Hillforts to puzzle – Joining archaeology and citizen science to document and interpret remote drywalls at Tyvenborgåsen, Hvittingfoss, eastern Norway

This article enters the discourse on so-called hillforts as a joint endeavour of archaeology and citizen science. In Norwegian archaeology, drywall features on certain hills make up an extensive research topic. They are commonly considered defensive structures from c. AD 200–700. However, of the approximately 450 registered structures in Norway, only some have seen excavation and/or elaborate surveys. Despite the aggregated data’s low resolution, there is little about the current state of research which promises imminent enhancement. It is therefore argued that volunteerism through the effort of citizen science may offer sound advancement. Using highly accessible, unintrusive, methods and tools, the drywall features of Tyvenborgåsen, Hvittingfoss, in eastern Norway, are charted and reanalysed. It is argued that especially the geographical considerations and proximate archaeological material add necessary nuance. The presented case study thus serves as an instructive example to motivate similar documentation and research. In turn, a joint discourse with contributions by both archaeologists and nonexperts is recommended. Not only does this demonstrate and emphasise how cultural heritage and inclusive approaches can stimulate broader interest, but it can also advance research by offering increased data resolution and offer more balanced interpretation

Citizen science · Documentation · Excavation · Norwegian · Archaeological Research and Protection · Archaeology and ancient environmental studies · Geology and Paleoclimatology Research