Istria on the Internet - Architecture

Hillfort - Kaštelir - Castelliere
Archeology

The later gate renovated by the Romans.

Bronze Age Nesactium Hillfort
Latitude: 44.916810N Longitude: 13.969390E

Nesactium is a Bronze and Iron age hillfort with Neolithic finds, located near the village of Valtura (Altura) and near Pula (Pola). It was the former capital of the Istri tribe of Illyrians in the Iron age. The Histri fell foul of the Roman empire on account of their piracy because of the Roman encroachment in Veneto. When the Romans established colonies in the Veneto region, particularly Aquilea, the Histri attempted a preemptive strike which did annihilate a legion, but the empire struck back in full force and eradicated Nesactium in 177 BC. Part of the population committed mass suicide, along with their leader, King Epulo, while the rest were sold into slavery.

Besides the megalithic town walls, very interesting remains of cult statues and altars were found. What is strange is that the small iron Age Tumuli from the cremation burials are on the inside of the town walls. The Istri cremated their dead, but placed valuable grave goods in the small tumuli. Many of the relics are now in the Pula Museum.

There are ten other secondary Hillforts nearby. The area was resettled by the Romans as a municipium, but was again abandoned in the 6th century following the Slav invasions. For a more complete history, see Nesactium.


Prehistoric gate as seen from the outside.	The walls on the side of the Hillfort have been thoroughly damaged but occasionaly still peak out of the grass.


Prehistoric gate as seen from the inside.	Nesactium Tombs.

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Compliments of Marisa Ciceran