During the Bronze age, a special culture group developed around Istria, in the northern Adriatic. This Kastelir (Castellieri) culture was named after the characteristic hillforts, built by dry stone walling technique.

Located at the crossroads of Alps, Pannonia, The Balkans and Po valley, all of which brought prosperous trading and cultural contacts. The largest communities contained up to around 1000 inhabitants, a number which increased during the Iron age, until the eventual conquest of Rome in the 2nd century BC.

Trade enable the culture to prosper, despite subpar farming conditions. Between the location within Europe and the hilly terrain, this was a great strategic position.

Besides the defensive purposes, hillforts showcased the strength and unity of the inhabitants. They wanted to create a big impression on the locals, foreigners, allies and enemies, as well as ancestors and deities.

A single large community could span an area with multiple kastelirs and surrounding settlements, economic surfaces and spiritual objects. Especially early on, the inhabitants of these tightly knit communities would sometimes accept decisions together, while other times they would submit to the decision of an authority figure and the elite class. The hierarchical structure would be more and more developed going into the Iron age.


Sources: docs.google.com/document/d/1mnK9tpEvz9UgeVWuUh8fPF…

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