Alulinn hill fort in North-East Estonia: archaeological excavations of the rampart and validating the results of geophysical studies

Abstract

This study presents the results of the 2025 archaeological excavations and geophysical surveys at the Alulinn hill fort in North-East Estonia, aiming to determine the site's chronology and function. Fieldwork included ground-penetrating radar surveys, trial pits, and the excavation of two trenches to examine the courtyard and limestone rampart. Radiocarbon dating indicates that the site was first occupied in the 5th or 6th century. Subsequently, a substantial limestone rampart was constructed on a timber foundation in the 7th or 8th century. The courtyard revealed anthropogenic stone features likely used for heating or food preparation, though the overall scarcity of artefacts suggests infrequent or short-lived occupation. The location of the site in a wetland area in combination with the Alulinn weapon and tool deposit suggests either a refuge fort or ritual enclosure. The Alulinn fort seems to have been abandoned before the second millennium.