Tuesday, January 21st , On Tuesday, January 21st, at 17:30, at the Ventspils Museum in the Livonian Order Castle – the first History Tuesday of 2025, where… Dr.hist. Armands Vijups Dr. hist. Armands Vijups will speak about the Lagzdiena Hillfort and its research history. Lagzdiena (Lagzdīne) Hillfort has been chosen as the Archaeological Monument of the Year in Latvia for 2025. This ancient site is located in the Ventspils region, between Piltene and Zlēkas, in a picturesque spot on the banks of the Venta River, along the Piltene-Zlēkas road, making it easily accessible for visitors and an attractive tourist destination. The name Lagzdiena first appeared in written sources in 1253 as the settlement of Lesseden. The hillfort is historically significant for prehistoric Northern Kurzeme as it is the first fortified settlement along the Venta River, entering from the Baltic Sea side.
Until now, information about the hillfort has been limited, but in the summer of 2024, archaeological excavations were carried out for the first time under the leadership of archaeologists Armands Vijups and Kaspars Markus Molls. The excavation was organized by the Latvian Archaeological Society and the Ventspils Museum. During the excavation, a cultural layer over 1.2 meters thick was discovered, along with important artifact materials, and the first dating using radiocarbon methods was conducted. The results suggest that the hillfort was home to a community engaged in fishing, metalworking, and intercultural interactions. Further research is planned for 2025.
The History Tuesday event will feature a talk about the excavation process, the findings, and the most significant new insights. More information about this important ancient site in the Ventspils region can be found on the Latvian Archaeological Society’s website: https://www.arheologubiedriba.lv/aktulkais/2025/1/14/2025-gada-arheoloiskais-piemineklis-lagzdnes-pilskalns
and the National Encyclopedia: https://enciklopedija.lv/skirklis/109698-Lagzd%C4%ABnes-pilskalns
History Tuesdays events are free to attend.
Ventspils Museum
