Stone Age graves discovered on Intel site
Graves and burial mounds from two Stone Age cultures have been discovered on the future site of the US chip manufacturer Intel in Magdeburg. "Two 6,000-year-old burials from the Baalberg culture have been uncovered on a hill, today's Eulenberg," said archaeologist and project manager from the State Office for Monument Preservation and Archaeology, Susanne Friederich, on Wednesday. "Burials on hills are typical of the Baalberg culture, whereas their settlements are mainly found on slopes."
The two graves were located in a trapezoidal area around 30 meters long and 10 meters wide, which was probably once enclosed by wood. This construction indicates a kind of mortuary hut. "The foundations of the former mortuary building can still be seen in the ground today. A mound of earth was probably placed on top of it," said Xandra Dalidowski, local coordinator of the large-scale excavations. "One of the bodies was accompanied by a vessel. One dead man was around 30 years old, the other died at a young age between 12 and 18. The sex of the deceased could not be determined." The central German Baalberg culture is in the tradition of the first sedentary settlers in Europe. Cattle breeding was of central importance to them.
The remains of three Corded Ware burial mounds dating back around 4500 years are also currently being uncovered. "The foundation trench is always clearly recognizable. This was dug so that the material above the graves was not immediately washed away by the rain. In most cases, stone slabs or wooden palisades also prevented the earth from flowing away," said the archaeologist. There is a so-called finding in a burial mound - further excavations will show whether it is a dead body.
The archaeologists expect to find further traces of settlement on the site. The main settlement area of Intel, including the connections, will be ready by the end of 2023, said Friederich. The areas of the upstream area are to be archaeologically investigated by the end of February 2024. "There is no risk to the Intel site."
In March 2022, Intel announced that it would be producing the latest generation of chips in the state capital of Saxony-Anhalt from 2027. Two semiconductor plants are to be built in the first stage of expansion.
The archaeological findings at the Intel site reveal that the Baalberg culture, known for their settlements on slopes and burials on hills, practiced archaeology during the Stone Age. The excavations also uncovered three Corded Ware burial mounds, showcasing the significance of archaeology in understanding the history of the Central German region.
Source: www.dpa.com
