Discovery of Neolithic Burial Mounds
German archaeologists have made a significant discovery while excavating an industrial park near Magdeburg, where Intel plans to build new semiconductor plants. The State Office for Heritage Management and Archaeology Saxony-Anhalt uncovered a complex ancient burial ground dating back approximately 6,000 years.
Spectacular Findings
The burial site, located in the Eulenberg municipality, contained two “monumental mounds” with wooden grave chambers housing multiple burials. Among the remarkable findings was a chariot grave, where cattle were sacrificed and buried alongside a human body, mimicking a cart with a driver or a plow pulled by the animals.
Significance of the Discovery
Archaeologists described the findings as “spectacular,” indicating that the landscape remained crucial for prehistoric people over an extended period. The burial mounds were attributed to the Baalberg group, an ancient Neolithic culture in central Germany, shedding light on their ritualistic practices and reverence for cattle as an offering to the gods.
Continued Excavations
Excavations at the Eulenberg site and the surrounding area are ongoing, with archaeologists expecting further insights into the ancient rituals and traditions of the region. The discoveries highlight the historical significance of the land earmarked for modern development, bridging the gap between the past and present.