Several comparable enclosed constructions have been found on the main land of central and western Europe, that are associated with Iron Age culture. These enclosures have square or rectangular plans  and are commonly known as Viereckschanzen (which is German for four-corner-entrenchments). Other names are Grabgärten (“grave gardens”, mainly used in the  Rhineland) and enclose culturels (French for “enclosed cultured spaces”. A Viereckschanze is surrounded by a moat or an earthen barrier, and its corners generally point toward the four wind quarters. An entrance can sometimes be found on the southern or south-eastern side. Note that the constructions have no roof, but that at some sites, pole holes (sometimes still filled with wood) have been found. They seem to have been mostly open air spaces, but might have contained one or more buildings. Most of these sites have been found in uninhabited areas.

In the case of the Viereckschanzen, most scientists think they might have functioned as sanctuaries out in the open-air. This is based on finds of deep shafts and offering pits with remains of humans, animals and objects such as coins, small metal wheels. fibulae (decorative brooches), bracelets, weapens and parts of carriages. Some of thise objects have been broken on purpose, which points towards an offering – either to gods or ancestors. But note that not all Viereckschanzen contains these finds – some some pits seem to have been used as water wells or were filled with soil. Many of these sites seem to have had close relations with graves and graverituals (hence the word Grabgärden), but this was far from its only function. Lastly, Viereckschanzen may also have been used as courts and trading places – very much like large temples and churches in later ages. Suffice to say, the discussion of the exact function and use of Viereckschanzen is still going strong, but they seemed to have a broad use which was not only for religion or grave rituals.

Viereckschanzen have parallels in the Netherlands. In the south and west of the Netherlands, relatively small (50 x 50 meters) square open sites have been found that were enclosed by a wall, or  by a palisade and ditch. Rows of pole holes have been found inside these enclosures. Also, pits have been found containing earthenware, burned remains of bones, and metal objects such as coins, and miniature spears and wheels. These pits are considered to be offering pits. Here again it is hard to tell what the exact function of these places was (cult place or site for grave rituals?). Or is this pinpointing of ancient sites into specific functions – as we now know them – perhaps a modern idea that we need to let go of?

Sources

Clerinx, Herman. Kelten en de Lage Landen. Leuven: Davidsfonds. 2005. (Second print.)

Schuyf, Judith. Heidense Heiligdommen. Utrecht: Omniboek. 2019.