földvárs

Földvár is a Hungarian term referring to a type of fortified settlement or earthwork, typically dating from the early Hungarian conquest period and the subsequent Árpád dynasty era. The name itself, "földvár," literally translates to "earth castle" or "earth fortification." These sites were usually constructed from earth, with ramparts and ditches forming defensive perimeters.

The primary purpose of a földvár was protection. They served as strategic defensive points for communities, offering refuge during times of conflict or raids. The construction often involved creating raised earthen mounds, on which wooden palisades or walls would be erected. Ditches, sometimes deep and wide, were dug around these mounds to further impede attackers.

The locations of földvárs were often chosen for their natural defensive advantages, such as hilltops or elevated ground. Archaeological excavations at these sites have revealed evidence of habitation, including the remains of dwellings, workshops, and artifacts that shed light on the daily lives of the people who lived there. While many of these earthworks have diminished over centuries, their archaeological remains provide valuable insights into the early settlement patterns and defensive strategies of medieval Hungary. They represent an important aspect of Hungarian historical archaeology.