ABSTRACT
The starting point for the archaeology of fortifications is naturally the defensive sites themselves. Without excavation evidence, whether of building technique, interior arrangements, or any other material remains, to provide us with information we cannot, as a rule, say very much. The inadequate state of research is all the more regrettable as this is the only source which will allow archaeology to say more about political and constitutional questions. Moreover, the group is important for settlement, military, social, economic, and even ecclesiastical history. The contribution of archaeology will be the more positive, the better archaeology combines with other sources.
