Archaeology
'Astonishing' Neolithic burial containing a human, cattle and chariot discovered in Germany
Archaeologists in Germany have discovered a Neolithic burial ground containing human and animal remains and the remnants of a chariot that may have been part of an ancient ritual.
The excavation site is located at an industrial park near Magdeburg, the capital of the German state of Saxony-Anhalt. It includes a pair of 6,000-year-old "monumental mounds" that contain multiple burials, according to a statement from the State Office for Monument Preservation and Archaeology of Saxony-Anhalt.
However, one burial in particular stands out, and researchers think it could be part of a ritualistic offering. This conclusion is based on the unique positioning of the skeletal remains of a man who was 35 to 40 years old when he died, two cattle and a chariot, which were placed in such a way to create "the image of a cart with a driver or a plow pulled by cattle," according to the statement.
Researchers stressed the importance of the burial, since it "symbolize[s] that with the cattle the most important possession, the security of one's own livelihood, was offered to the gods," they wrote in the statement.
Related: Remains of 2,000-year-old sheep-drawn chariot discovered near 'Terracotta Army' in China
Archaeologists traced one of the burial mounds to the people behind the Baalberg (also spelled Baalberge) group, a Neolithic culture that existed in Germany between 4100 and 3600 B.C. That mound includes two large, trapezoidal wood burial chambers measuring 66 feet (20 meters) long and 98 feet (30 m) long. Each chamber is spaced approximately 660 feet (200 m) apart.
—Dozens of Neolithic burials and 'sacrificed' urns and ax discovered in France
—Largest-ever genetic family tree reconstructed for Neolithic people in France using ancient DNA
—Pottery, swords and jewelry: Rich Stone Age and early medieval graves found in Germany
About 5,000 years ago, the expanse separating the two burial mounds was used as a "processional route where cattle were sacrificed, and people [were] buried," according to the statement. Researchers called the ritualistic usage of this area "astonishing" and concluded that the area was "important for prehistoric people over a long period of time."
-
Archaeology6h ago
The ferocioυs Freпch force creatiпg waves iп the Middle East is Dassaυlt Rafale.criss
-
Archaeology11h ago
The Echidna, or “Mother of Monsters” in Greek mythology, is a human-snake hybrid that lives in a cave.
-
Archaeology11h ago
Archaeologists are concerned after discovering a mystery giant shoe house in the English woods with an old woman
-
Archaeology13h ago
Gettiпg Ready for the $1 billioп US Stealth Aircraft Laυпch.criss
-
Archaeology19h ago
Armed to the Teeth: Cυttiпg-Edge Weapoпry Eqυipped oп Military Helicopters.criss
-
Archaeology1d ago
The corпerstoпe of the US Army’s attack helicopter fleet is the AH-64D Apache.criss
-
Archaeology1d ago
Heavy metals in Beethoven's hair may explain his deafness, study finds
-
Archaeology1d ago
Mysterious L-shaped structure found near Egyptian pyramids of Giza baffles scientists