Hill

Lore & Background

The distinction between a hill and a mountain is unclear and largely subjective. Some definitions include a topographical prominence requirement, typically 100 feet or 500 feet. In Scotland, mountains are frequently referred to as 'hills' regardless of height, as seen in names like the Cuillin Hills and Torridon Hills. In Wales, the distinction is based on land use and appearance, not height. The United States Geological Survey has concluded that these terms have no technical definitions in the US. The Great Soviet Encyclopedia defined a hill as an upland with a relative height of up to 200 m.

Reader's Guide

Hills have played a significant role in human settlement, defense, and military strategy. Many settlements were originally built on hills to avoid floods, for defense, or to avoid densely forested areas. Ancient Rome was built on seven hills, helping to protect it from invaders. In the Middle East, artificial hills known as 'tells' consist of debris accumulated over generations. In Northern Europe, ancient monuments such as hillforts of the Iron Age are sited on hills. In Britain, many churches at hilltops were built on earlier pagan holy sites. The Washington National Cathedral was built on the highest hill in Washington, D.C. Hills provide military advantages: elevated views, firing positions, and cover. The Great Wall of China was built on hilltops for defense. Hillwalking is a popular British activity, with hills categorized on lists such as Munros and Wainwrights. Annual events like Cooper's Hill Cheese-Rolling and Wake involve rolling a cheese wheel down a hill.

Did You Know?

• The United States Geological Survey has concluded that the terms 'hill' and 'mountain' have no technical definitions in the US.
• In Scotland, mountains are frequently referred to as 'hills' regardless of height, as in the Cuillin Hills and Torridon Hills.
• The Great Soviet Encyclopedia defined a hill as an upland with a relative height of up to 200 m (660 ft).
• Artificial hills may be referred to as mounds or tumuli, and notable examples include Sophienhöhe in Germany (200 m) and Silbury Hill in England (40 m).