Bronze Age grave robber exposes: insights into old predator stories!

Bronze Age grave robber exposes: insights into old predator stories!

In the archaeological studies as part of the project to the Stromtrasse Südostlink, archaeologists came across a spectacular case of grave robbery from the Bronze Age. Two graves were excavated by looters in a hill grave near Nauendorf in the Saalekreis. Susanne Friederich, who heads the project, explained that the grave goods were probably selected in a targeted manner, which indicates that the predatory graves were known to the deceased person. "It can be seen much step by step how the grave molesters went," noted Friederich. The graves were not fully exposed, but openly opened in three places to minimize the effort, especially in the head and chest area as well as on the calves and feet.

suspicious methods of the grave robber

The looters seem to be primarily targeting valuable jewelry elements. In those places where the graves were opened, the stones that normally covered the grave were missing. This suggests that the robbers knew exactly where the most valuable additions were. Jonathan Schulz, the local excavation manager, added that the dead were buried without interference during the then hallermost group, but only in a surface with stone packs. A location that was clearly visible, probably to emphasize the importance of the buried people who were buried there with significant additions.

Further archaeological studies along the approximately 150-kilometer-long electricity route, which runs through Saxony-Anhalt, are planned by 2025. The entire route extends over 540 kilometers, from Wolmirstedt near Magdeburg to the Isar location near Landshut in Bavaria. The discoveries in Nauendorf impressively show that interest in the historical graves is not only of archaeological value, but also indicates the knowledge and practices of the community at that time. While the researchers deal with these significant finds, it remains to be seen which other secrets the earth still harbors, such as MDR reported href = "https://www.zeit.de/news/2024-12/17/Raubgraebern-aus-der-bronzezeit-auf-der-pur"> The time reported .