Archaeologists have uncovered evidence of a significant Bronze Age settlement during excavations in Wolmirstedt, Saxony-Anhalt, Germany. The work, led by the State Office for Monument Preservation and Archaeology (LDA), began in June 2025 in coordination with local authorities ahead of the construction of a new sports stadium on the town’s western edge.
The excavation spans approximately 21,000 square meters (226,000 square feet) and is being carried out in conjunction with site leveling for the facility. Early results indicate that the area was inhabited approximately 3,000 years ago, during the late Bronze Age.
Researchers link its importance to its position along the Ohre River, close to its historic junction with the Elbe.
Settlement reflects cultural crossroads
Finds suggest that the settlement stood at the intersection of two major cultural groups of the era—the Nordic Bronze Age Circle and the Lusatian culture. Influences from both are evident in local subgroups, including the Elbe-Havel and Saale estuary communities, which shaped the material culture uncovered at the site.
Hundreds of features and artefacts recorded
On the northern edge of the Ohre lowlands, archaeologists have documented 322 features and recovered more than 1,000 artefacts from a 5,000‑square‑meter (53,800 square feet) section examined so far. Most features include settlement and refuse pits, as well as round storage pits originally lined with wickerwork, which were later reused as waste deposits.
Three kiln pits have also been identified. Two retain impressions of round logs in fired clay fragments, providing rare insight into kiln construction. The third kiln contained an unusual find—the shell of a European pond turtle lying beside ceramic shards.
Laboratory tests will determine whether the animal was consumed. Larger pits in the area appear to have been used for clay extraction.
Evidence of buildings and textile production
Postholes reveal several building layouts, including a larger two‑aisle residential structure measuring about four by six meters (13 by 20 feet) and smaller storage buildings roughly two by three meters (6.5 by 10 feet).
A sunken structure identified as a weaving house contained pyramid‑shaped loom weights, suggesting the use of a vertical loom that produced fabric strips around 60 centimeters (24 inches) wide.
Pottery dominates the artifacts, with rough‑walled storage and cooking pots typical of the period alongside decorated jugs and cups. Smaller finds include bronze rings and awls made of bronze and bone. Animal remains, primarily those of cattle, pigs, sheep, or goats, reveal dietary practices.
Rare human burial found within settlement
The most striking discovery is a human skeleton buried within the settlement, an uncommon practice for the late Bronze Age. The remains belong to a robust adult male about 1.7 meters (5 feet 7 inches) tall.
The body was found in a crouched position with the head turned. No trauma or nutritional deficiencies were detected, but the purpose of the burial remains unclear.
Excavations continue ahead of the stadium project
The LDA team will continue excavations through mid‑October 2025. Findings will inform future studies of the site’s cultural history. The archaeological work precedes the construction of a €10.5 million (USD 12.3 million) sports complex, Wolmirstedt’s largest municipal investment since 1990.
Completion is scheduled for August 2027, with an official opening in September that year.
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