várdombok

Várdombok, meaning "castle hills" in Hungarian, are prominent natural or artificially shaped mounds of earth that served as strategic defensive locations in medieval Hungary. These structures were typically topped with a wooden palisade and earthworks, forming a basic fortification. Often, a motte, a raised earth mound with a wooden tower or keep, was built in the center of the várdomb to provide a more formidable stronghold.

The strategic importance of várdombok lay in their elevated position, offering a clear vantage point and making them difficult to assault. They were integral to the defense system of the Kingdom of Hungary, particularly during periods of internal strife and external invasions. Many várdombok were established in the early medieval period and evolved over time, with some later being replaced by stone castles.

The construction of a várdomb involved significant labor, with earth being moved and compacted to create a stable and elevated platform. The size and complexity of these mounds varied depending on the resources and needs of the local lord or community. Today, many várdombok are still visible as distinctive topographical features in the Hungarian landscape, often with archaeological remains providing insights into their past use. They represent an important chapter in Hungarian military architecture and settlement history.