Scandal for fake skulls: Focus on Rhineland-Palatinate!

Scandal for fake skulls: Focus on Rhineland-Palatinate!

In Rhineland-Palatinate, an unusual case causes a sensation: an archaeologist is said to have manipulated finds for years. These are human skulls that were initially considered older. Inner State Secretary Simone Schneider (SPD) expressed the suspicion that this officer of the General Directorate Cultural Heritage (GDKE) deliberately fake data, which results in a disciplinary examination.

The archaeologist, who initially is considered a single offender, is currently in the hearing process. The accusation weighs seriously: he could lose his civil servant relationship. Previous studies show that at least 21 skulls and skull fragments that dated were inaccurate. Only two of the fragments found probably came from the fifth century BC; The rest, on the other hand, are younger and belong either to the Middle Ages or in modern times.

secret request from a university

The review was initiated by a confidential request from a university, which increased doubts about a dissertation of the affected man. The focus is on various finds that were issued as archaeologically important, which were exhibited in both Koblenz and outside the state. One skull in particular played a central role in a significant exhibition on the 70th anniversary of Rhineland-Palatinate, which took place in the Mainz State Museum 2017/2018.

Schneider emphasized the urgency of informing the public about the situation in order to avert further scientific damage. She explained that the basic history of Rhineland-Palatinate did not have to be questioned by these incidents. The locations are still known: they come from emergency excavations in the Koblenz area in which archaeological objects are secured, often when earthwork is pending.

To ensure that there are no further manipulations, GdKE director Heike Otto announced that all outstanding finds are subjected to a thorough review. You start in Koblenz with this analysis. In view of the importance of archaeological finds as the foundation of regional identity, it is crucial that the integrity of science is preserved. Schneider confirmed: "The story of Rhineland-Palatinate does not have to be rewritten." Further details and information on the case can be found here .