Description
The Verslava Hillfort with its settlement (2.89 ha) is located on a separate hill on the right bank of the Šventoji River. It is one of the most impressive hillforts in the Zarasai District, a man-made mound formed during the retreat of the last ice age—a hill composed of horizontal layers of sand, clay, and gravel. The hillfort’s platform is oval, elongated in a southeast–north–west direction, measuring 45 x 24 m. Striated pottery and iron slag have been found there. The slopes are steep, ranging from 15 to 24 m in height. At the southeastern foot of the hill, covering an area of 0.5 ha, lies a settlement where molded pottery was found. The hillfort is dated to the 1st millennium BCE–1st millennium CE. This was determined during archaeological surveys conducted in 1949, 1958, and 1972. Currently, the hillfort is managed in an environmentally friendly manner by allowing small-hoofed livestock—sheep—to graze there. They do not trample the slopes of the hillfort. Sheep are not picky eaters—they graze on shrubs and overgrown grass. Furthermore, this approach helps traditional farmers preserve the steppe meadows from being overrun by low-value shrubs. We recommend visiting the Verslava Hillfort and its settlement while cycling the “Antalieptė Loop” trail. Photos by Marius Semaška
