Bergen som vakar över de döda. En bebyggelsearkeologisk studie av tre fornborgar i Torslanda och Björlanda

Abstract

The hillforts of Bohuslän are numerous, yet few have been studied, leaving gaps in our understanding of their dating, morphology, and connections to nearby prehistoric sites. With the help of settlement archaeology, the aim of this study has been to analyse three hillforts on Hisingen and answer these questions. This was done by observing the location and morphology of the hillforts and by analysing the age and functions of nearby prehistoric sites within a kilometer of the hillforts. The results indicate that Björlanda 22:1 and Torslanda 56:1 were likely ritualistic enclosures, while Torslanda 15:1 had defensive functions. Their proximity to settlements and graves from the Bronze Age and/or Early Iron Age suggest that their construction could be attributed to an older building tradition, ruling out a Late Iron Age or medieval origin.