Bronze Age secrets: A sword from Itzstedt inspires archaeologists!

Bronze Age secrets: A sword from Itzstedt inspires archaeologists!

In Itzstedt, a small town in the Segeberg district, archaeologists have made remarkable finds during excavations that date back to the Bronze Age. A few weeks ago, a particularly well-preserved 65 centimeter long sword was discovered in a central burial mound. Excavation director Matthias Lindemann believes that the deceased belonged to an influential layer of society at the time. In addition to the sword, which was fiercely fought over to maintain its shape and was contaminated with numerous organic residues, the researchers also found a ceramic vessel and small pieces of jewelry in the grave, which together enable an exciting journey into the past.

The first burial mound, on the other hand, was badly damaged and significantly eroded by agricultural activities. Lindemann estimates that there were once numerous burial mounds in Schleswig-Holstein, of which very few are still well preserved. These hills are not only important for the history of the region, but also shape the landscape of northern Germany. They are often found on hills or along old paths.

A look into Bronze Age burial practices

The time frame in which these burial mounds were built is between 1300 and 700 BC. These so-called tumuli served as the final resting place for important people, including influential tribesmen, warriors and kings. They were usually buried with valuables that reflected the social status of the deceased. Men were often given weapons, while women were often accompanied in the grave by jewelry and sometimes daggers.

In terms of construction, the burial mounds are typically round, made of piled earth and contain a burial chamber in the middle. Sometimes they were decorated with stone statues or other symbols. The cricket of Celtic burial practices often included grave goods such as drinking vessels, leftover food, and sometimes even entire carts with horses. All of this shows that the sometimes sophisticated beliefs of the time were closely linked to the idea of ​​life after death.

Challenges and opportunities in excavations

Excavation specialist Heiko Drebitz, who unearthed the sword, emphasizes the need for respect in such work, as many finds represent a direct connection to our history. Despite the challenges, such as the laborious transport of the heavily rusted sword in a block to the Archaeological State Museum at Gottorf Castle for restoration, the discovery is a highlight of the excavations to date.

Apart from the valuable finds, these excavations also signal that stones and historical symbols are present in contemporary frames Our people were educated. The findings help to better understand our ideas about the past and inheritance. The burial mounds are a lasting testimony to Celtic burial rituals, which also played an important role in the region around Itzstedt.

So it remains to be hoped that the upcoming excavations can bring further Bronze Age secrets to light. With each discovery, we paint a clearer picture of the people who lived in this region thousands of years ago.