Three recently discovered hill forts in south-eastern Estonia: Pühiküla, Luke, and Valgesoo

Abstract

In 2024, the Valgesoo hill fort in Võnnu parish, the Pühiküla hill fort in Kambja parish, and the Luke hill fort in Nõo parish were studied. The Pühiküla and Luke hill forts are unique in Tartu County due to their concentric low ramparts and ditches. According to the research results, the hill forts were in use for a short period of time, either in the 2nd century BC – 1st century AD (Pühiküla) or between the 3rd and 6th centuries (Valgesoo) and the 5th and 7th centuries AD (Luke). The apparently short period of use of the hill forts and the destruction of the defensive structures in fire indicate tensions in society during the first half of the Iron Age in Estonia, and conflicts between different communities.