Why was the creation of the Iron Age hill forts so important? - Teacher notes
History Resource Description
The creation of Iron Age hill forts represented a significant development in the history of ancient Britain, marking a period where communities sought to protect themselves and their resources. These structures were strategically placed on elevated ground, offering a vantage point to observe incoming threats and providing a formidable defence against potential attackers. The importance of hill forts stems from their role in safeguarding inhabitants during a time of frequent conflicts and territorial disputes. Teachers guide pupils to explore the reasons behind the necessity of such forts, encouraging them to investigate what life within these fortified settlements was like, including the daily routines and challenges faced by the Iron Age people.
Understanding the construction of Iron Age hill forts is crucial to appreciating their significance in historical context. Students are tasked with researching how these forts were ingenously designed with features like ditches, gateways, defensive walls, and siege provisions. They also learn about the internal structures within the forts, such as roundhouses for living spaces and granaries for storing food, which were essential for the community's sustenance and survival. By creating detailed diagrams of hill forts, pupils gain insight into the architectural and engineering skills of the Iron Age people, as well as the social and economic aspects of life during this period. This exploration helps students comprehend the considerable changes that took place from the beginning of the Stone Age to the end of the Iron Age, highlighting the evolution of human settlements and defensive strategies over time.