Intervenciones arqueológicas en los castillos roqueros de Irurita, Aitzita y Ortzorrotz. Sistema defensivo de la Merindad de las Montañas [Archaeological investigations in the rock castles of Irurita, Aitzita and Ortzorrotz]

Abstract

This article gives an account of the archaeological investigations that have taken place from 2010 to the present day in three of the rock castles in Navarre´s mountain Merindad, those of Aitzita, Irurita and Ortzorrotz. The research carried out by the Gestión Cultural Larrate team falls within the framework of a general study of the rock castles and their contribution to the Kingdom of Navarre´s defence system. As well as summarizing all the projects and tasks undertaken, a brief study is also included of each castle ´s exact location, its means of communicating with other strategic points, its defence system and type of construction.