Early medieval fortifications in Hesse: A general historical report

Abstract

Abstract There are a number of large early‐medieval fortresses in Hesse, which were occupied for a long period. Pottery found on these sites begins in the last quarter of the seventh century and ends during the ninth century. During this period, the sites gained an importance as ecclesiastical centres. To date, the Christenberg and the Buraberg, which is known from the history of St Boniface, have been the most thoroughly examined. To these sites can be added a number of medium‐sized fortresses, dating from the same period. Excavation of one of these, the ‘Hofe’, near Dreihausen, revealed the foundations of a round church of Carolingian origin. A building with a semi‐circular apse was found at the ‘Alte Schloss’, situated above the Salzbode valley on the military route from Frankfurt to Saxony. All these fortresses are likely to have been constructed by Carolingian mayors of the palace and kings; they may have been connected with the campaigns against the Saxons. Several small hill‐top sites, comparable t...