Borderline Viewpoints: The Early Iron Age Landscapes of Henged Mountains in East Central Sweden

Abstract

The concept "henged mountain" refers to different archaeological categories of enclosure (hill-forts, enclosures and ceremonial enclosures) that have one thing in common; they all delimit a mountain top. This study focuses on the henged mountains of east central Sweden, taking its point of departure in the henges of eastern Södermanland. It is argued that the henges need to be understood as monuments with an influence over time. Instead of grouping henged mountains into separate categories divided by time, variation between areas is considered. The aim is to show that variations in the henge material express different ways of perceiving landscape and organising social life.