Archaeological discoveries in Saxony-Anhalt shed light on the history of the region
In Germany, archaeologists have just discovered a rare underground tunnel dug inside an ancient burial complex. This discovery was made near the village of Rheinstedt in Saxony-Anhalt before the construction of wind energy facilities.
According to Arkeonews magazine, research on the Dornberg hill has shown that the site has had ritual significance for more than 4 thousand years. Traces of different eras were found here: a trapezoidal ditch of the Baalberg culture (IV century BC), Neolithic tombs and possibly a bronze mound. Of particular interest is the late medieval tunnel, carved directly into the Neolithic ditch.
The object found is Erdstahl, a rare system of narrow underground passages in Northern Germany. Scientists are still arguing about the purpose of such tunnels: some consider them shelters, others consider them ceremonial or symbolic structures.
Archaeologists initially thought they had found a long tomb, but further excavations revealed it was a tunnel. Its height is about 1–1.25 meters, width 50–70 cm. Inside, a horseshoe, pottery shards, fox skeletons, bones of small mammals and a thin layer of charcoal were found. The lack of signs of intense heating of the soil indicates the use of fire for a short period of time. There is an accumulation of large rocks at the entrance, which may indicate that the tunnel was deliberately backfilled after use.
Archaeologists are interested in why medieval residents chose this particular location to make a tunnel. Perhaps the ditch is visible in the relief and served as a landmark, or the site associated with pagan burials was avoided by the people, making it a convenient hiding place. This discovery shows how traces from different eras are intertwined in one place.
