The Enigmatic Hillfort: Did Palatavio Host the Lost Castle of Mindaugas?

Palatavio hillfort, located 33 meters above sea level, is a captivating archaeological site in Lithuania. Its discovery in 1997 by archaeologist Raimondo Guobas revealed it to date back to the 13th-14th century. While there is no definitive proof, it is widely thought that Palatavio hillfort could be the lost castle of Mindaugas, Lithuania's first King. The theory is supported by its connection to Mindaugas' coronation site and two donation acts issued in 1253 and 1260. In 1997, archaeologist Gintautas Zabiela examined the hillfort and uncovered a cultural layer with artifacts. Among these artifacts, were a small, meter-long piece of varnished copper, a trapezoid-shaped metal piece with ornamental carvings, and an 8.2 cm long iron rod.

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