Heidengraben

Heidengraben ("pagans' moat") is the name given to the remains of a large Celtic fortified settlement (oppidum) dating to the Iron Age, located on the plateau of the Swabian Jura in the districts of Reutlingen and Esslingen in Baden-Württemberg, Germany [1]. The settlement was in use from the 2nd century BC to 1st century BC, during the La Tène period [1]. By surface area, Heidengraben is the largest oppidum in all of mainland Europe [1]. The outer fortifications delineate an area of over 1,700 hectares [1]. Friedrich Hertlein conducted excavations that identified the structure as late Iron Age [1].