In a remarkable discovery, archaeologists in southern Germany have unearthed the remnants of a forgotten medieval settlement during routine excavation work. Dating to between the 9th to the 13th century, the site includes the remains of a church.
While preparing the grounds for new construction at the Federal Office for Radiation Protection (BfS) in Oberschleißheim, a suburn of Munich, archaeologists stumbled upon the remains of a settlement, which also includes the foundations of homes, ovens, pit houses, and earth cellars.
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The discovery is particularly noteworthy given that there were initially no clear indicators of a settlement or church at the site. However, after thorough research of historical maps and documents, experts believe they may have identified the location’s name: Wagrain. At the heart of the settlement, archaeologists uncovered the foundation of a church with a recessed apse. Surrounding the church, they found approximately 20 burials. Beneath the church’s former floor, signs of another burial pit were revealed, its secrets still awaiting discovery.
Aerial view of the medieval church. Photo by Archaeological Office Anzenberger & Leicht GbR
“In the early Middle Ages, burials within a church were rare and typically reserved for individuals of high status,” explains Dr. Jochen Haberstroh, Deputy Head of the Department of Archaeological Heritage at the Bavarian State Office for Monument Protection (BLfD). “The discovery of this settlement enhances our understanding of the region’s history during the founding of Munich.”
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In recent years, increased construction in the Munich gravel plain has led to the discovery of several early medieval settlements, but this find stands out due to its remarkable completeness. Once archaeological work is complete, the site will make way for a new building, set to house over 200 employees of the BfS at the Neuherberg location.
Skeleton in a grave pit. Photo by Archaeological Office Anzenberger & Leicht GbR
“The excavations and their exciting findings demonstrate that this area north of Munich was attractive even in earlier times, with much still to explore,” notes Inge Paulini, President of the BfS. “We are thrilled that our new building has contributed to bringing this important piece of history to light.”
The reasons behind the abandonment of the Neuherberg settlement around the year 1300 remain a mystery. Scientists are now employing advanced methods to analyze soil samples and study the burials to uncover the reasons for its desertion. Although the archaeological work is just beginning, it is already evident that this discovery will significantly influence our understanding of medieval history in the Munich region.
Traces in the gravel show where houses once stood. Photo by Archäologisches Büro Anzenberger & Leicht GbR
Top Image: The floor plan of a church in the gravel. Photo by Archäologisches Büro Anzenberger & Leicht GbR
In a remarkable discovery, archaeologists in southern Germany have unearthed the remnants of a forgotten medieval settlement during routine excavation work. Dating to between the 9th to the 13th century, the site includes the remains of a church.
While preparing the grounds for new construction at the Federal Office for Radiation Protection (BfS) in Oberschleißheim, a suburn of Munich, archaeologists stumbled upon the remains of a settlement, which also includes the foundations of homes, ovens, pit houses, and earth cellars.
The discovery is particularly noteworthy given that there were initially no clear indicators of a settlement or church at the site. However, after thorough research of historical maps and documents, experts believe they may have identified the location’s name: Wagrain. At the heart of the settlement, archaeologists uncovered the foundation of a church with a recessed apse. Surrounding the church, they found approximately 20 burials. Beneath the church’s former floor, signs of another burial pit were revealed, its secrets still awaiting discovery.
“In the early Middle Ages, burials within a church were rare and typically reserved for individuals of high status,” explains Dr. Jochen Haberstroh, Deputy Head of the Department of Archaeological Heritage at the Bavarian State Office for Monument Protection (BLfD). “The discovery of this settlement enhances our understanding of the region’s history during the founding of Munich.”
In recent years, increased construction in the Munich gravel plain has led to the discovery of several early medieval settlements, but this find stands out due to its remarkable completeness. Once archaeological work is complete, the site will make way for a new building, set to house over 200 employees of the BfS at the Neuherberg location.
“The excavations and their exciting findings demonstrate that this area north of Munich was attractive even in earlier times, with much still to explore,” notes Inge Paulini, President of the BfS. “We are thrilled that our new building has contributed to bringing this important piece of history to light.”
The reasons behind the abandonment of the Neuherberg settlement around the year 1300 remain a mystery. Scientists are now employing advanced methods to analyze soil samples and study the burials to uncover the reasons for its desertion. Although the archaeological work is just beginning, it is already evident that this discovery will significantly influence our understanding of medieval history in the Munich region.
Top Image: The floor plan of a church in the gravel. Photo by Archäologisches Büro Anzenberger & Leicht GbR
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