Rare Iron Age Structure Found in Germany During Construction Work

The preserved timbers, astir 2400 years old. Credit: BLfD

Archaeologists person uncovered a uncommon Iron Age operation dating backmost to the 4th period BC during operation enactment on the Main River successful Aschaffenburg, Germany.

The find was made during excavation enactment for a stormwater overflow basin northbound of the Willigis Bridge, according to the Bavarian State Office for Monument Protection, known arsenic BLfD.

Workers uncovered antithetic woody remains successful March 2026 during heavy excavation enactment adjacent the river. Officials aboriginal alerted the BLfD, which launched archaeological investigations astatine the site.

Researchers said the find came arsenic a astonishment due to the fact that nary archaeological monument had antecedently been identified oregon suspected successful the operation country earlier improvement began.

Ancient oak beams uncover unexpected age

The remains were recovered astir 8 meters (26.2 feet) beneath crushed and were remarkably good preserved. Archaeologists initially believed the operation dated to the aboriginal modern oregon modern play due to the fact that past wood seldom survives successful specified condition.

A 3D reconstruction representation shows the remarkably preserved Iron Age woody structure. Credit: BLfD

That changed aft scientists astatine the BLfD’s dendrochronology laboratory successful Thierhaupten analyzed samples taken from respective oak beams.

Researchers utilized tree-ring dating methods to comparison the timber samples with determination oak-ring records. The investigation showed the trees had been chopped down and utilized successful operation during the 4th period BC, placing the operation firmly wrong the Iron Age.

Dr. Stefanie Berg, caput of the Department for Archaeological Heritage Protection astatine the BLfD, explained that the operation of the exceptional determination connected the banks of the Main River, the outstanding preservation, the unsocial wood-and-stone construction, and the Iron Age dating makes this find unique.

Rare operation raises technological interest

Detail of the mortared wall. Credit: BLfD

Berg said aboriginal excavation results suggest the operation was built utilizing monolithic oak beams arranged successful a blase design. Researchers besides uncovered a dry-stone partition facing the Main River, a uncommon diagnostic for Iron Age construction.

According to Berg, chromatic masonry from that play is uncommon and is usually linked to antiaircraft structures specified arsenic fortified walls.

Experts said the find could supply invaluable caller accusation astir Iron Age colony patterns successful confederate Germany.

Previous finds astir Aschaffenburg’s aged town, including an animal-head fibula, a golden digit ring, and isolated colony remains, had already pointed to the beingness of a important La Tène-period community. However, researchers said small is known astir however the colony was organized.

Excavation enactment continues astatine the heavy operation site

Archaeologists anticipation the recently discovered riverside operation volition assistance explicate the relation and improvement of the ancient settlement.

Excavation and documentation enactment are continuing successful coordination with metropolis authorities. Officials said the excavation presents large method challenges due to the fact that the operation pit reaches depths of up to 10 meters (32.8 feet).

Archaeologists, engineers, and information teams are moving unneurotic to unafraid the tract portion researchers proceed studying what whitethorn go 1 of Bavaria’s astir important caller Iron Age discoveries.