Blurb:

This paper looks at the various functional aspects of the 'Viereckschanzen' defined as a kind of multifunctional rural settlement found in southern Germany. These were originally interpreted as being sanctuaries. More recent excavations show different functional aspects both sacred and profane as well as varieties with indications of development from wooden enclosures (fences) to ramparts and ditches, sometimes with traces of palisades or examples with gateways showing traces of unusually solid, tower-like buildings, perhaps a kind of fortification. Such defences may have been a reaction to increasing social instability and danger of attack that was becoming prevalent at the end of the 2nd century BC in the region.