History Eketorp

eketorp exterior wall sheep grazing



the long houses.



the water inside fort, no doubt strong reason location

the indigenous peoples of iron age constructed original fortification 400 ad, period known have engendered contact between Öland natives romans , other europeans. ringfort in era thought have been gathering place religious ceremonies , place of refuge local agricultural community when outside enemy appeared. circular design believed chosen because terrain level attack side equally likely. original diameter of circular stone fortification 57 metres (187 ft). in next century stone moved outward construct new circular structure of 80 metres (260 ft) in diameter. @ juncture there known fifty individual cells or small structures within fort whole. of these cells in center of fortified ring, , built wall itself.

in late 600s ad ringfort mysteriously abandoned, , remained unused until 11th century. 11th century work built upon earlier fort, except stone interior cells replaced timber structures, , second outer defensive wall erected.