Mežotne Hillfort is one of the largest fortifications of the ancient Semigallians. Archaeological excavations have taken place six times in the Mežotne archaeological complex between the 19th and 21st centuries.
The objects found were evidence of both the ancestors’ prosecution and their lifestyle. A total of 3996 artefacts were found at the Mežotne hillfort and place of ancient town, 392 of them at the place of ancient town.
The sites of the excavations carried out by archaeologists at the Mežotne hillfort are still partially visible today. In 2012, the first archaeological backfilling in Latvia was carried out at the Mežotne hillfort, thus restoring the line of the large defensive rampart to its historical appearance and preventing further erosion of the hillfort rampart.
Excavations show that the Samigallians were wealthy and skilled craftsmen. Trade with northern peoples fuelled their growth – shine silver- and gold-plated bronze rings, bracelets and brooche. The Semigallians were excellent blacksmiths and could been proud of sharp and durable swords.
Tools
The tools have been found both in the archaeological excavations on the hill of Mežotne, in the old town and in the nearby ancient graves, and as isolated finds in the above-mentioned places. Findings of hoes, sickles and scythes indicate agriculture. Craftsmen’s workshops were mainly located in the territory of the old city, tools, raw materials, blanks and finished products of blacksmiths, stonemasons, leather, bone, amber, stone and wood processing masters have been found. The found precious metal weighing scales, counterweights, silver bars and coins testify to the profession of merchants.
A rich range of weapons was found in the male burials of Mežotne and Mežotne Center ancient graves. Spears were mostly given to the deceased Zemgali soldiers on their way to the afterlife. There are also many combat knives and axes that were used as both weapons and tools. 453 arrowheads were found in the archaeological excavations of the Mežotne hill, most of them are heavy crossbow arrowheads, which testify to the dramatic attack of the German crusaders in 1220 and the “rain of arrows” mentioned in the battles of that time.
During the period of intensive settlement at Mežotne hillfort from the 9th to the 14th century, Zemgalians possessed a splendid and diverse range of jewelry. The metal most used in jewelry was bronze, but iron and silver jewelry are also found, as well as bronze jewelry with silver plating or inlay. Various types of necklaces, brooches, fibulae, pins, pendants-amulets, beads, rings, and trinkets were discovered. Men’s jewelry was more massive. Most of these jewelry items are products of local craftsmen, but there are also imported goods, such as glass beads.
Antiquities include all the items from the previously mentioned categories. In the excavations at Mežotne hillfort alone, 3604 antiquities have been obtained, although only a small part has been archaeologically examined – both defensive ramparts and the ditch between them were partially excavated, the entrance gate area was studied, and a small section of the plateau was examined. This section had to include items related to craftsmanship, trade, hunting, and fishing.
The majority of the household items recovered from archaeological excavations are pottery fragments. Non-wheeled ceramics dominate the remains because Zemgalians began using wheeled pottery only in the 11th century, and non-wheeled ceramics persisted in the following centuries. Household items also include keys and locks, indicating the accumulation of wealth and its protection. Only small fragments of ancient clothing have been preserved, mainly in contact with corroded metal objects. Buckles and facings remain from the straps.
The municipality of Bauska region implements the project “Cultural heritage: an opportunity for the development of tourism services” (ZE RUNRARO, No. LVIII-057) of the European Neighborly Relations Instrument cross-border cooperation program 2014-2020, the aim of which is to strengthen the results and activities of the RUNRARO project, to promote the recognition of tourist facilities.
With the mutual cooperation of the project partners, improve the attractiveness of Bauska and Smiltene region municipalities in the field of cultural tourism, stimulate active and more efficient use of existing resources, cultural and historical heritage, local society
and entrepreneurship.
