Wednesday, February 2, 2011

Rare discovery of intact Celtic tomb

German Archaeologists Uncover Celtic Treasure
Der Spiegel: Archaeologists in Germany have discovered a 2,600-year-old Celtic tomb containing ornate jewellery of gold and amber. They say the grave is unusually well preserved and should provide important insights into early Celtic culture...

The subterranean chamber measuring four by five meters was uncovered near the prehistoric Heuneburg hill fort near the town of Herbertingen in south-western Germany... The find is a 'milestone for the reconstruction of the social history of the Celts,' [said] archaeologist Dirk Krausse, the director of the dig...

The intact oak floor should allow archaeologists to ascertain the precise age of the tomb through tree-ring dating. This is rarely possible with Celtic finds because the Celts left behind no writings and their buildings, usually made from wood and clay, have long since crumbled away.

Krausse said the artefacts found suggest that a woman from the Heuneburg aristocracy was buried there... Heuneburg is regarded as one of the most important Celtic settlements and was a vital training center during the period between 620 and 480 BC.
Image source here.