Ancient World

Bilsk hillfort

Bilsk hillfort is a hillfort of the Scythian period (end of 8th to beginning of 3rd centuries BC) located on a hill in the interfluve of the Vorskla and the right tributary of Psel Sukha Hrun near the villages of Bilsk in Poltava Oblast and Kuzemyn in Sumy Oblast. The hillfort consists of three fortified settlements (Kuzemyn, Western Bilsk, and Eastern Bilsk settlements), united by one defensive wall (Great Bilsk hillfort). The hillfort's total area is 4400 ha. The length of the ramparts is 33,833 m. At that time, Europe had no settlements or fortifications larger than those. A number of scholars identify the Bilsk site with the Scythian city of Gelonus, which is mentioned by Herodotus (though this view has been disputed). It is the center of the Vorskla group of Scythian fortified settlements.

Also on this shelf

See also

• ▸Baalbek
• ▸Barawa
• ▸Archaeological Museum of Komotini

Uncatalogued shelf

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