The
workshop is the initial event of the scientific accompanying program of the planned international exhibition on Late Antique
Hilltop settlements in Europe. It will encompass the origins, type and
duration of occupation, and importance of these sites. Questions relating to
the definition of hilltop settlements as well as to the political, social and
economic conditions that led to their establishment are particularly relevant. How
can we define this settlement type? What are the characteristic topographical
and architectural elements of hilltop sites? Who decided, and was responsible
for its planning, construction and financing?
These
points have fuelled discussions in research right from the start and form part
of the overarching questions being tackled by the workshop. In particular, we must
evaluate critically the models that have dominated past meanings and which
depend, among other factors, on the data available. Comparing national research
traditions is also relevant, as is analysing the influence of such
interpretative approaches. Followed a regional structure of presentations from
Western Europe over the Alps to the Balkan Peninsula, we are going to determine
the settlements’ temporal and spatial scale and to discuss comparative perspectives for further investigations.