German archaeologists make stunning discovery in mediaeval castle

 

BERLIN – Archaeologists in Germany, at the site of a former medieval imperial palace in Helfta near Eisleben, have made significant discoveries. These include the remnants of outer castle fortifications, pit houses, and a subsequent castle.

Felix Biermann, the leader of the project from the Saxony-Anhalt State Office for the Preservation of Monuments and Archaeology, stated that within the two outer castles surrounding the fortified imperial palace, there is evidence of a densely populated area with numerous pit houses.

This finding provides crucial insights into the structural layout of the imperial palace and sheds light on the areas where common people resided, worked, and contributed to the economic underpinnings of the Carolingian-Ottonian center of power.

Furthermore, the archaeologists uncovered two graves in a previously unknown Carolingian-period cemetery. According to Biermann, the interred bodies are believed to be those of a married couple who lived in the 9th Century.

The male occupant was buried with various iron grave goods, including a knife, a belt set, and a staff of office fitting. This suggests that the man may have held a higher social status, indicating he was a person of significance within the community.