A HILL fort that survived tribal skirmishes, Roman invasion, and 2,000 years of wear and tear is under threat from rabbits.
The Iron Age monument, which overlooks the Coquet Valley in Northumberland, has become riddled by burrows.
Newcastle University archaeologists are digging trial trenches at Harehaugh hill fort near Harbottle to gauge the damage.
Their work, backed by English Heritage, will help the Northumberland National Park Authority assess how to protect the site.
Park archaeologist Paul Frodsham said: "On account of all the rabbit burrows, this site has been likened to a Swiss cheese."
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