Aizkraukle Hillfort on the Daugava
Viking Age to Middle Ages (800–1255 CE)·Latgallian / Semigallian → Livonian Order·🇱🇻 Vidzeme, Aizkraukle Municipality, Daugava right bank, Latvia
About
About Aizkraukle Hillfort on the Daugava
Aizkraukle Hillfort on the Daugava in Vidzeme, Aizkraukle Municipality, Daugava right bank, Latvia is a Viking Age to Middle Ages (800–1255 CE) Latgallian / Semigallian → Livonian Order site built 5th c. settlement; fort 9th c. serving as livonian hillfort (ascrad 1030). Documented via Chronicle of Henry Livonia 1205; excav. Mugurēvičs 1968–75. Aizkraukle Hillfort on the Daugava illustrates Latgallian / Semigallian → Livonian Order earthwork traditions with earth and timber rampart construction. Excavation excavated reveals hill 40 m above river; rampart 60 m.
Why it mattersAizkraukle Hillfort on the Daugava in Vidzeme, Aizkraukle Municipality, Daugava right bank, Latvia is a Viking Age to Middle Ages (800–1255 CE) Latgallian / Semigallian → Livonian Order site built 5th
Open questions
Mysteries & theories
Mysteries
- 01Role in 1205 Aizkraukle battle Henry Livonia
Theories
- 01Latgallian centre controlling Daugava trade before Riga
Theories are interpretations, not findings. The seal above tells you how much scholarly weight the place carries.
History
How it came to be
- Built
- 5th c. settlement; fort 9th c.
- Period
- Viking Age to Middle Ages (800–1255 CE)
- Culture
- Latgallian / Semigallian → Livonian Order
- Purpose
- Livonian hillfort (Ascrad 1030)
- Abandoned
- 1255
- Rediscovered
- Chronicle of Henry Livonia 1205; excav. Mugurēvičs 1968–75
- Excavation
- Excavated
5th c. settlement; fort 9th c.
Initial construction
c. 1640 CE
Rediscovery
On the ground
Structures & features
56.6042° N · 25.2539° E · 40 m · 2 mapped features
Aizkraukle Upper Rampart
rampartDouble rampart crest 40 m above Daugava
56.6047° N · 25.2545° EAizkraukle Lower Settlement
settlementUnfortified settlement terrace below hill
56.6037° N · 25.2530° E