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Located in County Meath, the Hill of Tara, (Irish: Teamhair na Rí), is one of the most important ancient ceremonial and political sites in Ireland. It was traditionally considered the seat for the High Kings of Ireland, and a sacred center of power for thousands of years.

It dates from the late neolithic (2500–3350 BCE); through iron ages; and, into the early medieval period

It includes a number of earthworks, burial mounds, and ceremonial enclosures

The mound of the hostages, is the oldest structure on the Hill of Tara. It is a neolithic passage tomb
It was likely used for burial and ritual, containing the cremated remains of over 300 individuals.

The tomb’s entrance aligns with the rising sun at Samhain (early November) and Imbolc (early February)
Two major Celtic cross-quarter festivals.
   
Not actual captives in the mound, the term “hostages” is medieval, symbolically referring to nobles held at Tara as political guarantees by the high kings

The hill of tara became a symbol of kingship, sovereignty, and sacred authority in Irish mythology and history. While the mound of hostages connects to pre-celtic Ireland. Check them out with some more neolithic architecture today!

Bibliography: http://spartanideas.msu.edu/2015/01/27/reuse-of-cemeteries-in-prehistoric-ireland/ Michigan State University – Reuse of Cemeteries in Prehistoric Ireland

“Mound of the Hostages – Hill of Tara” (https://www.knowth.com/mound-of-the-hostages.htm). http://www.knowth.com.

“Hill of Tara” (https://www.worldhistory.org/Hill_of_Tara/). World History Encyclopedia. Archived (http s://web.archive.org/web/20210925142836/https://www.worldhistory.org/Hill_of_Tara/) from the original on 25 September 2021