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Sensational find: 10,000 artifacts from the Neolithic period discovered!
Archaeologists discovered over 10,000 artifacts from a Neolithic settlement in the Saale-Holzland district near Walpernhain.
Sensational find: 10,000 artifacts from the Neolithic period discovered!
In the Saale-Holzland district, more precisely near Walpernhain, archaeologists made a fabulous discovery during preliminary investigations for the planned SuedOstLink power line. This site contains the remains of a more than 6,500-year-old settlement of the Stitched Pottery culture, dating from 4,900 to 4,500 BC. The experts from the Thuringian State Office for Monument Preservation and Archeology unearthed a large number of artifacts that could significantly expand our understanding of the way of life in the Neolithic Age. Thüringen24 reports that over 10,000 finds have been recovered so far, including flint artifacts, stone tools for woodworking and a variety of ceramic objects.
As part of the construction project for the power line, around six to seven houses were excavated, which were up to 17 x 9 meters in size and had numerous post pits. These pits are up to one meter deep and bear witness to the architecture of the time. The discoveries not only provide interesting insights into the construction and work techniques that existed at the time, but are also of great interest for the reconstruction of processing technologies for different types of rock. According to the Thuringian State Office, the outstanding importance of these finds for archeology and historical science is confirmed.
The spectacular artifacts
The variety of artifacts found in the settlement's pits is remarkable. Archaeology42 highlights that the finds range from specialized woodworking equipment, drill cores and attrition mills to decorated ceramics. The stoneworking workshops that have also been identified are particularly fascinating as they provide insight into the technological capabilities of the people of the period. It is believed that the tool techniques and materials used at the time need to be re-evaluated.
The excavations and the power line
The excavations are taking place as part of preliminary investigations that have been carried out for around 30 km of the SuedOstLink route since August 2021. Further construction-related investigations are to be carried out in the other sections of the route by 2024. The Thuringian State Office has already announced that it will accompany the work until 2027, thereby ensuring that these historic sites are given priority while construction activities continue. Diethüringer describes that the discoveries are not only important for the archeology of ello, but also for the understanding of the early history of the region.
Overall, the site near Walpernhain promises to offer further spectacular insights into the life and techniques of the Neolithic population and could thus have a lasting impact on our image of this era. The discoveries show once again how important it is to take preliminary archaeological investigations seriously and to honor the connections to the past.