In the south of Saxony-Anhalt, archaeologists have discovered new testimonials from Salzmünder Culture-a very special regional culture of the Neolithic Age. The finds comprise twelve round sacrificial pits, in which dead or dead parts were buried 5400 to 5000 years ago as part of complex rituals. The special thing about it: these grave pits were located in buildings that were lit and destroyed as part of the burials. Why this culture developed such complex, presumably time -consuming funeral rituals is so far unclear.
In the Neolithic period between 3400 and 3000 BC, a sub -group of funnel cup culture was widespread in the area of the Middle Elbe and Saale – the Salzmünder Culture. It is named after the site of a fortified height settlement, which was discovered in 1921 in Salzmünde, around seven kilometers west of Halle an der Saale. Her graves and burial rites are particularly striking at the Salzmünder Culture. Because the people not only buried their dead in a crouched side position in burial ground, but also seem to have carried out special rituals and sacrifices. The dead buried in this framework can be found in round mines that were lined with a thick layer of ceramic shards and stones – and which are often located in remnants of burned houses. The dead often show signs of violence, were released or disassembled after their death.
Dog skeleton, skull and the residue of houses
Now archaeologists from the State Office for Monument Conservation and Archeology of Saxony-Anhalt have come across an entire collection of such burial pits. They discovered them as part of excavations in the run-up to the building of the Suedostlink-Stromtrasse. At various points in the route, these preparatory examinations have been promoted several exciting finds, since the region between the southern regional border of Saxony-Anhalt and Wolmirstedt in the Börde district has been populated for millennia. At Gerstewitz in the Burgenland district, the team has now uncovered twelve grave pits within an area protected by the trenches, which contained remnants of burned houses and offerings. The pits are around two to three meters wide and two to 2.50 meters deep.
One of the pits contained two complete ceramic vessels, which, according to the situation and preservation, was probably the offerings, as the state office reports. In another pit, the archaeologists found a weathered dog skeleton that was still preserved in the intact anatomical association, although the bones have traces of fire. There was a human skull right next to these dog bones, which surprisingly showed no traces of weathering. According to the archaeologists, this indicates that these sacrificial pits probably remained open longer – possibly in the context of longer or repeated ritual acts. It would also be conceivable that the dog bones were initially stored elsewhere before their burial in the pit.
Rituals in a change of upheaval
In addition to the classic grave pits in Gerstewitz, there is also an unusual rescue in addition to the classic grave pits: two dead, which had apparently been laid out elsewhere, were laid down in a converted oven pit and buried. According to the state office, this testifies, as well as the grave pits and symbolic objects such as decorated splendid cockets and drums from the complex, multi -stage rituals of the Salzmünder culture characterized by agriculture and cattle breeding. The deceased relatives and ancestors seem to have played a particularly role in everyday life for the people of this Neolithic culture – they may be considered a protective spirits and were therefore buried and honored in the context of special rituals. The skulls of the dead were apparently a particularly important part of the ceremonies, as the state office explains.
This raises the question of why the people of this region at the time agree to their dead and ancestors so much important and devoted so many rituals to them. So far, archaeologists can only answer this in parts. A possible explanation would be that people hoped for protection and help against the deteriorating climate conditions of the time. In addition, people of the Bernburg culture came into the distribution area of Salzmünder Culture from the north at the time. According to the state office, the rituals could have developed in the context of this crisis phase: one hoped for the increased support of the ancestors.
Source: State Office for the Preservation of Monuments and Archeology Saxony-Anhalt-State Museum for Prehistory
