates Semigallian / Livonian Order earthwork traditions with earth rampart 10 m high construction. Excavation partially-excavated reveals hill 20 m above lielupe; rampart 80 m long.
Why it mattersMežotne Hillfort on the Lielupe in Zemgale, Bauska Municipality, Mežotne on Lielupe, Latvia is a Viking Age to Middle Ages (9th–13th c.) Semigallian / Livonian Order site built 9th c. serving as semig
Open questions
Mysteries & theories
Mysteries
- 01Semigallian resistance vs Livonian Order 1259
Theories
- 01Mežotne as Zemgale Semigallian chiefdom centre opposite Mežotne Palace later
Theories are interpretations, not findings. The seal above tells you how much scholarly weight the place carries.
History
How it came to be
- Built
- 9th c.
- Period
- Viking Age to Middle Ages (9th–13th c.)
- Culture
- Semigallian / Livonian Order
- Purpose
- Semigallian stronghold on Lielupe controlling trade
- Abandoned
- 1259 (Semigallian uprising)
- Rediscovered
- Livonian Rhymed Chronicle 1259; excav. Urtans 1950s
- Excavation
- Partially excavated
9th c.
Initial construction
c. 1602 CE
Rediscovery
On the ground
Structures & features
56.4413° N · 24.0451° E · 40 m · 2 mapped features
Mežotne Lielupe Rampart
rampart10 m rampart above Lielupe river
56.4415° N · 24.0455° EMežotne Settlement Terrace
settlementOuter settlement terrace with pit houses
56.4410° N · 24.0445° E
Gallery