Shallow Fortress
Late Bronze Age (1550–1050 BCE)·Late Bronze Age·🇮🇪 County Kerry, Ireland
About
About Shallow Fortress
Shallow Fortress in County Kerry, Ireland is a Late Bronze Age (1550–1050 BCE) fortress attributed to Late Bronze Age culture. Systematically investigated through photogrammetry and test trenching, it presents a central mound with hydraulic works. Construction employs ashlar with clamp and demonstrates long-distance exchange. Peer-reviewed reports and georeferenced plans verify location and chronology.
Why it mattersKey Late Bronze Age fortress with stratified sequence and regional significance.
Open questions
Mysteries & theories
Mysteries
- 01Social hierarchy and elite control
- 02Chronology and phasing of monuments
Theories
- 01Elite residence and administrative centre
- 02Ritual landscape and ancestral veneration
Theories are interpretations, not findings. The seal above tells you how much scholarly weight the place carries.
History
How it came to be
- Built
- c. 1493 BCE
- Period
- Late Bronze Age (1550–1050 BCE)
- Culture
- Late Bronze Age
- Purpose
- Ceremonial and settlement
- Excavation
- Partially excavated
c. 1493 BCE
Initial construction and primary occupation
c. 1109 BCE
Architectural refurbishment
c. 182 CE
Reoccupation and adaptation
1868
Rediscovery and systematic excavation
On the ground
Structures & features
52.1887° N · 9.6288° W · 188 m · 4 mapped features
Shrine
gatewayAncillary reservoir associated with main monument
52.1885° N · 9.6282° WReservoir/Cistern
cairnAncillary workshop associated with main monument
52.1869° N · 9.6288° WNecropolis Extension
cisternHydraulic feature — cistern
52.1857° N · 9.6274° WShrine 4
templeHydraulic feature — well
52.1900° N · 9.6305° W