The Troldborg Ring is an Iron Age fortification in Vejle Municipality in Denmark, 13 km (8.1 mi) west of the city of Vejle. It is located at a natural spring on a high point overlooking the Vejle River Valley. The surrounding area is a steep ravine known as the Devil's Valley (Danish: Fandens Dal).[1][2] The site consists of a raised area of about 1,700 m2 (18,000 sq ft) surrounded by a circular rampart (Danish: ringborg). One side is protected by a steep drop of 70 m (230 ft) to the valley floor, while the other side features a 0.5-metre-deep (1.6 ft), 2.5-metre-wide (8.2 ft) moat.[3][4]
The Troldborg Ring was built around the years 100-200 during a period of turbulence in Denmark, and it was used until around the year 400. It likely served as a refuge during times of violence rather than a permanent dwelling.[1][2] It is located 600 m (2,000 ft) north of the former Ravning Bridge over Vejle River, built in 979-980 during the Viking Age. Its placement suggests that the area was strategically important even before the bridge was built.[3] A considerable amount of ash from massive fires has been found at the site, although the source and timing of these fires is unclear.[4]
References
edit- ^ a b Roland, Thomas. "Troldborg Ring". 1001 Stories of Denmark. The Heritage Agency of Denmark, Danish Agency for Culture. Retrieved 28 September 2016.
- ^ a b "Troldborg Ring". Agency for Culture and Palaces, Ministry of Culture Denmark (in Danish). 24 May 2016. Retrieved 28 September 2016.
- ^ a b "Troldborg Ring". Leksikon (in Danish). Gyldendal. 20 December 2012. Retrieved 28 September 2016.
- ^ a b "Troldborg Ring". Visit Vejle (in Danish). Retrieved 28 September 2016.
55°40′42.17″N 9°20′31.45″E / 55.6783806°N 9.3420694°E
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