Sensational find: Over 10,000 artifacts from the Neolithic period discovered!

Sensational find: Over 10,000 artifacts from the Neolithic period discovered!

Archaeologists have discovered a true Neolithic treasure in the Saale-Holzland district, specifically in Walpernhain, which could significantly expand the understanding of our early history. This was made possible as part of a construction project for a large power line, the SuedOstLink. As the construction work progressed, archaeologists accompanied the work to secure historical objects. This led to a groundbreaking discovery: the remains of several houses and a variety of impressive artifacts, including flint tools, specialized stone tools for woodworking and ceramics. So far, over 10,000 finds have been recovered, underlining the importance of this site. According to the Thuringian State Office for Monument Preservation and Archeology, these are finds of outstanding relevance for research into the Neolithic period and its techniques.

The settlement, which lasted from around 4,900 to 4,500 BC. It is dated to the 1st century BC and belongs to the culture of the engraved pottery, which illustrates the diversity of the early historical settlement in this region. In the pits of the uncovered houses, not only tools for woodworking were discovered, but also workplaces for stoneworking, which provide insights into the technological developments of the time. This opened up new perspectives for archaeologists on the processing of materials and the way of life of the population at the time. The discovery fits seamlessly into the archaeological research of recent years, in which important finds such as burial sites and traces of settlement from the Corded Pottery culture have already been made. These finds not only show the diversity of burial rites, but also cultural influences and exchange structures in the region.

Tangible finds and their significance

For scientists, this site represents a huge pool of knowledge. With over 10,000 discovered artifacts, they can gain deeper insights into the techniques and everyday life of people in the Neolithic Age. The discovery of stone processing workshops is a particularly valuable aspect as it makes it possible to reconstruct the craftsmanship and processing technologies of different types of rock. These findings are relevant not only to archeology, but also to the general understanding of human development in the region.

A look back shows that archaeological excavations have been taking place in the Saale-Holzland district since 2011. Numerous finds were made here, including graves from the Neolithic Corded Pottery culture from the period between 2,800 and 2,200 BC. In addition, evidence of a more ancient use of the site, such as a “pit alignment” from the late Bronze Age to the early Iron Age, were discovered. This fits ideally into the context of the general settlement history of the area, which always offers exciting insights. Further results show that the site was used not only as a settlement site, but also as a long-term burial site.

The current excavations are not isolated, but are part of a broader research project that is intended to contribute to the reconstruction of the settlement structures in the microregion. The cooperation with companies like CIECH Soda Deutschland ensures that the historical heritage is not only preserved but also researched. It remains exciting to see what further findings from Walpernhain will come to light. In the future, the area could be very popular as a key location for understanding the - often still unknown - lifestyles of our ancestors in the Neolithic period and beyond.

We can't wait to see what other treasures the archaeologists discover during their excavations and how these will influence our perception of historical cultures. Who knows, maybe the coming time will bring some more sensations to the surface!

For more information on this exciting discovery visit Thuringia24, The Thuringians and Archeology Online.