KUPIŠKIO (AUKŠTUPĖNŲ) PILIAKALNIS: TEORINĖS PRIELAIDOS IR TYRIMŲ REZULTATAI

Abstract

The hillfort of Kupiškis (Aukštupėnai) has never been investigated before but was regarded by many researchers as a former location of a wooden castle, used for defence during the attacks of the Teutonic Order. Between the years 2017 and 2018, interdisciplinary investigations were conducted on the hillfort, which included excavations of a 20 m2 area, a geophysical survey, a survey and soil sampling from 150 drilled boreholes, and laboratory analysis of soil samples and archaeological material. Although the obtained results corresponded with the theoretical model of Selonian hillforts, new and unexpected details about the structure of the hillfort were also revealed. Prior to the establishment of settlement structures, the hill was of a completely different shape than it is now. Archaeological excavation confirmed the assumption based on soil geochemical analysis that the hill was settled during the 1st millennium BC. A structure of stones, soil and wood, was built along the edges of the hilltop during the period between the 8th and 5th centuries BC, during which it burned on several occasions and was rebuilt. Finds from the hillfort attest to the fact that people lived here during the turn of the millennium. However, no cultural layer or fortification features of this period have been detected. During the 1st millennium AD, the hillfort could have been used during emergencies. Hillfort reinforcements were destroyed by fire during the 5th-6th century and the 8th-10th century. Lastly, no traces of activity on the hillfort were detected for later periods. Key words: Kupiškis (Aukštupėnai), hillfort, settlement, interdisciplinary research.