Sandby borg

Sandby borg is a hill fort , about 2.0 km southeast of the village of Södra Sandby on the Swedish island of Öland , which only exists as a ruin. The north-west-south-east oriented castle is located about 42 meters from the east beach of the island on a low beach wall near a natural harbor.

description

The location by the sea sets Sandby apart from the other castles on the island. Sandby borg is oval, the internal dimensions are 66–92 meters. The highest castle wall in the north and the lowest in the southeast is about 4.0 meters thick. In the southeast it is only one meter above mean high water, so that the sea almost reaches the foot of the castle at high tide. The place, which is probably leveled in parts, consists of a sloping plateau, on average about 2.5 meters above sea level. Geophysical investigations show 53 house floor plans.

Sandby Borg

To the west of the castle are several parallel rows of granite blocks , possibly a Cheval de frise . The castle has gates to the southeast and north. Inside is a fountain.

The castle has been excavated since 2010. Among other things, six gold-plated buckles were found, along with a few other items from the Iron Age . A solidus discovered in 2014 dates back to the time of the Roman emperor Valentinian III. (A.D. 425–455).

Archaeologists found evidence of a major massacre.

use

There are several theories about the original function of systems of this type. Although the buildings suggest a defensive structure, this is difficult to secure given the size. Therefore, the Fornborgar are compared with Slavic castles , which, like the later medieval cities, were protected dwelling places and religious centers. The function as a refuge is also considered for some, but it should be a uniform reason for use.