摘要：This paper offers a typology of hillfort gate-mechanisms, and a developed understanding of temporal depth in hillfort architecture – via applied contextual analysis. Rediscovery of the Eddisbury hillfort archive revealed three iron gate-mechanisms. To situate these rare objects, detailed analyses of entrance architecture and stratigraphy was conducted – for Eddisbury and parallels (Hembury, South Cadbury) – enabling new sequences, resolution of the Mid-Late Cadbury sequence, and reconstruction of the Cadbury gate-fittings. Crucially, Bayesian analysis of C-14 dates from Eddisbury confirm a 400 BC date for developed hillforts. Eddisbury’s gate-mechanisms are revealed as the earliest in Europe, with Roman adoption of Iron Age technology.
