Construction work uncovered a unique Slavic burial in Brandenburg

A construction work in Brandenburg an der Havel, Germany, uncovers a medieval Slavic burial ground that demonstrates different characteristics than other burial grounds in the area.

One of the three children's graves. C: Untere Denkmalschutzbehörde der Stadt Brandenburg an der Havel

During construction work on Krakauer Straße in Brandenburg an der Havel, Germany, a medieval Slavic burial ground with at least 18 deceased people, including children and adults, was found. The burial ground is thought to be a thousand years old.

All of the burials contain grave goods, some very valuable. The existence of such goods makes the newly discovered burial ground differ from other Slavic cemeteries uncovered in Brandenburg an der Havel.
There were remains of bead necklaces in the three children's graves. Two of the necklaces consisted of two-millimetre beads of yellow glass or fish vertebrae. In grave 14, a necklace of 15 glass and 25 fish vertebrae beads was also found. Archaeologists also found a small bronze bead, which could be used as a pendant.
The newly uncovered burial ground is laid out almost evenly in rows, which also makes it different from other Slavic burial grounds in the area. Also, archaeologists wonder why all 18 burial pits feature different wooden fixtures. Almost all variations of wooden fixtures are evident in the ground, from simple pits to burials with sideboards.

The site in Brandenburg an der Havel has been under special observation by the Lower Monument Protection Authority. In 1995, a medieval slipway was uncovered only 50 metres from the burial ground.

M. Enes Gençtük - arkeolojikhaber