Did This Lithuanian Hill Fort Belong to the Country's Only King?
After 16 years of research, archaeologist Gintautas Zabiela believes he has located Voruta, the lost castle where a pivotal battle paved the way for the coronation of Lithuania's only king, Mindaugas.
A Lost Castle Found?
Archaeologist Gintautas Zabiela, who spent 16 years studying the Šeimyniškėliai hill fort in northern Lithuania, argues that it may be the site of Voruta – a castle mentioned in the 13th-century Hypatian Chronicle as the location of a decisive siege. The 1251 battle helped Mindaugas become King of Lithuania in 1253, making him the only crowned monarch in the country's history.
Evidence and Clues
Zabiela's team used dendrochronology to date preserved timber from the hill fort's rampart to 1232, close to the 1251 siege date proposed by historian Edvardas Gudavičius. Excavations also uncovered pottery, farming tools, jewelry, coins, and crossbow bolt tips typical of the 13th century, along with evidence of continued use into the 14th century.
Another clue lies in place names: nearby streams Vorelis and Volupis may echo the name 'Voruta'. Geographically, the hill fort sits near what was then the territory of Selonia, under Livonian Order control at the time – consistent with chronicle accounts of Mindaugas's German allies.
What the Excavations Revealed
Zabiela notes that Voruta was not a grand castle but a modest timber-and-earth structure with a wooden defensive wall and a few simple buildings for soldiers. In that era, the capital was wherever the ruler happened to be, so Voruta was not a permanent seat. About 100 people lived in a nearby settlement, farming, hunting, and fishing.
Archaeologist's Surprises
Zabiela says every season brought surprises. For example, legends of hidden tunnels arose from cavities left by rotted wooden reinforcements in the rampart. One striking moment came when cutting into a 700-year-old log released a fresh pine resin scent, as if the tree had been felled that morning.
