Between August and October of this year, the Landesamt für Denkmalpflege (LAD) of Stuttgart, Germany, conducted a new phase of archaeological investigations in Altenburg, located in the municipality of Jestetten, just a few kilometers from the Rhine Falls. This site, known as the oppidum of Altenburg-Rheinau, was one of the largest and most significant Celtic settlements north of the Alps during the 1st century BC.
The findings have shed light on the daily life of this community and highlighted the central role of this city in Mediterranean trade and as a hub of specialized artisanal activities.
The oppidum of Altenburg-Rheinau occupies two peninsulas: the Schwaben peninsula, on the German side, and the Au peninsula, on the Swiss side, both enclosed by defensive walls. Previous research, such as the studies conducted in the 1970s by the University of Tübingen, had already provided information about the organization of the settlement over a total area of 320 hectares.
The most recent excavations, carried out between 2022 and 2024 by the LAD, have expanded our knowledge of the structures and activities at this site.
During this year’s campaign, conducted in areas near the main defensive wall known as “Schanz,” multiple filled pits were identified. According to Dr. Günther Wieland, project director and specialist in the Metal Ages, these pits, up to 2.5 meters deep, exhibit distinct fill layers and were likely originally used for food storage. Additionally, remnants of underground structures with access through ramps or earthen stairs were discovered, possibly serving as cellars or storage facilities.
However, evidence of residential buildings is scarce. Only one square-plan post structure was uncovered, interpreted as a possible warehouse rather than a dwelling.
Among the most remarkable finds are fragments of local ceramics and imported items such as Italian amphorae used to transport wine, a luxury good highly prized by the Celtic elite. Numerous Celtic coins were also recovered, evidence of a monetary economy that facilitated long-distance trade.
According to Wieland, these discoveries confirm the existence of a well-structured trade network connecting the oppidum with the Mediterranean.
An exceptional find was a bone stylus, a writing instrument used to inscribe on wax tablets, discovered during the 2023 excavations.
This object not only demonstrates the use of writing at the settlement but also underscores the administrative and economic sophistication necessary to sustain extensive trade exchanges.
Personal items discovered, such as fibulae and bronze and iron buckles decorated with intricate designs, provide insights into the daily life and fashion of the oppidum inhabitants. Additionally, the analysis of animal bone remains, mostly cattle, suggests an economy based on organized livestock farming and specialized meat production.
The excavations would not have been possible without the collaboration of volunteers and logistical support from the local community. In October, numerous individuals had the opportunity to visit the site and witness ongoing research. Looking ahead, new excavations are planned for 2025, aiming to further unveil the secrets of this fascinating Celtic settlement.
- Share on:
Discover more from LBV Magazine English Edition
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
A Shipwreck from the 6th Century BC, Stone and Iron Anchors, Found Off the Southern Coast of Sicily
A highly significant archaeological discovery has come to light in the waters of Santa Maria del Focallo, in the municipality of Ispica, Ragusa province, Sicily. During an underwater excavation campaign,…
A heroon with intact tombs filled with luxurious jewels and lions sculpted in Pentelic marble, found in the ancient Greek city of Ripes in Achaea
At the beginning of October, the systematic archaeological excavation season concluded on the Trapezá plateau, located eight kilometers southwest of Aigio, Greece. This site is identified with the ancient city…
Statue Possibly Representing Cleopatra VII and Numerous Coins Featuring Her Effigy Found at the Temple of Taposiris Magna, West of Alexandria
The Egyptian-Dominican archaeological mission, led by Dr. Kathleen Martínez in collaboration with the National University Pedro Henríquez Ureña (UNPHU), has made new discoveries at the Temple of Taposiris Magna, located…
Roman Soldier Flaccus’ Tomb Discovered in the Netherlands, Dating to the Late 1st Century BCE
In late November 2024, during archaeological investigations conducted in Heerlen (Netherlands), an exceptional discovery was made: the tomb of a Roman soldier named Flaccus. This find, dating to the late…
The Mystery of the Mardaites: The Christian Highlanders Who Maintained Their Autonomy Between Byzantium and the Caliphate
In the province of Hatay, in southern Turkey, there is a mountain range locally known as Nur Dağları. Arabs call it Jabal al-Lukkam, and in Spanish, its Greek name, Amanus,…
The Jaxartes River, the Battle Where Alexander Defeated the Scythians Using Catapults, Wounded and with Nearly His Entire Army Sick with Dysentery
As its name indicates, the Spanish Cape of Finisterre (finis terrae) was considered in Antiquity as the westernmost limit of the known world. But where was the eastern border located…
Nature of the Enigmatic “Armas de la tierra” of the Coronado Expedition in the 16th Century Revealed
Recent research has unveiled the nature of the weaponry used by Francisco Vázquez de Coronado’s expedition (which crossed the present-day U.S. states of Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, Oklahoma and Kansas),…
A Megalography Depicting a Rare Mythological Scene of Achilles and Bronze Statuettes Found in a Roman “Domus” in Reims
The urban organization of Durocortorum, the Gallo-Roman city now known as Reims in France, faithfully adhered to the principles of Roman urbanism. The city was divided into blocks bounded by…
Neolithic Rondel Found in Poland Reveals These Ceremonial Centers May Have Been Managed by Organizations Similar to Secret Societies 7,000 Years Ago
An archaeological discovery in the locality of Nowe Objezierze, in the northwest of Poland, has led to a significant breakthrough in understanding the Neolithic societies of Central Europe. An interdisciplinary…
New Geoarchaeological Evidence Challenges the Identification of Kalkriese Hill as the place of the Battle of the Teutoburg Forest
Kalkriese Hill, located in northwestern Germany, has been identified for decades as a potential site of the historic Battle of the Teutoburg Forest in 9 CE, a decisive confrontation between…
Something went wrong. Please refresh the page and/or try again.
