In a remarkable archaeological discovery in the Danube Plain, near Riedlingen, Baden-Württemberg (Germany), an early Celtic burial chamber has come to light. This find is located at the center of a large burial mound, whose monumental structure stretches 65 meters in diameter and still retains a height close to 2 meters, although in its original period, it likely reached over 6 meters.
These dimensions place it in the exclusive category of the so-called “princely burial mounds”, built between 620 and 450 BC for the Celtic elites of southwestern Germany.
Andrea Lindlohr, State Secretary for Regional Development and Housing of Baden-Württemberg, highlighted the importance of this find during a press conference held at the site: The newly discovered burial chamber is an exceptional testament to our rich cultural heritage. Even after 2,600 years since its construction, it remains completely intact.
Professor Dr. Dirk Krausse, lead archaeologist of the Landesamt für Denkmalpflege in Stuttgart, commented on the relevance of this find for archaeology: The discovery of the Riedlingen tomb is a stroke of luck. Its state of preservation, along with modern analysis methods, has a scientific impact that transcends the borders of Baden-Württemberg and southern Germany.
Excavations will continue over the coming weeks, with the aim of completing them before the end of the year. The team of archaeologists is using advanced excavation, documentation, and restoration technologies to ensure the preservation and detailed study of the artifacts.
Dr. Roberto Tarpini, in charge of leading the excavations, emphasized the importance of the analyses that will follow after the conclusion of the excavations. These studies may shed light on key questions, such as the identity of the person buried in this monumental tomb. He also highlighted that the preservation of the wooden elements, including the walls, floor, and ceiling of the chamber, has been possible thanks to the site’s particular hydrological conditions, which have preserved the wood under groundwater.
One of the greatest surprises for the excavation team was the discovery of an oak wood burial chamber, located just 70 centimeters below the surface. This unique structure was crafted from sturdy oak planks, showcasing the complexity and solidity of the construction. The chamber measures approximately 3.40 meters wide and 4.05 meters long, with walls that originally reached 1 meter in height. Its roof, built from layers of thick oak planks, demonstrates a high level of architectural engineering, perhaps designed to protect the burial from potential looters.
The preservation of a wooden chamber in such good condition is a rarity in archaeology, as wood generally does not survive underground for so long. This discovery allows for dendrochronological analysis (based on tree growth rings), which has already revealed that the tomb was built around 585 BC.
Despite efforts to protect the tomb, evidence of tunnels dug by looters has been documented in the southeast corner of the chamber. These looters, likely contemporaneous with the burial, accessed the interior through a small hole, just 40 by 45 centimeters, and managed to strip the interior of any valuable items. So far, archaeologists have not found metal objects or other valuable materials in the chamber’s soil, suggesting that the looting was systematic and meticulous.
However, some remains of bronze and iron nails recovered suggest that the chamber may have contained a four-wheeled chariot, similar to those found in other elite Celtic tombs, such as the famous burial of the Hochdorf prince. While it is still unclear whether the tomb’s occupant was male or female, several well-preserved human bones have been found, preliminarily identified as belonging to a young male, between 15 and 20 years old.
In addition to the main burial, archaeologists have discovered other human remains near the surface of the mound. Among them are the bones of a man between 25 and 35 years old, along with two bronze fibulae and a small rock crystal, suggesting that this individual was buried secondarily in the mound, likely around 500 BC.
A small pit with two ceramic urns containing cremated remains, dated around 600 BC, was also found.
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