Boudy, Czech Republic

One of the best documented Hallstatt Period hillforts, known as ‘Hrad’ near Čimelice. The site consists of two dry stone ramparts and an internal wall, all of which regularly encircle the top of the dominant hill. Different sections of the enclosures may have been built by various groups of the surrounding population using a variety of techniques. Recent archaeological excavations at the site indicate that the site may have served as a central place for the new colonists, as their meeting place for special events, celebrations and other ceremonies. It could also have been used as a sanctuary. Boudy is the best-preserved two-area hill fort dominating the landscape from a hill, which is 574 meters above sea level near the Lomnice and Skalice rivers. The summit has an almost round appearance. The internal rampart, which was carefully constructed from dried boulders, has a circumference of 244 m. It has remained distinctly massive to this day. The outer rampart isn't nearly as massive or so well preserved. Its circumference is 420 m and in some places a ditch appears on its inner side. The original entrance to the hill fort isn't known. On the western side the outer rampart has been evidently disturbed by a street-like structure. The entrance to the inner area was most likely from the north or northeast. One enters the area today from a way that was most likely knocked through the feature in the middle ages. A substantial part of the hill fort, mainly the outer rampart was destroyed through the removal of stone to build the surrounding villages.