Archaeological findings and preservation in Germany

Archaeological activities in Germany involve both large-scale preservation and new site excavations. In Lübeck, the city’s archaeological treasure chamber, located in a former munitions factory, manages a collection estimated by Chief archaeologist Dirk Rieger to contain up to 14 million items, including gold coins and ancient pottery. The facility employs 3D technology to digitize these artifacts.

Recent excavations have expanded the understanding of ancient habitation across several regions. In Leipzig-Möckern, preparations for a new primary school led to the discovery of a 7,000-year-old settlement belonging to the Linearbandkeramik culture. This site includes house foundations and a Neolithic ‘hockergrab’ (crouched burial), identified as the oldest known burial in the Leipzig area.

In the Wartburgkreis region, ongoing excavations at a Südlink power line construction site between Unterellen and Lauchröden have revealed a large settlement from the late Bronze and early Iron Ages. Findings include house outlines, tools, pottery shards, and animal bones.

Additionally, near Albisheim, researchers have released findings from a lavish burial site dating back over 3,000 years discovered during construction development. The site features an enigmatic gold object found beneath a bronze bowl. Investigations suggest the gold item was intentionally crafted in its specific form and joined with organic materials using small nails and cord-like structures.