Period 4 - The Celts

The 'elite' lived in a fortified high-altitude settlement on the Kesterheide. (landmark 3) Presumably, the entire hill was deforested. Further afield, farmers live in huts or farms and use crop rotation in the fields. Miles of cleverly interwoven hedges line the fields. Beech and hornbeam appear. The Kesterweg (landmark 4), which runs all the way to Velzeke, dates from this period. Celtic objects such as pottery and weaving weights have been found on the Kesterheide.

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700 B.C. to c. 50 B.C.

Among the Celtic population there is a clear distinction between the rich noblemen, the common and the subjugated population. The 'elite' live in height fortifications (oppidum), including on the Kesterheide. Right on the Dender-Zenne watershed. This perched place offers a good view of and control over the valley. Presumably, a large part of the Kesterheide was deforested for this purpose. Luxury equipment is imported by trade networks. Iron objects appear. The peasants live in huts or farms. The population lives from agriculture and cattle breeding. Horses and chickens are kept and sheep farming increases. Fields are variously cultivated with various crops.

When the soil becomes impoverished, this plot becomes fallow. The houses are often located on this depleted, fallow land. In practice, the house regularly moves to another piece of land. The open landscape is characterized by many dense hedges, with branches of saplings intertwined with thorn and brambles.

Mainly in the sandy regions we find the comb field system, also called "Celtic Fields". This is a field complex with a regular pattern and dams between the plots. No traces of this have yet been found in Gooik.

From around 58 B.C., the Romans under the leadership of Julius Caesar invaded and gradually defeated the various tribes.

RL P&Z